Most Famous 2020s Asian Pop songs from the Last 60 Days, updated on Jan 8,2025
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2 . Aespa, 에스파 - WhiplashFrom its first pulsing beat, "Whiplash" projects an electrifying confidence wrapped in razor-sharp EDM production. Aespa leans into a techno-heavy soundscape, crafting a propulsive rhythm that feels like it was designed for neon-lit nights and frenetic motion. The minimalist choreography showcased in the video clip mirrors the sleek intensity of the track, drawing inspiration from cult visuals like *Aeon Flux* and the surreal aesthetics of *Hylics.* The lyrics celebrate individuality and unstoppable drive, positioning the group as arbiters of a future-forward, trendsetting ethos. A five-month break from their "Supernova" release hasn't dulled their momentum; instead, "Whiplash" feels like an energy surge redefining their catalog. Performed during their world tour "SYNK: PARALLEL LINE," its fiery reception underscores their global reach, while the South Korean 3× Platinum certification cements its immediate local impact. The track's synthetic textures contrast beautifully against its message of human-centered confidence, blending Aespa's signature digital-girl narrative with emotional resonance. Genres : Pop,k-pop girl group The music video is directed by Lee Sohyun, Kim Doi 75.53% / 1.51% |
3 . Jennie - MantraJennie's “Mantra” steps out as a standalone declaration of intent, blending electronic pop with unapologetic R&B and rap inflections. Built around a digital disco bassline and rapid-fire vocal delivery, the track balances infectious beats with hefty themes of self-love and female solidarity. Co-written by Jennie alongside Zikai and Claudia Valentina, it channels a sharp, confident energy that spills over into burning-car choreography in its Tanu Muino-directed video, shot in Los Angeles. Thematically, it plants its flag in the territory of empowerment, veering away from any notions of softness in favor of commanding presence. El Guincho and a diverse production team layer the instrumental with intricate details that add bite, while Jennie's vocal agility bridges her Blackpink roots with a fresh solo identity. Released on her own Odd Atelier label in partnership with Columbia and Sony Music Australia, “Mantra” operates as a cultural marker for her post-group ambitions. Its visual spectacle matches the song's intensity, with scenes oscillating between chaos and finely disciplined choreography, reinforcing the message of strength amid disorder. Genres : Pop,k-pop The music video is directed by Tanu Muino 47.74% / 0.16% |
4 . Lisa - RockstarInterpolating elements of hip-hop and hyperpop, Lisa's "Rockstar," released in June 2024, showcases her commanding presence as a global icon. The song's lyrics address fame, extravagance, and provocation, backed by hyperpop-lite beats and J-hip-hop influences. The music video, shot in Bangkok, features iconic landmarks like Yaowarat Road while celebrating Thai culture. Genres : Pop,k-pop The music video is directed by Henry Scholfield 12.11% / 0.98% |
6 . aespa - SupernovaAespa's "Supernova," released in May 2024, blends dance and hyper-pop to explore themes of expansion within their fictional universe. Produced by Dem Jointz, the track combines electro rhythms with fluid pop vocals, presenting a futuristic music video with members displaying superpowers. Genres : Pop,k-pop girl group The music video is directed by Ha Junghoon Featured on the album Armageddon 11.74% / 1.45% |
7 . Lisa - New Woman (w/ Rosalía)Lisa and Rosalía channel Y2K aesthetics in this trap-infused pop anthem. Peaking at 15 on the Billboard Global 200, its empowering visuals and award-winning collaborations—spotlighted at the MTV Video Music Awards—mark a transformative chapter for both artists. Genres : Pop, R&B,k-pop, pop, r&b en espanol The music video is directed by Dave Meyers 15.62% / 1.07% |
8 . Stray Kids - Chk Chk BoomStray Kids' July 2024 release, "Chk Chk Boom," combines hip-hop, reggaeton, and Latin influences. Featuring cameos from Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman in its vibrant music video, the song's themes of determination and achievement resonate strongly, making it a highlight of the 50th American Music Awards. Genres : Pop,k-pop, k-pop boy group, pop The music video is directed by Bang Jae-yeob Featured on the album Ate (ep) 13.62% / 1.18% |
9 . Stray Kids - LalalalaStray Kids' November 2023 single "Lalalala," from their eighth EP, is a vibrant mix of phonk and Afrobeats. Its lyrics celebrate life and the joy of living in the moment. The dynamic video features a giant smoke-like creature confronting a marching band, mirroring the song's energetic beats. Genres : Pop,k-pop, k-pop boy group, pop The music video is directed by Bang Jae-yeob Featured on the album Rock-Star (ep) 7.18% / 0.96% |
