Best K-Pop B-Sides of 2024
Some hidden gems shine the brightest and therefore deserve the spotlight. At Genius Korea, we appreciate storytelling in music and recognize the transformative ways artists use music to convey emotions, experiences, and narratives. So, let’s take a look at the Best B-Sides released by K-Pop artists in 2024.This list’s entries and rankings are compiled based on the opinion of the Genius Korea Community.Eligibility period: December 1st 2023 to November 30th 2024.20. “Sweet Nightmare” – PURPLE KISSThroughout their career, PURPLE KISS has experimented with rock music and yielded successful results, their powerful vocals complementing the genre wonderfully. On “SWEET NIGHTMARE,” PURPLE KISS continues this streak with a lighter and retro-esque pop-rock sound. Co-composed and co-written by member Na Go Eun, PURPLE KISS compares love to a “sweet nightmare.” Love is an exhilarating and joyous feeling, but also terrifying due to its unpredictability. The track’s instrumental reflects these feelings, containing an up-tempo rhythm on the surface and an eerie undertone beneath. Despite their anxieties, PURPLE KISS decides to throw caution to the wind (“If it falls apart, who cares?”) and embrace love with open arms.19. “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” – ARTMSInspired by the novel of the same name, “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” almost served as the title track to ARTMS’ next album—a testament to the track’s superb quality. A mix of multiple genres, most notably future bass and melodic dubstep, the track follows ARTMS as they traverse the galaxy. They reflect on the past, recalling memories of LOONA as they begin a journey into parts unknown (“Passing through the ice and fire, the twelve constellations/Whose beginnings are unknown into memories”). Produced by G-High, “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” serves as both a love letter to ARTMS’ origins and a hope for new beginnings.18. “I’m Ready” – CHUNG HAThe sole B-Side of her digital single album EENIE MEENIE, “I’m Ready” is CHUNG HA’s declaration of her return to music. Against an addictive house beat with lyrics co-written by CHUNG HA herself, the soloist sings of her preparedness and determination for the stage. Anyone who tries to stand in her way won’t receive a reaction from her—for she has perfected her craft and knows her worth: “Anyone test me, whenever chase me/I have nothing to fear/Got this perfected.” CHUNG HA’s presence was sorely missed this past year, and “I’m Ready” is proof as to why she is known as one of the most acclaimed female soloists in K-pop.17. “Lie With You” – TENNCT member TEN made his official solo debut in February with the release of his self-titled mini-album. The album features a collection of incredible B-Sides, each showcasing his versatility as an artist. However, the true standout of the project is its closing track, “Lie With You.” The song carries a romantic yet somber atmosphere as TEN reflects on a love he knows won’t last:I know we won’t last and you know it tooSo baby, while it lasts, let me lie with you.This poignant lyric encapsulates the bittersweet nature of the relationship—two people fully aware that their love is fleeting, yet choosing to embrace it for as long as they can. TEN’s vocals shine with a rawness that makes the listener feel the weight of every word. The emotion behind his singing is palpable, drawing listeners into a moment of love that is both ephemeral and unforgettable.16. “스물 (20)” – BOYNEXTDOORBOYNEXTDOOR’s “스물 (20)” perfectly captures the bittersweet transition from carefree teenage years to the uncertainty of adulthood. With heartfelt lyrics and a nostalgic melody, the track speaks to the struggles and joys of turning 20, a milestone often filled with self-discovery and reflection. The members’ emotional delivery and the song’s warm instrumentation make it a relatable anthem for anyone navigating the complexities of growing up. Both introspective and hopeful, “스물 (20)” resonates deeply with listeners, offering a comforting reminder that change is part of the journey.15. “KILL THE ROMEO” – ZEROBASEONEPunchy, dynamic, and fun–ZEROBASEONE turns tragedy into a festival with “KILL THE ROMEO.” One of the tracks on their fourth mini-album CINEMA PARADISE, ZEROBASEONE bounce pop-dance and Afro-beat subgenres back and forth while delivering a re-telling of the classic story of Romeo and Juliet—only this time, promising the listener a happy ending. It’s an unconventional style and concept choice, but every listen gives you something new you didn’t catch before, quickly making it a favorite on an already impressive project.14. “DIORAMA” – YvesOf all the tracks Yves has released this year, “DIORAMA” is without a doubt one of her best. In a video titled “Yves (이브),” Yves explains how she met the ideal version of herself while preparing LOOP. “DIORAMA’s” lyrics and sound were created around this thought; as the opening track to LOOP, “DIORAMA” can be thought of as Yves reintroducing herself to listeners. Set against a dreamy R&B and mechanical-like instrumental containing whirs and beeps, “DIORAMA” is about finding the ideal version of yourself and the multitude of emotions that come with it.13. “Empty Box” – ATEEZOn every ATEEZ album, there is one B-Side that resonates with listeners on a deeper, more emotional level, and on GOLDEN HOUR : Part.1, that track is “Empty Box.” This song delves into themes of self-discovery and vulnerability, filled with raw and fragile honesty. