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!
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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.”
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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.
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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.”
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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!”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Favorite Team Dynamic
LE SSERAFIM
LE SSERAFIM, photo courtesy of Source Music
While LE SSERAFIM continue to drop bop after bop, their reach is also growing as people discover and fall in love with their team dynamic. The five members seem to genuinely enjoy each other’s company, and the group offered some insight into how things clicked even further into place this year.
The dynamic between the five of you is so warm and welcoming. What do you think is the key to LE SSERAFIM’s teamwork?
KIM CHAEWON: I don’t think there’s a particular secret. While being around each other all the time, we’ve gotten to know each other’s personalities better. We’ve grown closer by always trying to take that into consideration when spending time together.
SAKURA : All five of us came from very different paths before coming together as LE SSERAFIM, and I think that’s been the key to understanding and appreciating each other. We have such a great team atmosphere, because we appreciate our differences.
HUH YUNJIN: Laughter. Among many factors that play into our relationship, genuinely, I think being able to laugh, make jokes, humiliate ourselves, and become each other’s serotonin plays a big role.
KAZUHA : I think it’s important we spend time with one another. We’re together every day, but I think it’s the casual moments when we just eat or talk that we get to know each other better and grow closer.
HONG EUNCHAE : It’s fate! It works because all five of us are looking in the same direction in terms of what we want to pursue. It’s actually quite surprising how quickly we’ve grown close to each other, and I think the secret here is that we were just meant to be!
What moments in 2023 do you think helped you all grow even closer?
KIM CHAEWON: It might not seem much, but it was always nice to take time to eat and talk together after practice and performances.
SAKURA: We got to go on our first tour! It was a great moment for all of us, exploring different cities and eating together!
HUH YUNJIN: Our first tour and spending our free time overseas together.
KAZUHA: We had our first concert and tour this year, and we got to spend more time together in preparation for it. Then we went to the U.S. for the first time as a group, and I think the time we spent in these new places remain as memories we will cherish.
HONG EUNCHAE: I think performing for our FEARNOT made us closer and feel even more supported by one another.
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Favorite Earworm
NewJeans — “OMG”
NewJeans, photo courtesy of ADOR
NewJeans’ ongoing journey to world domination received a major boost early in 2023 when the group released their first single album on January 2nd. Despite the fact that the new year had barely begun when “OMG” was released, the song had serious legs, and was included in the set list when NewJeans made their Lollapalooza debut in August.
“I think we all share a very fond memory of performing ‘OMG’ in front of people and hearing them sing along really loud,” HANNI tells Consequence on behalf of the band. “It was so surreal, and was also the first thing we mentioned to each other backstage when we finished performing. Seeing people dance to ‘OMG’ and also dress in the song themed outfits was the cherry on top! We were so thankful and happy to see everyone really enjoying and loving the song.”
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Icons of the Year
Red Velvet
Red Velvet, photo courtesy of SM Entertainment
Girl groups absolutely ruled 2022, and queens like Red Velvet continued their reign into 2023. While this vocal-forward group has been beloved for almost a decade, it feels like this year really locked their icon status: Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Joy, and Yeri released their third studio album in November, their first full-length Korean studio release in six years.
It was an incredibly welcome return to form from these girls, especially the album’s title track, which feels reminiscent of their hit “PSYCHO” in its ability to match airy vocals and plucky strings against darker lyrical themes. Red Velvet are singing about murder again? Babes, we are so back.
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All Hits, No Skips
SEVENTEEN
SEVENTEEN, photo courtesy of PLEDIS Entertainment
This thirteen-piece brotherhood debuted in 2015, making it all that more amazing that their collective star is still rising. The band has released so much music over the years, and 2023 featured the addition of two more major projects: FML, their tenth mini-album, and SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN, their eleventh.
