It’s been a rollercoaster ride for K-pop girl groups in 2024. While there were many who hit new, well-deserved highs in their careers – including aespa going ‘Supernova’ on us and KISS OF LIFE’s ‘Sticky’ sweet summer anthem – there’s also been a slew of disbandments (cignature and Cherry Bullet), controversies (NewJeans and MADEIN) and label changes (fromis_9 and Loossemble) that have shocked casual and loyal listeners alike.
Yet, the one undeniable fact of 2024 is that the ladies were the talk of the town for a third year running, ruling both radio waves and headlines – as well as this end-of-year list. (Sorry, boys.) From ILLIT’s inescapable, galvanising debut to Red Velvet‘s ride through the solar system, here are the songs that made 2024 a fantastic year for K-pop.
Puah Ziwei, Associate Commissioning Editor (Music)
Words by: Daniel Anderson, Tássia Assis, Crystal Bell, Mika Chen, Carmen Chin, Rhian Daly, Sara Delgado, Tamar Herman, Ivana E. Morales, Tanu I. Raj, Abby Webster, George Yang and Gladys Yeo