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of personal struggles and the complexities of introspection. The song’s emotional depth is amplified by the second verse, performed by Mingi and Hongjoong, whose powerful lyricism confronts feelings of emptiness, loneliness, and inner turmoil. Yet, even within this darkness, there is a sense of resilience as they find the strength to continue moving forward. “Empty Box” stands out not only for its lyrical depth but also for capturing the internal battles we all face, making it a poignant and introspective addition to the album.12. “His Car Isn’t Yours” – WENDYA B-Side from her 2nd EP Wish You Hell, “His Car Isn’t Yours” sees WENDY portraying the emotions of a woman struggling to move on after a breakup. Throughout this moody all-English R&B track, WENDY sings of a “good guy” who comes to pick her up every Friday for a date night, but when he arrives in his vehicle, only one thought can come to her mind: “His car isn’t yours.” She misses her ex-lover so much, even the absence of his car and the rides they used to share together brings her heartache. “His Car Isn’t Yours” is simple in its presentation, but WENDY’s honey-like voice takes it to new heights.11. “Moon Tour” – TAEYONGEasily the best B-Side on TAEYONG’s 2nd mini-album, TAP, “Moon Tour” is a dreamy R&B track that uses space and celestial-based literary devices to confess one’s love. To further the out-of-this-world fantasy, the track starts with a sample of an astronaut’s voice coming through a voice transporter system, giving it that grainy, radio-like timbre. The found sounds aside, the “Moon Tour” instrumental also features high-pitched piano chords, celestial synths, softer drum beats, and TAEYONG’s delicate falsetto voice technique, all of which create a sense of weightlessness. “Would it last forever, if we engraved our names here?” The lyrics, penned by TAEYONG himself, capture the fantasy perfectly as he also uses references to the environmental conditions of the moon to really bring the concept home.10. “DEEP DIVE” – ATEEZAfter a year filled with huge festival appearances and a successful album and tour, we can’t blame ATEEZ for flaunting their accomplishments on the title track “Ice On My Teeth.” B-Side “Deep Dive,” however, looks at the darker side of their unrelenting success. Certain lyrics suggest that rather than thriving, ATEEZ has simply gotten used to the “depths”—the challenges that come with accomplishment. The song uses the metaphor of an ocean plunge to reveal how a life of ambition might cause disconnection from yourself. Mingi’s verse compares the difficulties of life at the top as “altitude sickness,” while Hongjoong admits to feeling “submerged.” The song’s haunting, angsty sound and theme of the pain of success make it a chilling introduction to the album.9. “Rain” – SEVENTEENThe pre-release materials for SEVENTEEN’s SPILL THE FEELS album included an anagram of the title: “I Felt Helpless.” The track that best evokes that phrase is “Rain” by the group’s performance unit. The moody track features prominent bass and a vaguely 80s vibe, giving it a sound distinct from the rest of the album’s songs. The member’s slick vocals and emotive delivery sell us on the mood of both the music and the song’s theme: the helplessness that can come from not being able to understand your own feelings. The lyrics depict them isolating themselves while they struggle to understand their “frozen heart.” On an album focused on expressing emotions, “Rain” stylishly captures what happens when pain is left unacknowledged.8. “JJAM” – Stray KidsWhile Stray Kids’ album ATE features b-side tracks like “I Like It” and the titular “Stray Kids,” we’re choosing “JJAM” for its clever and engaging lyrics. This high-energy hip-hop track, complemented by a Ghostbusters-themed music video, is packed with sharp wordplay and slang that highlight BANG CHAN and CHANGBIN’s exceptional lyricism. Playing with double meanings, the song incorporates numerous food references, like peanut butter, jelly, and honey, all while reinforcing its central theme of having fun and living carefree. Just as “jam” is spreadable and sticky, “JJAM” symbolizes the group’s desire to share their infectious energy with everyone around them while showcasing their excellent penmanship.7. “Igloo” – KISS OF LIFEKISS OF LIFE’s “Igloo” is an electrifying self-confidence anthem that is one powerful message track you want to add to your playlist. The track’s dynamic mix of sweetness and assertiveness reflects a deep awareness of self-worth as the lyrics navigate through loving yourself and realizing you are, in fact, the catch. Despite the cold title, there’s an undeniable warmth in the groovy rhythm and confident vocal delivery. “Igloo” is a testament to KISS OF LIFE’s ability to blend sharp storytelling with captivating sounds, making it a standout in their discography.6. “Completely” – JAEHYUN“Completely” feels like stepping into a hazy, dreamlike world where emotions take center stage. It’s smooth and intimate, with JAEHYUN’s rich