Keeping up with K-Pop: DJ, put the K-Pop hits of 2022 back on

As Elmhurst University’s local K-Pop stan, it is needless to say that the fruits of this year’s music have been plentiful.

It seems as if every week a new girl group comes up on the scene and makes history. These stellar new hits prove Y2K is back and better than ever, slotting in seamlessly alongside the other bodies of work.

Girl groups dominated this year, period. Finally, the spotlight has shined on these hard-working women; if you think of a hit from this year, I can guarantee you that it was from a girl group. 

2022 has not officially ended, and there is still more music to come. While it’s upsetting that I will not be able to cover Red Velvet, Itzy, BoA, and more in my column, now is the time to reminisce. 

As challenging as it is to rank the top five most memorable K-Pop songs, here is my list to wrap up 2022.

“In My Dreams” — Red Velvet 

Released in late March, “The ReVe Festival 2022 – Feel My Rhythm” has stood the test of time, and it is the most memorable mini-album from the year. 

Taking classical music, and giving it a K-Pop twist, was a breath of fresh air. Each song was exciting, and not one single song on this album falters from pure excellence. 

“In My Dreams” is the song of the album. The deep meaning of only finding love in your dreams, and creating a fantasy world with someone, really hits home for me. It seems as if whenever I am sad, I can put this song on, and be transported to a new reality. 

I cry to this song frequently. Even after all of this year’s releases, there is something prevalent about the mini album that makes me always come back. It was a refresh for K-Pop and started the year off on a good foot.

“Glitch” — KWON EUN BI 

I have introduced so many people to K-Pop with this song, and every single time, they say they never knew that K-Pop was this good. 

KWON EUN BI had one chance to make it big after her first single “Door” slammed in her face, and she came back with a vengeance with “Glitch.”

This song has been a hidden gem for me that I continue to try to share with as many people as I can. It is hyper-pop at its finest and blends genres seamlessly.

What was achieved here needs to be studied by Harvard University. The slay was too fierce, and if you get it, you get it and if you don’t, I’m sorry.

“Flip That” — LOONA

It’s not that “Flip That” was the most groundbreaking song to hit the scene, but it truly was the song of my summer. Every time this song plays, I am instantly reminded of brightness and joy. 

It’s different from LOONA’s distinct sound, which is why it stands out. Most times, LOONA is associated with a more girl-crush sound, and this ethereal song was very welcomed, especially after their appearance on “QUEENDOM 2.”

Hopefully, after the success of this song LOONA will become more mainstream and finally get the recognition that is long deserved for my favorite moon girls.

Also, I just want to brag that I got to see LOONA live; while the concert was not the most pleasant, I still was in the presence of Vivi, and that was a highlight of 2022 for me. 

“Hype Boy” — NewJeans

When NewJeans hit the scene, this is when Y2K was at its peak for K-Pop. Their debut was unexpected, yet needed. 

The beginning of the song sounds like a YouTube introduction, but what follows is captivating. Honestly, any song from NewJeans is a delight to listen to, but for me, “Hype Boy” takes the cake.

It’s dynamic to listen to, but not overbearing. The build to the chorus really gets you hype, boy. 

The song is too good. If this is the future of K-Pop, I will need to reapply for my stan card because I will need this music to function properly.

“ANTIFRAGILE” — LE SSERAFIM

After their debut single “FEARLESS” dropped, I was fearful for the future of LE SSERAFIM; but “ANTIFRAGILE” exceeded my expectations, and has been on repeat ever since its release last month. 

It is always exciting when K-Pop goes in an unexpected direction, and this song was that. Influence from reggaeton and Latin music truly made this song stand out, as not many artists branch in this direction.

The chorus is an earworm, and I often am doing random parts of the dance out of nowhere due to how this song lives in my head rent-free. While a meteor may have taken LE SSERAFIM out at the end of the music video, I know this group will rise from the ashes into success.