With a sound that would have been right at home in the Hollywood hot spots of the 1980s, the 2011 Kara single "Step" is an homage to everything that was great about the electronic dance music of the period.
"Shin Joong Hyun & Yup Juns" was the culmination of all the work the legendary guitarist had done up that point.
On their 2014 song "Acrobats," the Seoul-based rock outfit Hanumpa take the steps necessary to set themselves apart from the pack.
LONG D's single "Love Eventually Goes On" takes you through the journey of someone willing to do whatever it takes for the one they miss, but they do it in a way that's lighthearted and quirky.
With a rhythm track that hits you right in your gut and some solid rapping, BTOB's "Hello Melo" was a song that deserved more attention than it got in 2014.
On their 2013 single "Loud & Headache Girl," Seoul-based combo Wasted Johnny's take classic blues rock, dust it off, and give it one more spin.
Though it was often overshadowed on the charts by the eye-catching flash and slick production of boy bands and girl groups, South Korean hip-hop had a great year in 2014.
With a beat that sounds like Timbaland in his prime and a darkly epic quality reminiscent of late-era Michael Jackson, "Overdose," released back in May, was the strongest K-pop single of 2014.
Dionysus may have been Korea's first neoclassical metal band and on "Legend of Darkness," they weren't afraid to shred.
On their 2012 song "Skyland," Ironbard declare war on subtlety and emerge the victors.
Skillful, creative music production gives "Evanesce" an emotional impact that makes it the standout track on Super Junior's new album "Mamacita".
Dumbfoundead is one rapper not afraid to reveal his own life and reflect on his own personal growth in his lyrics. This is particularly true about the track "Cool and Calm" off of his 2011 album "DFD."
On their rip-raging cut "Women Driving Highway," from the 1987 album "The King of Rock n' Roll," Korean metal legends Baekdoosan own the road.