As part of our Annual Report, we’ve put together the 2023 K-Pop Yearbook with accolades for our favorite idols. See what else we celebrated in music, film, and TV across the year by checking out our full report here.
Well, class, another great year has come to an end.
2023 was filled with so many special moments: we asked for ETAs, we slow danced, we got lost in the lights — and my God, did we sit back and relax, man, before making it bouncy. From promising new talent like KISS OF LIFE and ZEROBASEONE making a splash to established favorites like SEVENTEEN continuing to climb, these (metaphorical, internet-based) halls echoed with so much joy over the past 12 months. The engaging albums, eye-catching music videos, sharp choreography, and fun team dynamics that have become hallmarks of K-pop were on full display.
For that reason, I wanted to do something a little different from past roundups to celebrate this year’s impressive crop. Whereas the last few annual reports have featured lists highlighting 10 K-pop acts that dominated their respective years, it just felt too limiting in a time as stacked as this. So instead, I rounded up 10 tracks and 10 acts for a superlative-style look at 2023, and even had the chance to connect with most of the artists here to get their thoughts.
So without further ado, please enjoy the 2023 K-Pop Yearbook.
(Editor’s Note: You can also check out the exclusive TOMORROW X TOGETHER Consequence cover story box set available on the Consequence Shop, now 25% off!)
Innovators of the Year
aespa
aespa, photo courtesy of SM Entertainment
While the metaverse and AI have been hot topics for a few years now, it still feels like aespa were always on the cutting edge. The group has embraced elements of futurism in everything from their aesthetics to their sound from day one, and they’ve established a distinct audiovisual style that helps them stand out from a crowd of very talented acts. While plenty of groups have experimented with AI, aespa took the concept far enough to create a metaverse character, known as Naevis, to bring it all home — she’s even featured on some of there songs. Hyperpop isn’t easy to pull off, but it’s become this group’s bread and butter.
“We believe that being ‘innovators’ means fearlessly embracing new things and constantly challenging ourselves,” the band shares over email. “We always strive to showcase our growth and new sides to the audience. It is gratifying to see that those who watch us grow also appreciate our efforts.”
Below, enjoy some New Year’s wishes from the members.
GISELLE: I hope 2024 is a year where you do and achieve everything you want. Love yourself!
NINGNING: Thank you MYs for always being with us. I hope you all stay healthy and happy in 2024!
KARINA: First of all, thank you for being with us in 2023 and also for 2024. I hope we can meet more often in 2024. Let’s make a happy and healthy 2024! Happy New Year with aespa!
WINTER: MYs! It’s already become our fourth year together. Thank you so much for being with us in these precious four years. If I could become that kind of presence to MYs, I believe I would have spent a successful year again this year! There will be many things happening in 2024, but let’s laugh a lot and spend a year that concludes with love when we look back on it! I love you!
Listen via Apple Music
Most Replay Value
ATEEZ — “BOUNCY”
ATEEZ, photo courtesy of KQ Entertainment
“BOUNCY” was a huge hit for ATEEZ, and it’s easy to see why. Not only is this song an absolute bop, but the music video more than delivers on ATEEZ’s ability to captivate the viewer with everything from visuals to choreography. “I think the fun concept played a big part, and people seemed to really like the addictive melody,” SAN tells Consequence. “It seems like many people took interest in “BOUNCY” because the lyrics are very catchy and the choreography is pretty easy to learn,” confirms MINGI.
Promotions for the song were wide-ranging, too. “After the album was released, we had the opportunity to do the dance challenge with ATINY in so many different places,” recalls HONGJOONG. “The fact that we were able to do the same dance and sing together made me so happy.” WOOYOUNG also remembers that promotional period fondly. “One of the most interesting highlights of the promotion that really lives on in my memory is the truck carrying cheongyang peppers going around Seoul!” he says.
Anyone who has been following ATEEZ know that their momentum has stayed high. Coming off the release of THE WORLD EP.FIN : WILL, their first No. 1 album, the members are gearing up for even more fun in 2024. “We received so many wonderful gifts from ATINY in 2023, and we only want to work harder to give ATINY great music, amazing performances, and even more love in the future,” says SEONGHWA. “In 2024, I hope we can make more precious memories together.”
