As part of our Annual Report, we’ve put together the 2023 K-Pop Yearbook with accolades for our favorite idols. See what else we celebrated in music, film, and TV across the year by checking out our full report here.
Well, class, another great year has come to an end.
2023 was filled with so many special moments: we asked for ETAs, we slow danced, we got lost in the lights — and my God, did we sit back and relax, man, before making it bouncy. From promising new talent like KISS OF LIFE and ZEROBASEONE making a splash to established favorites like SEVENTEEN continuing to climb, these (metaphorical, internet-based) halls echoed with so much joy over the past 12 months. The engaging albums, eye-catching music videos, sharp choreography, and fun team dynamics that have become hallmarks of K-pop were on full display.
For that reason, I wanted to do something a little different from past roundups to celebrate this year’s impressive crop. Whereas the last few annual reports have featured lists highlighting 10 K-pop acts that dominated their respective years, it just felt too limiting in a time as stacked as this. So instead, I rounded up 10 tracks and 10 acts for a superlative-style look at 2023, and even had the chance to connect with most of the artists here to get their thoughts.
So without further ado, please enjoy the 2023 K-Pop Yearbook.
(Editor’s Note: You can also check out the exclusive TOMORROW X TOGETHER Consequence cover story box set available on the Consequence Shop, now 25% off!)
Innovators of the Year
aespa
aespa, photo courtesy of SM Entertainment
While the metaverse and AI have been hot topics for a few years now, it still feels like aespa were always on the cutting edge. The group has embraced elements of futurism in everything from their aesthetics to their sound from day one, and they’ve established a distinct audiovisual style that helps them stand out from a crowd of very talented acts. While plenty of groups have experimented with AI, aespa took the concept far enough to create a metaverse character, known as Naevis, to bring it all home — she’s even featured on some of there songs. Hyperpop isn’t easy to pull off, but it’s become this group’s bread and butter.
“We believe that being ‘innovators’ means fearlessly embracing new things and constantly challenging ourselves,” the band shares over email. “We always strive to showcase our growth and new sides to the audience. It is gratifying to see that those who watch us grow also appreciate our efforts.”
Below, enjoy some New Year’s wishes from the members.
GISELLE: I hope 2024 is a year where you do and achieve everything you want. Love yourself!
NINGNING: Thank you MYs for always being with us. I hope you all stay healthy and happy in 2024!
KARINA: First of all, thank you for being with us in 2023 and also for 2024. I hope we can meet more often in 2024. Let’s make a happy and healthy 2024! Happy New Year with aespa!
WINTER: MYs! It’s already become our fourth year together. Thank you so much for being with us in these precious four years. If I could become that kind of presence to MYs, I believe I would have spent a successful year again this year! There will be many things happening in 2024, but let’s laugh a lot and spend a year that concludes with love when we look back on it! I love you!
Listen via Apple Music
Most Replay Value
ATEEZ — “BOUNCY”
ATEEZ, photo courtesy of KQ Entertainment
“BOUNCY” was a huge hit for ATEEZ, and it’s easy to see why. Not only is this song an absolute bop, but the music video more than delivers on ATEEZ’s ability to captivate the viewer with everything from visuals to choreography. “I think the fun concept played a big part, and people seemed to really like the addictive melody,” SAN tells Consequence. “It seems like many people took interest in “BOUNCY” because the lyrics are very catchy and the choreography is pretty easy to learn,” confirms MINGI.
Promotions for the song were wide-ranging, too. “After the album was released, we had the opportunity to do the dance challenge with ATINY in so many different places,” recalls HONGJOONG. “The fact that we were able to do the same dance and sing together made me so happy.” WOOYOUNG also remembers that promotional period fondly. “One of the most interesting highlights of the promotion that really lives on in my memory is the truck carrying cheongyang peppers going around Seoul!” he says.
