Industry professionals determined the top K-pop songs of 2021 through a survey conducted by South Korean media outlet Joy News 24. Keep on reading for all the details.
In celebration of their 17th anniversary, South Korean media outlet Joy News 24 conducted a survey concerning K-drama, K-movies, actors, singers, and entertainment programs that shined in 2021. The survey was conducted from October 12 to 19. Two hundred industry professionals, including employees of entertainment companies and broadcast companies, film and broadcast content producers, and entertainment reporters, participated.
BTS's 'Butter' Dubbed 'Song of the Year' by Industry Experts
Unsurprisingly, BTS ranked number one with their song "Butter." The song received 76 votes from industry professionals. "Butter" is a song that conquered various global charts upon release. Most notably, the song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and maintained its spot for seven consecutive weeks. In total, the song climbed to number one ten times.
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BTS's single "Permission to Dance" took fourth place with eleven votes, while their collaboration with Coldplay, "My Universe," ranked in seventh place with six votes.
aespa's 'Next Level' Named the Most Popular K-Pop Song by a Girl Group
Ranking in second place is monster rookies aespa with their song "Next Level," which was released in May of this year. The song received 46 votes from industry professionals. "Next Level" is a song that blends aespa's unique worldview, such as their use of AI (ae in their universe) and Kwangya (their fictional world) with modern, futuristic styles.
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"Next Level" was a commercial hit in South Korea, drawing love from listeners due to its addictive chorus and unique song style. The song was also admired due to its lyrics that highlight aespa's cinematic universe. The group's latest release, "Savage," is also receiving lots of love, proving aespa's popularity in the market.
Brave Girls 'Rollin' Selected as the Third-Best Song of 2021 by Industry Experts
Ranking in third place is Brave Girls' with their 2017 release "Rollin'." The song received 14 votes from industry professionals. Though the song was released in 2017, "Rollin'" saw a reverse run on the charts early this year after a YouTuber uploaded a stage mix of the song with YouTube comments in the compilation.
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After four years, the song rose to the top of the music charts. This chance saved Brave Girls from disbandment, and they are now known as one of the most popular girl groups in South Korea.
These are the Top K-Pop Songs of 2021, According to Industry Experts
*Note: Some ranks are tied and will have the same number
1. BTS - "Butter"
2. aespa - "Next Level"
3. Brave Girls - "Rollin''"
4. BTS - "Permission to Dance"
5. IU - "LILAC"
6. IU - "Celebrity"
6. Lee Moo Jin - "Traffic Light"
7. BTS - "My Universe (With Coldplay)"
7. AKMU - "NAKKA"
8. MSG Wannabe - "Only You"
8. Jeon Somi - "DUMB DUMB"
8. TWICE - "Alcohol-Free"
9. IU - "Blueming"
10. NCT 127 - "Sticker"
11. She is My Type X Sandeul - "Slightly Tipsy"
12. Baek Yerin - "A Walk"
14. ONF - "Beautiful Beautiful"
15. DAY6 (Even of Day) - "Right Through Me"
Did your favorite K-pop song get mentioned? Tell us in the comments below!
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Written by Alexa Lewis