The same sentiment is echoed by his bandmates. JONGHO promises, “We’ll do our best to be singers that will make it a joyful 2024 for you, so we hope you can be together with us next year too.” YUNHO adds,”I hope 2024 can be another year that ATINY will always be smiling and happy as they watch over us,”
YEOSANG’s wish for the new year is all about the fans, too. “I hope that everything goes well for ATINY in 2024 too,” he says. “ATEEZ will always work hard to run alongside ATINY no matter what, so I hope we can continue to stay together even in 2024.”
Listen via Apple Music
Biggest Energy Boost
BSS — “Fighting” feat. Lee Young Ji
BSS, photo courtesy of PLEDIS Entertainment
It’s not an exaggeration to say that one play of this song makes the listener feel like they could run a marathon; repeat plays could probably convince someone (me) to run through a brick wall. Take three of SEVENTEEN’s most energetic members and toss them into a unit for a long-awaited comeback and you’ve got a recipe for success, and also utter chaos — DK, Hoshi, and Seungkwan have been sprinting alongside the beat of this song up until the very end, staging some unreal live versions of the track at end of year award shows in recent weeks. “Fighting” left its mark on 2023 as the truly unbeatable energy boost we all desperately needed.
Listen via Apple Music
Serotonin Central
CRAVITY– “Groovy”
CRAVITY, photo courtesy of Starship Entertainment
Do you enjoy smiling, and perhaps also having fun? This joyful offering from CRAVITY is one of their brightest offerings yet and could be the perfect serotonin boost. “This year we were booked and busy, and we’re super grateful to be able to prepare so much content, music, and performances for our fans, LUVITY,” the band tells Consequence over email. “No matter how busy we can be, we always look towards each other as well as our LUVITY to keep our spirits high and stay happy all of the time.”
Listen via Apple Music
Risk-Takers of the Year
ENHYPEN
ENHYPEN, photo courtesy of BELIFT Lab
From the beginning, the members of ENHYPEN have been fearless — the rigorous process of being formed through a reality-style competition proved that much. Now a few years into their career, the seven bandmates continue to break new ground, and this year saw them take some risks, especially their single “Bite Me,” an edgier and more playfully dark take on some of the vampire imagery they’ve utilized before.
“I think we’re slowly figuring out what makes ENHYPEN unique,” says JAY. “Though we recently marked our three-year journey as a group, exploring new musical styles helps us to keep discovering our team’s strengths and build upon them.”
While “Bite Me” pushed the guys into different territory from previous singles, they also didn’t shy away from trying a more throwback sound with “Sweet Venom.” “I really like that we’re trying out different sounds instead of sticking to a single genre,” says NI-KI. “It’s a really fun and cool experience.” SUNGHOON says he spent a lot of time this year imagining their next steps as a team. “I deeply contemplated the direction in which ENHYPEN should move forward, and I feel I now have a solid grasp at it,” he shares.
With another tour under their belts, 2023 offered plenty of new learning opportunities for the group, too. “ENGENEs’ cheers and voices were so loud that it felt like being surrounded by a sea of dolphins!” jokes HEESEUNG. “In 2023, I realized that I was stronger than I thought, because I would go for a walk in the cold while gazing at the night sky and still not catch a cold,” shares band leader JUNGWON.
“I wish nothing but happiness for ENGENEs in 2024, and I look forward to creating many more wonderful memories together,” says JAKE as the group looks ahead to 2024. “I wish you all good health and the ability to pursue your goals and dreams,” says SUNOO. “Here’s to starting the new year joyfully with ENHYPEN!”
Listen via Apple Music
Biggest Swing
IVE — “Baddie”
IVE, photo courtesy of Starship Entertainment
IVE built an audience with some major smashes right out the gate. The group debuted in 2021, garnering attention through tracks like “Eleven” and “Love Dive.” This year, they stepped way outside of their comfort zones with a particularly hip-hop forward track, “Baddie” — and the swing paid off.
“We’ve done so many exciting things during 2023, from releasing our new album and EP to kicking off our world tour,” the band recalls. “‘Baddie,’ from our newest EP, was a new style for us, and it was fun to show something different to our fans. ‘Baddie’ has a really addictive hook and powerful rap that shows a bolder and cooler side of us. We love performing it and we’re grateful that you all love it too!”
