2023 has been a year of musical blessings in the world of K-Pop, once again. Since it is halfway through the year, it's about time for us to review how the year in K-Pop has been so far. Girl groups have been rocking the K-Pop scene this year and we need to acknowledge their greatness. So, as we wait in anticipation to see the releases in the second half of the year, let's take some time to appreciate the marvelous releases of the first half of the year.
Here is a list of the top 14 K-Pop songs by girl groups in the first half of 2023.
Note: This is in no particular order. It is not a ranking.
1. (G)I-DLE - 'Queencard'
When it comes to music that empowers you and has you feeling confident, no one does it better than (G)I-DLE. They delivered yet another female power anthem in the form of 'Queencard' and have had us bopping to the song ever since. The song is not only musically fantastic to listen to but it truly captures the spirit of owning your narrative and loving yourself no matter what the world tells you. It's yet another hit from the queens themselves.
2. FIFTY FIFTY - 'Cupid'
FIFTY FIFTY had this song stuck in our heads for weeks on end. 'Cupid' is one of the most iconic songs of the year as it went viral on several platforms. Even non-K-Pop fans have the song on repeat on their playlists, thanks to its spellbinding melody and the dreamy nature of the song. The song felt like the background music to all of the butterflies-in-your-stomach and heart-fluttering moments that all of its listeners had this year.
3. NewJeans - 'OMG'
NewJeans really had us saying 'OMG' with this release. Many fans were pleasantly surprised that they, once again, delivered a song destined to be a K-Pop classic in the future. We were really hoping that NewsJeans will come through but they more than delivered. From the iconic choreography with the fancy footwork to the fresh but nostalgic Y2K groove, this song is sonically flawless and a gift to the ear.
4. H1-KEY - 'Rose Blossom'
'Rose Blossom' is a confidence boost in sonic form thanks to its empowering message. Between H1-KEY's melodic vocals and the beautiful message of the song, this is the perfect song to listen to daily as you go through the motions of living. It will make you feel like everything is okay and that you are doing better than you think in this thing called life. H1-KEY truly blessed fans with a bop that also doubles as a powerful reminder to embrace your situation.
5. IVE - 'I AM'
Firstly, the runway strut that the IVE members do in this music video says all that needs to be said about this song. If you listen to 'I AM' whilst walking, you might find yourself either strutting along to the song or even unknowingly doing the clever choreography. The song has a refined quality with a mesmerizing allure that has you falling deeper into their heavenly vocals and the posh melody.
6. aespa - 'Spicy'
All of the songs aespa have released this year have been perfect, to say the least. Which made this a really difficult pick. However, no one can deny the sheer impact of 'Spicy' on the entire K-Pop industry. The song was the kind of spicy that's too hot to handle but still keeps you coming back for more. aespa proved the electric performance power that they have once again with this track and we couldn't have asked for a better comeback from them.
7. tripleS - 'Rising'
It should be criminal for anyone to not have this song on their playlist. Everything from the hip vibes, the main character energy that the song makes you feel, the stunning vocals, the addictive rap part, and every other aspect of the song, adds up to the makings of an iconic bop. Not to mention the mix of trendy meets nostalgia that we can't get enough of these days. tripleS' debut was highly anticipated due to their sub-unit concept and music, and a track like 'Rising' just goes to show that it's all worth the anticipation.
8. LE SSERAFIM - 'Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard's Wife'
'The song that's been stuck in my head', 'the choreography that I find myself doing randomly', 'the moment'; this song bears a number of titles despite being one of LE SSERAFIM's b-sides. The fact that one of their b-sides has managed to have such a huge impact only goes to show that LE SSERAFIM is synonymous with the phrase 'top quality'. The song's addictive quality and dance-pop melody have our hearts racing and we can't get enough of it.
9. Dreamcatcher - 'BONVOYAGE'
'BONVOYAGE' by Dreamcatcher was not just an amazing song but a masterpiece. Dreamcatcher has always been known for its artistry and 'BONVOYAGE' is no exception to that rule. Firstly, it's a song that has a unique charm that can't be easily replicated. Secondly, the meaning behind the lyrics, the way the music builds up, the song's beautiful arrangement, its explosive chorus, and everything else, speaks volumes. The song is a power anthem, no doubt!
10. PURPLE KISS - 'Sweet Juice'
Honestly, the entire "Cabin Fever" album was so good that it made it nearly impossible to pick one PURPLE KISS song from this year so far. However, we need to give 'Sweet Juice' the flowers that it deserves as a track. It was serving the alluring and mysterious vibes that give one major main character energy whenever they listen to it. In fact, the song sounds like it belongs in the OST of a top Hollywood movie franchise. 'Sweet Juice' was a sweet offering from PURPLE KISS just like all of the other bops in their discography.
11. SECRET NUMBER - 'Doxa'
We're not sure what potion SECRET NUMBER put in this bop, but we're drinking every last drop of it. It's strong and it has us addicted in the best way. Just like the lyrics, the only thing stronger than this poison is our love for this song. SECRET NUMBER came in with all the ferocity and power that makes for an impactful comeback and more and more people are discovering their charm thanks to it.
12. Billlie - 'Eunioa'
Billlie has yet to release a song that we didn't love and 'Eunoia' is no different. This is the type of song where the honey dripping from the members' vocals slides right into your heart and playlist at the same time. It's the perfect dreamy addition to play in the soundtrack of your life. Not only that, but the song is yet another piece of proof showing how diverse Billlie and their discography are. We also have to add a special mention of how well this concept suited the members!
13. STAYC - 'Teddy Bear'
STAYC have always been queens when it comes to blowing our minds with their vocals and releasing tracks that sound like happiness in song form. Whenever STAYC releases a song, we know it's going down - pun intended. 'Teddy Bear' was yet another STAYC masterpiece that we couldn't get enough of in this regard. It has proved as one of the best pick-me-up songs released this year. The song will have you humming along to its enthralling melody before you even know it.
14. VIVIZ - 'Pull Up'
'Pull Up' contains all the sass that VIVIZ is known for. It's the perfect anthem for when you're getting ready to set the night on fire and hit the town. The sarcasm dripping from the lines in this song and the overflowing attitude made this song one of the freshest of the year. The jazzy beat and bass mixed with VIVIZ's honey vocals also made for the perfect juxtaposition that emphasizes how harmonized their performance skills are. It's the song that we didn't know we needed.
These are only a few of the girl group songs that made a bold impression on us this year so far.
Which K-Pop girl group song was your favorite in the first half of 2023? Let us know or leave your favorite lyric in the comments!