10 . Jimin - WhoBTS member Jimin's "Who," produced by Ghstloop and others, debuted in July 2024. Drawing inspiration from 2000s pop, the song examines the quest for true love. Its nocturnal-themed music video showcases Jimin's intricate choreography and emotive storytelling through dance. Genres : Pop,k-pop The music video is directed by YongSeok Choi Featured on the album MUSE 21.47% / 1.43% |
11 . Aespa - ArmageddonThe May 2024 release by aespa, "Armageddon," melds old-school and modern hip-hop dance beats with a powerful synth rhythm. The lyrics focus on themes of identity and self-empowerment, resonating with youth. The track stands out for its bold message: "Only I can define myself." Genres : Pop,k-pop girl group The music video is directed by RIMA YOON Featured on the album Armageddon 13.54% / 1.48% |
12 . Shanti Dope - HighschoolShanti Dope's “Highschool” catapults listeners into an angsty teenage cosmos, underscored by his trademark rapid-fire lyricism. The track delves into the minefield of adolescence, pairing sharp social commentary with a beat that balances old-school grit and modern flair. The accompanying music video borrows heavily from crime dramas, featuring the rapper caught in an elaborate sting by an undercover cop masquerading as a student, a premise that flirts with absurdity but demands your attention. While Shanti Dope, at 23, convincingly plays a high schooler, some cast members strain credulity, looking like they might've already attended their 10-year reunions. The production works in pieces—hooks and verses land hard—but the persistent trope of youthful rebellion feels like retreading familiar ground rather than venturing into something resonant or groundbreaking. There's an undeniable charm in the track's ambition, yet the thematic parallels to global high school nostalgia narratives tether it within a genre that doesn't entirely escape its own clichés. Genres : Pop, Hip Hop, R&B,opm, pinoy hip hop, pinoy r&b, pinoy trap 159.38% / -1.06% |
13 . G-Dragon - Power"Power" signals G-Dragon's triumphant return, delivering a track steeped in raw energy and conceptual ambition. Co-crafted with Tommy Brown, Theron Thomas, and Steven Franks, it fuses hip-hop punch with K-pop's polished edge. The retro visuals in the music video, shot in one continuous take, pair seamlessly with G-Dragon's trademark flair for fashion. Lyrically, he wrestles with individuality and the omnipresent grip of media, weaving Nietzsche's "Übermensch" into a 2024 framework. This is G-Dragon at his most provocative, wielding a seven-year hiatus like a blade to carve something audacious and unapologetic. Genres : Pop, Hip Hop,k-pop, k-rap The music video is directed by Han Samin 119.34% / -12.86% |
14 . Jung Kook - 3D (w/ Jack Harlow)Jung Kook's "3D," featuring Jack Harlow, dropped in September 2023, exploring love through the metaphor of dimensions. Produced by BloodPop and David Stewart, the pop-R&B fusion reached the top of the Billboard Global 200. The video emphasizes physical and emotional connection with dynamic choreography. Genres : Hip Hop, Pop,k-pop, deep underground hip hop, kentucky hip hop, pop rap, rap The music video is directed by Drew Kirsch Featured on the album Golden 5.38% / 0.76% |
15 . Jung Kook - Standing Next To YouJung Kook's November 2023 funk-pop single reflects themes of enduring love and connection. The cyberpunk-inspired video, set in Budapest, showcases his dance prowess and pursuit of a femme fatale. A remix featuring Usher added a global appeal. Genres : Pop,k-pop The music video is directed by Tanu Muino Featured on the album GOLDEN 6.91% / 0.96% |
16 . Le Sserafim - SmartLE SSERAFIM's February 2024 single "Smart" inspires confidence and self-pride. The afropop and amapiano-inspired track blends modern pop with hip-hop, featuring dynamic choreography in a warehouse adorned with artistic tapestries. Genres : Pop,k-pop girl group The music video is directed by NU KIM Featured on the album EASY 8.92% / 1.19% |
17 . Zico - Spot! (w/ Jennie)Released in April 2024, Zico and Jennie's "Spot!" captures the thrill of a casual party encounter. This hip-hop collaboration features an energetic group dance finale in its urban-themed music video. The track won multiple Melon Popularity Awards and dominated Korean music shows. Genres : Pop, R&B,k-pop, korean r&b The music video is directed by YONGSEOK CHOI 8.20% / 0.87% |