Something these new collections proved is that SEVENTEEN, whose musical direction is largely steered by their own songwriter and producer Woozi, still have the range — the earth-shaking energy of “Super” is so different from the bright, festival-inspired atmosphere of “God of Music,” but both still feel texturally, clearly SEVENTEEN. The guys aren’t afraid to get goofy, as the hip-hop unit does on “Monster” or DK does at literally any given opportunity, but they are just as ready to flip into seduction and charm at the drop of a hat — any “I Don’t Understand But I Love U” enthusiasts here?
As they head into 2024, SEVENTEEN should be terribly proud of themselves for running full-speed ahead throughout all of 2023 and not just adding to their discography, but also keeping up the standard of great music they’ve established for themselves while doing so.
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Subunit of the Year
SHOWNU X HYUNGWON
SHOWNU X HYUNGWON, photo courtesy of Starship Entertainment
MONSTA X’s first subunit delivered one of the most delectable EPs of the year — SHOWNU X HYUNGWON absolutely crushed it with THE UNSEEN, a true no-skips listen. All five tracks from the duo offer a slinky, inviting energy, and focus track “Love Me a Little” is a reminder of both members’s excellent dance skills. The sound isn’t too different from the energy that characterizes so much of MONSTA X’s discography, but there’s a unique color to the music spotlighting these two.
“It’s been a long time since I visited overseas, but this year I was able to see global MONBEBE with Hyungwon while doing our unit promotion,” says Shownu. “Personally, it was a comeback after a long time and I felt truly happy to see our fans.”
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Breakout Act of the Year
Stray Kids
Stray Kids, photo courtesy of JYP Entertainment
While they’ve been steadily climbing since their 2018 debut, 2023 was absolutely a breakout year for Stray Kids. Their June release, 5-STAR, locked in 4.93 million pre-orders, making it the most pre-ordered album in K-pop history. The pace at which Stray Kids work is a little dizzying, especially considering that their in-house production team (known as 3RACHA) is their own Bang Chan, Changbin, and HAN. This year, Bang Chan became the third-most credited K-pop idol in the Korean Music Copyright Association when he hit the mark of 180 songs under his belt.
After their debut performance at the VMAs, the eight-member group bagged the trophy for Best K-Pop, and they’ve now cracked the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the first time, too. When speaking to Consequence in November around the release of ROCK-STAR, their second LP of the year, Felix said, “I’m really happy we get to end this year on a positive note.” Knowing Stray Kids, there’s very little chance they’ll be inclined to rest on any laurels, and will instead be hurtling forward into another year of music and performances.
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Best B-Side
TOMORROW X TOGETHER — “Happily Ever After”
TOMORROW X TOGETHER, photo courtesy of BIGHIT MUSIC
TOMORROW X TOGETHER are no strangers to viral social success; “Happily Ever After,” a B-side from the Consequence cover stars’ 2023 album, is another big winner. “I think the up-beat energy of the song made many people interested and led them to participate in the ‘Happily Ever After’ dance challenge,” observes Taehyun.
“I’m thrilled to see the song’s joyful choreography delight both those who dance and watch it,” adds Hueningkai. “I’m grateful for everyone’s support and love for our song. Seeing people enjoy our music and participate in dance challenges is exciting. We hope to present more songs like ‘Happily Ever After’ that unite people!”
It seemed like just about everyone wanted to participate, but the guys have a few standouts. “I enjoyed every dance challenge collaboration, but I was especially excited and honored to do a dance challenge with Korea’s table tennis national athlete, YUBIN SHIN,” recalls Soobin. “I couldn’t believe it when TSUBAKILL, the Japanese dance crew from Street Woman Fighter 2, participated in the ‘Happily Ever After’ dance challenge,” says Beomgyu. “We eventually had the opportunity to collaborate with them when we visited Japan. It’s an unforgettable memory.”
As always, TXT have one eye on the future as we head into 2024, which means the fans are top of mind. “There are so many places that we haven’t visited yet,” notes Yeonjun. “I hope to meet and perform in front of MOA all around the world.”
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