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The year 2024 has been monumental for K-pop, with artists like BTS' Namjoon (RM), Jin, and Jimin exploring diverse themes, sounds, and genres. Meanwhile, BLACKPINK's Rosé set new records as the first Korean female soloist to top Billboard Global 200 with her song, APT. (from rosie).
From RM’s poetic vulnerability in Right Place, Wrong Person to the explosive energy of Stray Kids in ATE, then IU's comeback set THE WINNING to DAY6's Fourever has not only entertained but also left a lasting impression on listeners worldwide.
As K-pop continues to evolve, these releases serve as milestones in the genre’s ever-expanding legacy.
Disclaimer: The article contains the writer's opinion.
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From introspective storytelling to explosive anthems, 10 K-pop albums highlight the dynamism of the industry
Here’s a look at ten of the best K-pop albums of 2024, ranked and analyzed.
1) RM (Kim Namjoon) – Right Place, Wrong Person
Released: May 24, 2024
BTS leader RM (Kim Namjoon) delivered a deeply personal second solo album, Right Place, Wrong Person. The record dives into themes of self-reflection, identity, love, and existentialism, showcasing RM’s signature poetic lyricism.
Tracks like Groin combine aggressive hip-hop beats with self-assured raps, while the jazz-influenced track,? (Interlude), questions the complexities of relationships.
Additionally, the soulful ballad Heaven explores vulnerability, following the album's title track, LOST!, juxtaposing one's self of identity crisis. The album’s thematic arc presents RM’s evolution as an artist and individual, offering a poignant exploration of human emotions and struggles.
2) BLACKPINK Rosé – rosie
Released: December 6, 2024
BLACKPINK’s Rosé dropped her first full-length solo album, Rosie, distributed by Atlantic Records and THEBLACKLABEL. Featuring 12 tracks that showcase Rosé’s introspective and personal artistry, it explores themes of love, heartbreak, and self-reflection, encapsulating Rosé’s emotions and experiences.
The tracklist includes standout singles like APT., a collaboration with Bruno Mars, and Number One Girl, both of which have achieved remarkable chart success. toxic till the end, released alongside the album, delves into the complexities of unhealthy relationships. Other notable songs from the all-English K-pop album are 3am, Gameboy, and Two Years, among others.
3) IU – The Winning
Released: February 20, 2024
Known for her ability to blend timeless melodies with modern sounds, IU’s The Winning marked her comeback to the music scene after three years. The K-pop album revolves around love winning over everything in tracks like Love wins all, or an ode to womanhood in Shh...(feat. Wonsun Joe; NewJeans' Hyein & narration by Patti Kim).
The double title tracks Shopper and Holssi displayed her enigmatic side where she touched on the themes of "creating one's own reality" and playing God. This album was followed by her first world tour, HEREH, across North America, the United Kingdom, China, Hong Kong, and more.
![IU – The Winning. (Image via YouTube/ 이지금 [IU Official])](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/21f4d-17336881370164-1920.jpg)
4) Stray Kids – ATE
Released: July 19, 2024
Stray Kids’ ATE is a high-energy album that explores themes of passion, rebellion, and self-expression. Tracks like Chk Chk Boom and MOUNTAINS showcase the group’s overcoming obstacles in the face of adversities. The tracks are kind of an ode to their old hits like Hall of Fame (from 5-STAR) and Victory Song (from Clé 1: Miroh).
The album’s unapologetic tone and experimental soundscapes earned it widespread acclaim, topping the Billboard 200 Album Chart. ATE became Stray Kids' fourth album to sell over 1.6 million album copies on the Hanteo chart on the first day of its release, following Maxident (2022), 5-Star (2023), and Rock-Star (2023).
5) BTS' Jimin – MUSE
Released: July 19, 2024
MUSE follows Jimin's successful debut album FACE from March 2023. The album, announced by BigHit Music, explores themes of inspiration and artistic discovery, offering fans a deeper glimpse into Jimin's creative journey and emotional world.
MUSE features seven tracks, including collaborations with notable artists such as Sofia Carson and Loco. The title track, WHO, is a dynamic fusion of hip-hop and R&B, created with Grammy-nominated artist Jon Bellion. Other songs include Smeraldo Garden Marching Band, Slow Dance, and the fan-dedicated track Closer Than This.
6) BTS' Jin – Happy
Released: November 15, 2024
BTS' Jin made his pop-rock debut with his much-awaited maiden album Happy released on November 15. The set's pre-release track, I'll Be There was a pop-rock anthem where he promises to be there for his fans (BTS ARMY) and his members no matter what. Additionally, the set's title track, Running Wild hits too close to home touching the themes of love.
However, his duet track with Red Velvet's Wendy, Heart on the Window, is a soulful pop love song. Other standout tracks include Falling, a poignant pop song about falling in love and wanting to be with them.
7) DAY6 – Fourever
Released: March 18, 2024
DAY6 returned with Fourever, the album explores themes of love, longing, and hope. Tracks like The Power of Love and Sad Ending highlight the group’s signature blend of rock and pop, while their lyrics touch on universal emotions.
The K-pop album resonated deeply with fans, particularly for its raw emotional delivery and intricate instrumentation, proving DAY6’s status as one of K-pop’s most respected bands.
8) SEVENTEEN – SPILL THE FEELS
Released: October 14, 2024
SEVENTEEN’s SPILL THE FEELS is a vibrant exploration of emotions, featuring a mix of upbeat tracks and introspective ballads. The album's title track, Love, Money, Fame, is a bold collaboration with Grammy-winning producer DJ Khaled, blending K-pop energy with his signature style. This track examines the complexities of chasing fame and fortune while staying grounded in meaningful relationships.
Candy by the vocal team brings sweetness and nostalgia, embodying the innocence of young love. Furthermore, Rain by the performance unit uses intricate choreography and evocative lyrics to capture life’s bittersweet moments. Whereas, Water by the hip-hop team delves into resilience, likening personal growth to flowing water.
9) TWICE – With YOU-th
Released: February 23, 2024
TWICE’s With YOU-th captures the spirit of nostalgia while celebrating the energy of youth. The album revisits themes of friendship and self-discovery, with tracks like I GOT YOU and BLOOM evoking a sense of warmth and optimism.
I GOT YOU was penned by Jonah Morais and Daniel Seavey (from American boy band Why Don't We) along with Jake Torrey, David "Dwilly" Wilson, and Lexxi Saal. The entire album focuses on the themes of friendship and love reminiscent of the group members' camaraderie with each other.
10) ENHYPEN – ROMANCE: UNTOLD -daydream-
Released: July 12, 2024
ENHYPEN's second full-length album, ROMANCE: UNTOLD -daydream-, explores the complexities of romance. The K-pop album delves into fantastical storytelling, focusing on the love stories of seven individuals from vastly different worlds. Despite their hidden identities and secrets, they navigate their feelings for a central character, symbolized as “you.”
Tracks like Moonstruck is a sensual and addictive opener while XO (Only If You Say Yes)—the title track—is a heartfelt pop anthem pledging unconditional love. Other tracks like Your Eyes Only, Hundred Broken Hearts (co-written by member Jungwon), and Paranormal are performance-driven songs.
Other K-pop albums to stream and take note of are P1Harmony's Sad Song, BOYNEXTDOOR's 19.99, D.O.'s BLOSSOM – The 3rd Mini Album, ZEROBASEONE's You Had Me at HELLO, and ARTMS' DALL among others.
All these K-pop albums are available on all major music platforms.
