As a retrospective on K-pop in 2024, our K-pop contributors Mads Pae and Ian Storck put together their personal list of favorite comebacks of 2024, including a few special mentions.
"Midas Touch" - KISS OF LIFE
From their popular summer song, “Sticky,” to their first world tour, this newer group has had an explosively successful year. Borrowing from the Greek myth, their first comeback might have gotten overshadowed by the ones that came after it, but it’s no less deserving of attention.
If Britney Spears and the BRATZ dolls could merge, it would be this single. An effortless take on early 2000’s pop-princess sounds, the four members certainly have the confidence and abilities to go far. Crisp production and clean vocals set them up for the upward trajectory they’ve had that will only continue.
"Work" - ATEEZ
With “Work,” ATEEZ has fully embraced the goofiness and has blessed the K-pop community with an all-around hit. Whether you love them for their incredible choreography, fun rapping, or even their crazy outfits, this track has it all. The flute-driven beat does all of the heavy lifting with the low-key instrumental, yet it’s still dynamic enough combined with the different rap verses and chorus.
The music video is truly worth the watch, as with most ATEEZ comebacks, but what other K-pop video will you see cowboys riding ostriches, fighting kaiju, or breaking out of giant eggs? Serious ATEEZ tracks are still truly a spectacle, but this combines some of their best talents and features into one creative and enjoyable song.
"Deja Vu" - TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT)
What is unique to this 4th-gen group is their commitment to an interconnected discography. Every release adds to an ongoing storyline centered around youth. Longtime fans of K-pop will find the angst they might be missing, which used to saturate the genre, here in this title track.
A unique blend of trap beats and melancholia, the quintet once again leans into their strength of delivering strong emotions and heartfelt sentiments through their vocals. Powerful instrumentals supplement the lyrical longing to make for a hallmark chapter in their career.
"Colors" - Solar
With all of Mamamoo’s members focusing on solo projects in 2024, their leader Solar made a splash back onto the scene, mixing voguing to the world of K-pop. This is an unconventional, yet catchy, track that would be perfect for a late-night dance club or drag routine
With few groups trying new sounds and styles within the K-pop sphere, the uniqueness of this track secures its place on my list. Kudos to Solar for trying this and pushing things farther than others have before.
"Cosmic" - Red Velvet
Sparkly and slightly eerie, this song perfectly captures the Red Velvet trademark. Elements of disco shift to something ethereal as their layered vocals provide the path for celestial ascension.
Yearning for an everlasting love, the production delivers with a strong bassline in the verses, lush strings in the chorus, and a simple yet killer bridge that surely sweeps listeners off their feet. The girls do not disappoint as they celebrate their 10th anniversary this year, reminding everyone they are living legends still capable of putting out instant classics.
"Justice" - Dreamcatcher
When it comes to fusing rock and K-pop, there’s no better girl group than Dreamcatcher. Their 10th mini album Virtuous brought along the title track “Justice,” an epic of stomping verses and powerful belting choruses. The album itself had many moments pushing the K-pop/rock genre even further, with some tracks feeling similar to something Imagine Dragons would produce.
With an almost “radio rock” style coming forth in the past few comebacks, right now might be the most accessible time to check out Dreamcatcher and expand musical horizons for both the K-pop and rock/metal communities.
"Strategy " (feat. Megan Thee Stallion) - TWICE
After a whirlwind year of stadium shows and scoring their first Number One on the Billboard 200, the iconic girl group has managed to squeeze in one more release to end 2024 on a high note.
A mix of model K-pop sounds, electronica R&B, and bubblegum pop, they bring the charm while Megan Thee Stallion brings the heat to keep everyone warm this winter. Well-used tropes are revived with new energy and edge thanks to the chemistry across the 10 women’s voices. It’s signature TWICE without feeling like something they’ve done before.
"Supernova" - Aespa
With multiple 2024 comebacks, Aespa continues to be at the top of their game, continually proving themselves as a premier K-pop girl group. No stranger to experimental sounds, “Supernova” blends several different sounds nicely, including verses of club beats and choruses the closest thing to synthwave in K-pop yet.
Not as far out as previous comebacks like “Savage,” the transitions between extremely different sections of the song are smoother than ever, and each member really gets a chance to shine, though some of the superhero-inspired visuals of the music video might be a bit wacky to some.
Special Mention: "I'm Ready" - CHUNG HA
After some time away from the industry, this b-side opener is a homecoming as much as it is a showcase that CHUNG HA hasn’t missed a beat. Fans who waited for her return are rewarded with anthemic, fierce declarations of determination paired with an unrelenting pace.
It’s clear that while she may have taken a break, that’s all it ever was. Supported by a deep house sound, she’s letting the world know she’s here to stay, and there’s nothing and no one who can put out her fire.
Special Mention: “Wife” - (G)I-DLE
It might be a bold statement, but (G)I-DLE’s “Wife” may have stolen the spotlight for their fans from their 2024 comeback track, “Super Lady.” The seemingly silly lyricism is actually chock full of euphemisms and double meanings, and fits just right into the library of female empowered tracks courtesy of (G)I-DLE’s leader and main composer, Soyeon.
The visuals of the Performance Video spawned an almost cult-like turnout of oversized white shirts and teal wigs at (G)I-DLE’s 2024 World Tour, which even featured a full stage presentation in said outfits, including a giant on-stage wig prop.