The world’s obsession with K-pop has undoubtedly reached an all-time high in 2019. While Big Hit‘s chart-topping boy band BTS continues its global domination with its Love Yourself: Speak Yourself tour, hitting stadiums in Bangkok, Los Angeles, Chicago, London and Paris among other major cities, YG Entertainment‘s BLACKPINK makes history by becoming the first-ever K-pop girl group to perform at Coachella.
With different acts’ significant breakthroughs stateside and beyond, the K-pop fandom is bound to grow even bigger this year. Get familiar with some of the most popular artists and groups right now, and take a listen to a compilation of the best K-pop songs that released this year.
While you are here, check out five new K-pop singers and groups we have on our radar.
BLACKPINK – "Kill This Love"
Before making its Coachella debut on April 12, four-piece girl group BLACKPINK has released its latest album, entitled Kill This Love. Its title track of the same name shows Jennie, Lisa, Rosé and Jisoo rapping and singing about bidding farewell to a relationship that no longer serves them. Shot against elaborate sets, the music video is captivating and stylish, filled with an abundance of utilitarian-inspired fashion moments, festival-ready beauty looks and in-sync choreography, of course.
Jimin – "Promise"
In January, BTS member Jimin treated the ARMY to his very first solo single, "Promise." Accompanied by acoustic guitar, the track is an easy listen, with the 23-year-old singer musing on love and heartache over a soulful tune. The emotional lyrics are co-written by Jimin and BTS leader, RM, while the song is composted together by Jimin and Slow Rabbit.
TXT – "CROWN"
A new addition to the Big Hit Entertainment family, TXT (short for TOMORROW X TOGETHER) released its first single "CROWN" back in February. As an introduction to the newly-formed boy band, the uplifting song arrives with an equally vibrant visual that employs fun and colorful animations and backdrops. For more from TXT, check out its debut mini album, The Dream Chapter: STAR.
NCT 127 – "Wakey-Wakey"
In March, SM Entertainment’s NCT 127 unveiled its badass music video for "Wakey-Wakey," the lead single of the group’s upcoming studio album Awaken. Notably, the project will mark the 10-piece band’s first-ever full Japanese album. Awaken is slated to release on April 17. In the meantime, read our exclusive interview with NCT 127, where the members discuss their North American debut, personal style and more.
TAEYEON – "Four Seasons"
SM signee and Girls’ Generation member TAEYEON released her new single "Four Seasons" along with a poetic music video in March. In the beautifully-filmed visual, the artist sings about an ill-fated, past relationship and even compares it to a "Shakespeare’s play." Following this release, TAEYEON will be making stops in various cities in Japan for her ~Signal~ tour in April and May.
Epik High (ft. BTS SUGA) – "Eternal Sunshine"
Those who’ve been following K-pop before the genre has even become the global phenomenon that it is today are probably familiar with Epik High. Formerly a group under YG Entertainment, the veteran and now independent hip-hop trio released "Eternal Sunshine" in March, featuring bars delivered by BTS’ SUGA. Epik High is currently on tour and will be performing in North American cities including New York, Boston, San Francisco and Vancouver through May — get your tickets here.
iKON – "I’m OK"
YG boy band iKON kicked off 2019 with a January release titled "I’m OK." As the title track of the group’s first compilation album, The New Kids, the melancholic tune is composed by B.I and producer Future Bounce, while the lyrics are co-written by B.I, Bobby and Kim Jong-won. Announced alongside a cinematic music video, the song depicts the loneliness of getting over a heartbreak.
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