Anyone who has been following ATEEZ know that their momentum has stayed high. Coming off the release of THE WORLD EP.FIN : WILL, their first No. 1 album, the members are gearing up for even more fun in 2024. “We received so many wonderful gifts from ATINY in 2023, and we only want to work harder to give ATINY great music, amazing performances, and even more love in the future,” says SEONGHWA. “In 2024, I hope we can make more precious memories together.”
The same sentiment is echoed by his bandmates. JONGHO promises, “We’ll do our best to be singers that will make it a joyful 2024 for you, so we hope you can be together with us next year too.” YUNHO adds,”I hope 2024 can be another year that ATINY will always be smiling and happy as they watch over us,”
YEOSANG’s wish for the new year is all about the fans, too. “I hope that everything goes well for ATINY in 2024 too,” he says. “ATEEZ will always work hard to run alongside ATINY no matter what, so I hope we can continue to stay together even in 2024.”
Listen via Apple Music
Biggest Energy Boost
BSS — “Fighting” feat. Lee Young Ji
BSS, photo courtesy of PLEDIS Entertainment
It’s not an exaggeration to say that one play of this song makes the listener feel like they could run a marathon; repeat plays could probably convince someone (me) to run through a brick wall. Take three of SEVENTEEN’s most energetic members and toss them into a unit for a long-awaited comeback and you’ve got a recipe for success, and also utter chaos — DK, Hoshi, and Seungkwan have been sprinting alongside the beat of this song up until the very end, staging some unreal live versions of the track at end of year award shows in recent weeks. “Fighting” left its mark on 2023 as the truly unbeatable energy boost we all desperately needed.
Listen via Apple Music
Serotonin Central
CRAVITY– “Groovy”
CRAVITY, photo courtesy of Starship Entertainment
Do you enjoy smiling, and perhaps also having fun? This joyful offering from CRAVITY is one of their brightest offerings yet and could be the perfect serotonin boost. “This year we were booked and busy, and we’re super grateful to be able to prepare so much content, music, and performances for our fans, LUVITY,” the band tells Consequence over email. “No matter how busy we can be, we always look towards each other as well as our LUVITY to keep our spirits high and stay happy all of the time.”
Listen via Apple Music
Risk-Takers of the Year
ENHYPEN
ENHYPEN, photo courtesy of BELIFT Lab
From the beginning, the members of ENHYPEN have been fearless — the rigorous process of being formed through a reality-style competition proved that much. Now a few years into their career, the seven bandmates continue to break new ground, and this year saw them take some risks, especially their single “Bite Me,” an edgier and more playfully dark take on some of the vampire imagery they’ve utilized before.
“I think we’re slowly figuring out what makes ENHYPEN unique,” says JAY. “Though we recently marked our three-year journey as a group, exploring new musical styles helps us to keep discovering our team’s strengths and build upon them.”
While “Bite Me” pushed the guys into different territory from previous singles, they also didn’t shy away from trying a more throwback sound with “Sweet Venom.” “I really like that we’re trying out different sounds instead of sticking to a single genre,” says NI-KI. “It’s a really fun and cool experience.” SUNGHOON says he spent a lot of time this year imagining their next steps as a team. “I deeply contemplated the direction in which ENHYPEN should move forward, and I feel I now have a solid grasp at it,” he shares.
With another tour under their belts, 2023 offered plenty of new learning opportunities for the group, too. “ENGENEs’ cheers and voices were so loud that it felt like being surrounded by a sea of dolphins!” jokes HEESEUNG. “In 2023, I realized that I was stronger than I thought, because I would go for a walk in the cold while gazing at the night sky and still not catch a cold,” shares band leader JUNGWON.
“I wish nothing but happiness for ENGENEs in 2024, and I look forward to creating many more wonderful memories together,” says JAKE as the group looks ahead to 2024. “I wish you all good health and the ability to pursue your goals and dreams,” says SUNOO. “Here’s to starting the new year joyfully with ENHYPEN!”
Listen via Apple Music