The era of sharing the song with fans (known as DIVEs) is a particularly happy memory for the girls. “Promoting the song was really fun because we had to be extra confident and bold while performing this song, especially with the choreography,” they recall. “We had fun meeting our fans during all our music shows and doing dance challenges there, too.”
Listen via Apple Music
Biggest Bop
JEON SOMI — “Fast Forward”
JEON SOMI, photo courtesy of The Black Label
I quite honestly dare you to find a chorus more addictive than this one here in 2023. JEON SOMI absolutely knocked it out of the park with “Fast Forward,” and she reflects on the time working on the song fondly while chatting with Consequence over email. “The whole process of recording and creating ‘Fast Forward’ was magical,” she says. “It was one of the fastest songs I’ve ever recorded.
JEON SOMI is involved with every aspect of her music and performances. “I had a clear vision on how ‘Fast Forward’ should be presented, from wardrobe to dancers,” she explains. “After putting my energy, vision and a part of my soul into it, I was completely confident and ready to showcase it. And as for promoting the song, since I’d worked my ass off, I just had fun with it. I was very sure that ‘Fast Forward’ was special and definitely something different.”
The Black Label soloist has plenty to celebrate when it comes to 2023 accomplishments. “I have my top two favorite memories,” she shares. “Number one is when I released my EP, GAME PLAN. Number two would be my performance at the MAMA Awards. I guess I’m still living in my album drop moment. ‘Fast Forward’ seems to be sticking with me for quite a while. Me and my crew, we take our time for new releases. Music that I release has to feel like me — real and authentic.”
Listen via Apple Music
Smash of the Year
Jimin — “Like Crazy”
Jimin, photo courtesy of BIGHIT MUSIC
With “Like Crazy,” BTS’ Jimin became the first South Korean solo artist to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. As part of his solo album, FACE, Jimin embraced his distinct strengths as a performer on “Like Crazy,” especially embracing the chance to highlight his unique range and abilities as a dancer. When the song hit No. 1, it de-throned Miley Cyrus’ long-running hit, “Flowers,” and landed above offerings from SZA, Taylor Swift, and Selena Gomez.
But chart success isn’t the only detail here; the song itself is just really great. When speaking with Consequence ahead of the release of FACE, Jimin shared, “This album talks about how I look back on myself and how I overcame… If people understand the emotions I’m trying to express, I’ll consider the album a success.” A solo Billboard No. 1 is just icing on the cake.
Listen via Apple Music
Boundary Breaker of the Year
Jung Kook
Jung Kook, photo courtesy of BIGHIT MUSIC
There’s just no denying Jung Kook’s worldwide reach. The BTS member reached new personal heights with the release of his solo album, GOLDEN, and embraced a more global promotional cycle with appearances on Good Morning America and The Tonight Show, a headlining slot at the 2023 Global Citizen Festival, and a surprise pop-up performance in Times Square that drew hundreds on a sheer rumor (and amassed nearly 300,000 viewers on the livestream).
His all-English album introduced his powerful performance style and the aesthetic excellence of K-pop to new audiences, and collaborations with icons like Usher only expanded his footprint throughout 2023. BTS have spent over a decade breaking boundaries as a team, and Jung Kook embraced the opportunity to carry that torch in his own way through his solo album cycle, too.
Listen via Apple Music
Best Debut Song
KISS OF LIFE — “Shhh”
KISS OF LIFE, photo courtesy of S2 Entertainment
KISS OF LIFE have burst onto the scene with the energy of the Cheetah Girls and the best debut song of the year. As mentioned, K-pop in 2023 was a wealth of riches, but “Shhh” absolutely rose to the top when it came to music from to new kids on the block. This four-piece group is housed under S2 Entertainment, one of the smaller agencies in South Korea, but Julie Han, Natty, Belle, and Haneul are more than making their mark. Their official debut track is stacked with lush harmonies, Ariana Grande-esque belting, and a killer chorus.
If “Shhh” inspires you to explore their budding discography further, check out the solo tracks from each of the members that introduced listeners to their individual styles.
Listen via Apple Music
