Now that 2020 has come and gone, let us take a look at the amazing musical releases that came out that year. Genius Kore released their "Year-End Genius Korea Chart" and selected their top EPs (extended plays) for the year. Keep on reading to see what they chose.
This ranking was compiled by Genius Korea community moderators. All of the extended plays on this ranking were released in 2020. The data that is used to compile the rankings include the total page views of the respective albums on the platform, as well as the concurrent page views via lyrics searches on Genius.
The top EP selected by Genius Korea is DAY6's "The Book of Us: Demon," released on May 11, 2020, with the title track "Zombie." All the members were involved in the songwriting and producing process of the album, with Young K and Wonpil writing the lyrics for their title track and Jae helping in music production.
TIME Magazine had named "The Book of Us: Demon" as one of the top ten albums that defined K-pop's monumental year in 2020, noting its impactful lyrics and the ability to make listeners feel less alone in their own pain. The South China Morning Post also included it in their top 15 K-pop groups albums of the year, saying it was a soundtrack for life. Music outlet NME ranked it at #19 on "The 25 Best Asian Albums of 2020," saying that it was DAY6's most cathartic and therapeutic released yet.
The second EP on their list is "I trust" by (G)I-DLE, released on April 6, 2020, and includes the title track "Oh my god." The EP debuted at number one on the Gaon Album Chart, making it the girl group's most successful release since their debut. They sold 112,075 copies in one week, making them the fourth girl group to sell over 100,000 copies within the first week of their release. They also have the highest record for a K-pop girl group to top the iTunes Albums charts.
Kim Do Heon, a writer for IZM, praised the album, saying it avoided the trap of self-reproduction or boredom. Specifically, he applauded leader Soyeon's ability to design the song in a way where each member's individuality and their unique color is shown.
Kushal Dev of KultScene praised the song for delivering its deepest, darkest convictions in a track that still maintains the traditional structure of K-pop. "I trust" was also included in Seo Jeong Min Gap's list of "If You Don't Listen, You Will Regret It" list.
From 3-10, Genius Korea's top EPs of 2020 are:
3. WONHO - "Love Synonym #1: Right for Me"
4. TWICE - "MORE & MORE"
5. ATEEZ - "Zero: Fever Part.1"
6. LOONA - "[12:00]"
7. Hwa Sa - "María"
8. Red Velvet - IRENE & SEULGI - "Monster"
9. ITZY - "It'z Me"
10. GOT7 - "DYE"
Did your favorite 2020-released extended play make it to the list? Tell us in the comments!
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Written by Alexa Lewis