18 . Bini - Salamin SalaminBini's March 2024 bubblegum pop single "Salamin, Salamin" coincides with International Women's Day, promoting empowerment. The lyrics capture the excitement and nervousness of infatuation. It topped the Billboard Philippines Songs chart and was remixed for a Shopee ad, boosting its visibility. Genres : Pop,p-pop, pinoy idol pop The music video is directed by Kerbs Balagtas Featured on the album Talaarawan (ep) 11.27% / 1.74% |
19 . Babymonster - Clik Clak“Clik Clak” by BABYMONSTER opens with a bass-heavy beat that practically swaggers, setting the stage for a K-pop track laced with the bite of hip-hop. The lyrics revel in themes of confidence and extravagance, portraying a world of shiny veneers and unshakable self-assurance. The production layers sharp percussion over a velvet synth line, giving the song a seamless, glossy finish. Ricky Luna and crew craft a sonic playground where rapid-fire rap verses are punctuated by melodic hooks that feel both assertive and infectious. The accompanying black-and-white video matches the track with its refined aesthetic—minimal yet brimming with attitude. Against stark contrasts and shadows, the group exudes a charisma that elevates their debut effort to something worth noting. "Clik Clak" feels more like a declaration of entry than just another K-pop song, blending influences and showcasing BABYMONSTER's artistry. It's a bold move as a second title track, proving the group has no intent to blend into the background. Yet beneath the layers of decadence lies the tension between opulence and artistic depth—glossy surfaces sometimes mask substantive risks. As part of their debut album "Drip," the track suggests the group is ambitiously carving out their space, chasing something larger than the sum of their shimmering parts. Genres : Pop,5th gen k-pop The music video is directed by Yang Soon Sik 96.04% / -13.82% |
20 . Newjeans - SupernaturalNewJeans' "Supernatural," released in June 2024, features pop-R&B elements and interpolates Manami's 2009 track "Back of My Mind." Themes of magic and wonder align with the group's strategy to expand into Japan, supported by Pharrell's songwriting contributions. Genres : Pop,k-pop, k-pop girl group The music video is directed by Shin Dongle 19.46% / 1.69% |
Modest disclaimer: We don’t claim to be exhaustive. It’s possible you won’t find a title you expected to see on this list. Sorry about that — these things happen. ABOUT ASIAN POPIntroduction and DefinitionsAsian Pop in the 2020s represents a fusion of modernity with cultural authenticity, employing advanced production techniques to appeal to audiences worldwide. It encompasses an eclectic mix of popular music genres from East, Southeast, and beyond. Key genres include:
Evolution: A Brief HistoryThe 2010s: Foundations and Global Recognition Asian Pop gained significant traction during the 2010s, with K-pop taking the lead. Groups such as BTS, EXO, and BLACKPINK spearheaded its global success. In 2012, Psy’s “Gangnam Style” made history as the first YouTube video to surpass one billion views, cementing K-pop’s place on the international stage. South Korean labels like SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment, and JYP Entertainment invested heavily in production, marketing, and global tours. Meanwhile, Mandopop continued to flourish, in mainland China and Taiwan, with artists such as Jay Chou with his fusion of Western musical elements with traditional Chinese motifs and JJ Lin and his his versatile vocal style, gaining prominence. In Hong Kong, Cantopop saw artists like Eason Chan’s emotionally resonant ballads and Joey Yung polished pop anthems dominate the charts. J-pop, on the other hand, thrived domestically, with artists like Perfume and Arashi, though it remained predominantly localized. In Southeast Asia, P-pop began to organize with acts like SB19, formed in the late 2010s, paving the way for a Philippine pop movement. The 2020s: Diversification and Global Dominance The 2020s mark the era where Asian Pop solidifies its presence worldwide. Platforms like TikTok accelerate the genre’s growth, turning music challenges into viral sensations.
Relevant Media to follow the evolution:
Melodies, Production, and LabelsAsian Pop features captivating melodies characterized by strong hooks and intricate arrangements. Traditional instrumentation such as the Korean “gayageum”, Vietnamese string instruments, and Indonesian “gamelans” often complement modern sounds, including synthesizers, electronic beats, and electric guitars. Notable producers:
Key Labels:
Connections Between Asian Pop and FashionAsian Pop intertwines seamlessly with the world of fashion, with music videos serving as showcases for global and regional brands. Artists collaborate with major fashion houses to enhance their image and extend their influence. Several examples:
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