An Expanded Guide to K-Pop: Exploring Beyond BTS and EXO

Discovering the Rich Landscape of K-Pop: Beyond BTS and EXO

Are you a fan of K-Pop, particularly groups such as BTS, NCT, EXO, GFRIEND, and Red Velvet? Great! But have you ever wanted to delve into a broader array of K-Pop music? This guide is here to help you expand your K-Pop library with a variety of recommendations from classic to modern favorites.

Exploring Twice

If you are in the mood for some classic K-Pop, Twice offers a selection of songs that are sure to bring you back to a nostalgic place. Here are a few of their older tracks:

“Feel Special” - This song, released in 2016, is a great way to start your Twice journey. “Yes or Yes” - A upbeat and catchy tune that was a hit in 2018. “What is Love” - Another fan favorite that you won't want to miss. “Fancy” - A remastered version of their hit single that took off in the early 2010s.

For a more recent twist, you can check out the following songs:

“Hare Hare Go Hard” - Featuring a unique blend of hip-hop and pop, this 2021 track epitomizes Twice's evolving sound. “Alcohol Free” - A 2022 song that showcases Twice's ability to produce smooth, melodic ballads. “Set Me Free” - A 2023 EP that includes lots of introspective and emotional tracks. “Fancy” - The original, which still holds up remarkably well today.

Itzy: New Vibes on the Horizon

For older songs from Itzy, isn't it time to revisit? Here are some of their tracks that are both fan favorites and nostalgic:

“Boys Like You” - Released in 2019, this up-tempo dance track has it all. “Sneakers” - Another hit from 2019, which combined rock elements with vibrant lyrics. “Loco” - Being released in 2019, this groove-orientated song is still loved by the fans. “Dalla Dalla” - A fun and energetic single that captured the hearts of many in 2021.

Now, for something more contemporary, here are some newer additions to listen to:

“Bet on Me” - Made a bet that you’d love this one, I bet you will. “Bratty” - An energetic track that is a must-listen for any Itzy fan. “None of My Business” - A great pick for anyone who loves Itzy's RB and ballad sounds. “Cake” - A delightful, catchy tune that has taken the K-Pop world by storm.

NMIXX: From Classic to Recent

With NMIXX, the journey of exploration is not over. For older songs, here are a few gems:

“Dice” - An effervescent track with a pop beat that has been a favorite. “O.O” - A dark and moody song released in 2022 that is heavier in both sound and theme. “Tank” - A heart-wrenching ballad that really touches the soul. “Love me like This” - A ballad about the true meaning of love that was released in 2023.

For more recent releases, check out the following:

“Kiss Roller Coaster” - A feel-good track that brings an upbeat and fun vibe to your life. “PAXXWORD” - Released as part of a love-themed EP, this song deals with the complexities of relationships. “Party O’clock” - Another great hit that captures the essence of NMIXX's musical style. “Future Perfect” - A little older but still holds a special place in the hearts of NMIXX fans.

Stray Kids: A Diverse Sound

Let's dive into Stray Kids, a group with a diverse sound. For older tracks, these are some of their hits:

“Hellevator” - A fun and energetic track that was a fan favorite sometimes in 2020. “Lonely” - Exploring the essence of loneliness, this song was a breakthrough for Stray Kids in 2019. “My Pace” - Released in 2020, it deals with the struggles of finding one's own way. “Miroh” - A heart-wrenching ballad that captures the essence of love and loss.

For newer tracks, here are some more recent hits:

“Hall of Fame” - Making its way to the top charts with its catchy melody and introspective lyrics. “Item” - A track that delves into the complexities of relationships with a twist of bittersweetness. “Top Line” - A track that showcases Stray Kids' evolving musical style. “S-Class” - A standout track that combines pop and RB elements.

Enhyphen: A Deeper Look at Their Sound

Enhyphen, with their unique style, provides a deep dive into their catalog. For older songs, here are a few hits:

“Given-Taken” - Releasing in 2019, this song charts a mysterious and intriguing plot. “Drunk-Dazed” - A moody and nostalgic ballad that was received with much praise in 2019. “Future Perfect” - While older, it started to establish Enhyphen's sound. “Pass the Mic” - A hit song that brought their energetic style into the spotlight.

For more recent tracks, check out the following:

“Sacrifice [Eat Me Up]” - Releasing in 2021, it brings an edgy and rebellious vibe. “Bite Me” - Unveiling another side of their playful style. “Criminal Love” - An emotional ballad that speaks to the complex nature of love. “Polaroid Love” - A track that showcases their ability to deliver a nostalgic and intimate sound.

txt: Embracing the Sentimental Journey

Last but not least, let's talk about txt. This group, known for their emotional ballads, offers a deep emotional journey through their music:

“Blue Hour” - A poetic track that captures the quiet moments of the day. “Tinnitus” - A reflective piece that deals with the reverberating sounds of the mind. “LoerLover” - Navigating the complexities of love and longing. “Catdog” - A quirky and charming track that brings smiles to your face.

For newer tracks, you can listen to the following:

“Good Boy Gone Bad” - A more lively and energetic tune. “Sugar Rush” - A dance track that will get you moving. “Ride” - A catchy beat that will leave you humming. “Can’t You See Me” - Another emotional ballad that deals with self-exploration.

A Special Playlist of My Favorites

Here is a collection of my personal favorite songs from the K-Pop landscape, spanning from classics to modern hits:

NFlying Moonshot - Onewe Rain to Be - Lucy Thats Right - Seori Hynn Bad Love - Dosii Lovememore - Kwon Jinah I Got Lucky - Bigmama Colde Wa-r-r - Younha Winter Flower - Younha Last Dance - D.o. Im Gonna Love You - NMIXX Dice - Seventeen Hit - Somi The Way - Twice Signal - T-ara What's Wrong - GFRIEND Sunrise - BTS I Need You - SISTAR Lonely - IVE Kitsch - StayC Beautiful Monster - aespa ICU

Each of these songs has its unique quality and is worth listening to. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Final Thoughts

The K-Pop scene is filled with a plethora of genres, styles, and emotions. Whether you are a seasoned fan or just starting to explore, the world of K-Pop offers something for everyone. So, go ahead and dive into the vast ocean of K-Pop music. Expand your ears and heart with a diverse selection of K-Pop hits. Enjoy discovering the incredible journey each group offers, and who knows, you might find your new favorite K-Pop artist or song along the way!