vocals weaving through a sultry R&B melody that’s both vulnerable and self-assured. The track is understated yet impactful, carried by its minimal production that leaves room for every word and note to hit. JAEHYUN’s delivery is effortless but deliberate, drawing you in as if he’s telling a story meant only for you. It’s the kind of song that lingers, not just because of its sound, but because of the way it makes you feel—completely wrapped up in its atmosphere.5. “나는 아픈 건 딱 질색이니까 (Fate)” – (G)I-DLEThis year, (G)I-DLE has delivered bangers like “Wife”, “Super Lady” and “Klaxon”, but surprisingly it is the b-side “Fate” (titled “나는 아픈 건 딱 질색이니까”, literally “Because I Just Hate Being Sick” in Korean) that resonated with the audience the most, the guitar-driven pop-punk track climbing Korean music charts and becoming their biggest hit of the year. Contrasting the glamor and fierceness of “Super Lady”, “Fate”’s lyrics paint an ordinary day in a mundane life, “Ice Americano in one hand all day long,” only to be changed by a chance encounter with a stranger. Perhaps, in our dreary everyday life, don’t we all yearn for something to come and shake things up?4. “미치지 못하는 이유 (Crazier)” – LE SSERAFIMWith HUH YUNJIN as both the producer and writer, “미치지 못하는 이유 (Crazier)” from LE SSERAFIM’s CRAZY emerges as a standout track not just in the album, but within their entire discography. The song takes all the hate and judgment directed at them and transforms it into a raw, emotional ballad that cuts deep. The Korean title, which translates to “a reason for not being able to reach one’s goal,” carries profound weight, especially when we dive into the lyrics. The lyrics narrate an emotional journey of self-discovery, regret, and hope. LE SSERAFIM reflects on the constraints of societal expectations, the nostalgia for carefree youth, and the struggle to embrace passion and vulnerability. While the members sing about being independent, bold, and unapologetic in their songs, they reveal the harsh reality that such freedom is often out of reach due to the relentless scrutiny and pressures of the idol industry. Even for LE SSERAFIM, their idol personas are something they aspire to, exposing the painful, often overlooked side of fame and the emotional toll it takes.3. “Run For Roses” – NMIXXElaborating the ambitious theme of its album’s title track, B-Side “Run for Roses” is NMIXX’s celebration of teamwork as they keep chasing their dream. The lyrics acknowledge NMIXX’s progress as well as the challenges, concluding that their togetherness is their strength (“To keep our dreams from getting lost/Hand to hand, side by side, woah/Run for roses”). However, the song doesn’t just tell us about the results of their teamwork—it shows us. Layers of the guitar and fiddle-laden track build and recede, allowing us to focus on the group’s vocal diversity, as well as how each member’s part shows their strengths. The song culminates in the bridge, building through the doubled rapping of BAE and Jiwoo, and a spirited group chorus into the pinnacle of Lily’s vocal runs. “Run for Roses” is electrifying proof of NMIXX’s synergy that we’ll be listening to for a long time to come.2. “Moonstruck” – ENHYPENThe only drawback to this near-perfect track is its short runtime, clocking in at under three minutes. However, setting that aside, “Moonstruck” stands out as one of the most enchanting songs in ENHYPEN’s impressive discography. This crooning B-Side, which opens their romantic album ROMANCE : UNTOLD, captures the feeling of being utterly captivated by someone, leaving you moonstruck. The title enhances the song’s romantic essence, using the metaphor of the moon instead of stars to symbolize their beloved’s beauty and charm. The song is an alternative R&B track with a soft, captivating atmosphere, defined by three key elements: a flowing melody, a dreamy ambiance, and ENHYPEN’s crisp vocals that shine against the soft, melodic production. The blend of these elements creates an irresistible track that vividly captures the madness and magic of infatuation. With lyrics painting a picture of a moonlit night where love and longing seamlessly intertwine, the song evokes a sense of enchantment.1. “HAPPY” – DAY6Released as a B-Side on DAY6’s eighth EP Fourever in March, “HAPPY” saw a major popularity this past autumn. With its honest, bittersweet lyrics penned by Young K and an earworm melody performed by the band, it’s not difficult to see why “HAPPY” became popular.Throughout the track, DAY6 ponders when they will get to experience the titular emotion. Life is full of hardships, and unfortunately, there are days when it feels like happiness is unattainable. The track’s central theme is in its standout chorus, where WONPIL passionately sings,May I be happy?I want to laugh every dayI don’t want to worryPlease tell me the answerDAY6 asks repeatedly how happiness can be obtained, but their questions receive no reply. “HAPPY” is thus left on a bittersweet note, as the listener themselves wonder how one can achieve true happiness.Follow Genius Korea on X (Twitter) and Instagram for regular updates about Korean music, dramas, and entertainment.Written by @celestialwaves @ninaspov @sashamarz @itsunlikely @ANC613 @beginagain @ssaa10dec
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