As K-pop continues to become a more global genre, more groups are releasing songs that predominantly sang in English. From aespa to NewJeans, here are 5+ K-pop songs that have less Korean lyrics than English lyrics!
Please note that these percentages may not add up to 100%, as the remaining percentages is given to instrumentals, dance breaks, or pauses in music.
1. NewJeans - 'Super Shy'
One of the most popular songs of 2023, "Super Shy" is sang 70% in English, while 11.5% of the song is sang in English.
Released on July 7, 2023, "Super Shy" is one of the most recognized songs of this year. Lyrically, the song shows the girls mustering up the courage to confess to their first love. This theme is often seen in other NewJeans' songs.
2. ENHYPEN - 'Bite Me'
ENHYPEN's dark love song "Bite Me" is the only boy group song to make this list. 49.4% of the lyrics are in English, while 32.9% are in Korean.
In an interview with NME, ENHYPEN described "Bite Me" as a song that tells of one's recognition of a blood bond with their destined love. It is sultry and romantic -- a dream for ENGENEs!
3. LE SSERAFIM - 'Eve, Psyche, and the Bluebeard's Wife'
Anyone on TikTok has heard of LE SSERAFIM's hit single "Eve, Psyche, and the Bluebeard's Wife." This hit track features 41.7% of English lyrics. 26.5% of the song is sang in Korean.
LE SSERAFIM is a diverse group, with members hailing from South Korea, the United States, and Japan. Therefore, it is no surprise they would release songs that cater to a global audience. This banger covers themes of breaking stereotypes and taboos. It is a self-empowering hit that shaped 2023.
5. aespa - 'Drama'
aespa's latest comeback (as of the time of writing) "Drama" features 52.7% of lyrics in English. This means that only 28.3% of the lyrics are in Korean.
Released on November 10, 2023, "Drama" is a hip-hop dance song with an aggressive drum sound and sophisticated synth bass. Lyrically, the song has a confident attitude, telling listeners that every story begins with aespa. The song veers away from their usual style, showcasing aespa's musicality.
6. RM - 'Still Life'
RM's long-awaited comeback single "Still Life" features a hefty amount of English lyrics; which is unsurprising for BTS's representing English speaker! "Still Life" is sang 48.5% in English, while 27.3% of the song is in English.
Though the song is predominantly in English, the song is inspired by his experience as a non-native English speaker. He used his own interpretation of the word to talk about life ongoing, moving away from a fixed canvas.
7. EVERGLOW - 'SLAY'
In 2023, EVERGLOW made their much-anticipated return to the K-pop industry. This empowering track is 69.4% English lyrics, while the rest of the song is 12.3% Korean lyrics.
"SLAY" is EVERGLOW's first release in over two years. Lyrically, the song celebrates' the girls resolute spirit to pave their own way and trail blaze their own path.
8. (G)I-DLE Soyeon, aespa's Winter, IVE's Liz - 'Nobody'
One of the most iconic collaborations of 2023 is predominantly sang in English! 49.8% of the song features English lyrics, while 39% of the song is in Korean.
This disco-infused hit features members of South Korea's top girl groups while also highlighting the strength of K-pop. The song was released in collaboration of the World Expo 2030 in Busan.
What is your favorite K-pop release this year? Tell us in the comments below!
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Written by Alexa Lopez
