The Top 100 Korean Songs of 2016

40 BLACKPINK – “휘파람 (Whistle)”

Release Date: 8/8/16
Genre: Dance
Listen | MV

BLACKPINK’s standout moment of the year came in the form of “Whistle,” the most sophisticated and edgiest girl group single to enter the fray. From Jennie’s crisp raps to Rose’s unique vocals, this group’s spunkiness is refreshing to hear at a time when frillier songs are taking the reigns of K-Pop.

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39 John Park – “Higher”

Release Date: 7/15/16
Genre: Ballad
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Dreamy, airy, and downright pretty, “Higher” by John Park is the cathartic pop ballad that many of us have been waiting for since the talented singer first made a statement with his memorable debut single, “Falling.” Consider “Higher” that song’s hotter older sibling.

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38 Sugardonut – “Imagine, Close Your Eyes”

Release Date: 4/22/16
Genre: Rock
MV

Sugardonut committed to releasing a single each month this year, and while most of those were solid efforts, “Imagine, Close Your Eyes” was by far the most memorable. The song’s energetic arrangement creates a marvelous world of sound that captivates me every time.

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37 B1A4 – “거짓말이야 (A Lie)”

Release Date: 11/28/16
Genre: Dance, Ballad
Listen | MV

Thematically, B1A4 never stray too far from their easy-going, major-key sound. And why would they when they do it so well. “A Lie” soars unlike any of their previous singles, creating an immersive soundscape filled with warm tones and dreamy melodies.

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36 Urban Zakapa – “널 사랑하지 않아 (I Don’t Love You)”

Release Date: 5/27/16
Genre: Ballad
Listen | MV

If there is going to be emotional damage from a ballad, expect Urban Zakapa to take full responsibility. From this group’s powerful delivery to the song’s overwhelming build up, Urban Zakapa invites you to ugly-cry as they spill their heart out in this passionate number.

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35 SEVENTEEN – “아주 NICE”

Release Date: 7/4/16
Genre: Dance
Listen | MV

SEVENTEEN bring an unmatched level of energy to K-Pop. Their united sound is both campy and incredibly infectious and the group nail both elements perfectly in “아주 NICE.” The song remains cheeky during the verses while catapulting itself through an onslaught of brass in the chorus to blow your socks off.

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34 J-Min – “Ready For Your Love”

Release Date: 8/9/16
Genre: R&B/Soul
Listen | MV

J-Min’s “Ready For Your Love” is a sublime four minutes thanks to its choice of chords and melisma-filled singing. It’s a tense and suspenseful moment in music layered with spacious synths that pull you into J-Min’s trance and never quite let go.

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33 I.O.I – “Whatta Man (Good Man)”

Release Date: 8/9/16
Genre: Dance
Listen | MV

While I.O.I doesn’t possess nearly enough fire to hold a candle to the source material of “Whatta Man,” the group still dug deep to offer one of this year’s showstopping performances. Each second that ticks by is met in earnest by a group that carries themselves with dignity with every belt and rap verse in this tremendous K-Pop anthem.

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32 ZICO – “BERMUDA TRIANGLE (Feat. Crush, DEAN)”

Release Date: 11/28/16
Genre: Rap/Hip-Hop
MV

“Bermuda Triangle” is a dramatic urban single that fills in the gaps of its hollow composition with crisp verses, smooth vocals, and trademark timbres courtesy of some of 2016’s heavy hitters. The song takes a second to pull you in, but once it does there’s no turning back.

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31 Taeyeon – “Why”

Release Date: 6/28/16
Genre: Dance
Listen | MV

“Why” broadened Taeyeon’s identity as a soloist this year. The singer built on the foundation she paved with 2015’s “I” and evolved from it. The song itself carries Taeyeon’s smooth vocals through a mass of cleanly produced EDM, a genre her company has been openly obsessed with all year, and manages to win big with its sweet hook and bouncy beat, both of which adheres to your brain almost immediately and offer us a glimpse of Taeyeon’s allure as a powerful singer on a dance track.

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