July is here, and with it comes the Hello Asia! team's reflections on the best of K-pop in 2015 so far. So what made the cut? Check out our top 20, in order of release.
Hello Venus - "Wiggle Wiggle"
Ok, I know it feels like this song has been around for ages now, but I still love it!! Completely caught me off guard, but it is insanelyyyyy catchy and hypnotizing to watch as a dance. The girls really did a super job with this song! - Kat Czornij
Jonghyun - "Crazy (Guilty Pleasure)"
After months of endless teasing and speculation, fans of SHINee’s blond-haired, selca-taking singing sensation Jonghyun were greatly rewarded. Described as “neo-punk-soul”, the hypnotic vocal melody matched against a steady yet driving beat, and a hip-hop infused harmony is irrefutably infectious. Shackled and shirtless, the MV is also a true visual delight, and serves to highlight the desire and deliriousness behind the emotion in the lyrics. Jonghyun is not only a multitalented performer, but he can also write a killer song; it is smooth, sinister, and effortlessly sexy. ‘Crazy’ makes me crazy, in the most perfect way imaginable. - Anastasia Giggins
1Punch - "Turn Me Back"
I'm disappointed there hasn't been more hype about this duo - the boys of 1Punch dropped this catchy tune in January but I haven't heard a peep from them since, and they're way too talented to fade into obscurity. That dance looks like so much fun! - Erin Smith
4MINUTE - "Crazy"
Probably one of the catchiest songs of the year so far, you can't deny that everyone had their "Crazy" period. The song is aggressive, upbeat, and all-around badass. Also it brings back bucket hats into fashion for girls, seriously, who doesn't want a custom bucket hat with their names on it to wear while dancing to such a badass song? - Ghassani Swaryandini
Shinhwa - “Sniper"
It is admirable how its heavy dance and gothic sound, hip hop shuffle rhythm, modern K-Pop vocals and raps could contrast and blend effectively without having one overpowering the other in "Sniper". The track is well layered and harmonised with electronic synth beats, dub step and a gothic reminiscence of nerve wrecking Kill Bill whistle melody adding on intensity and mystery. Again, Shinhwa's effort creates an enslaving track. - Lya Susanto
XIA - "Flower"
He may be my ultimate bias, and I may thus in turn be ultimately bias, but everything that Xia Junsu releases is always so utterly perfect. "Flower" is visually stunning as an MV, intricately theatrical, and the song itself is vocally and lyrically beautiful. My bias for a reason! - Kat Czornij
Eric Nam – "I’m OK"
May be I am just a sucker for ballad but Eric Nam’s “I’m OK” seriously does not disappoint. In fact, I'd say it is Eric's best release yet. The emotional track shows off his beautiful and soothing voice accurately portraying the pain and frustration of a loss and heartbreak anyone could relate to. It is soundtrack worthy and is a good companion for the cold weather. - Lya Susanto
GAIN - "Paradise Lost"
Anyone looking for the paradise lost? Look no further than this eve-esque jaw-dropper of a single, released by K-Pop’s Queen of Sexy Gain. Admittedly, I was a little late to Gain’s ‘Paradise’ party; it was a whole two months after its initial release that I listened to the song for the first time. But when I did, it was like sweet honey – I was hooked. Featuring sliding strings, a deep bass, and a grandiose church organ, it is track that is dangerously addictive. The MV is a must-watch; spectacularly sultry and sexy, it is perfectly suited to the seductively sumptuous song. - Anastasia Giggins
MFBTY – “Bang Diggy Bang Bang”
“Bang Diggy Bang Bang” is definitely one of the best releases of 2015 so far. It is composed and arranged to perfection combining Korean hip-hop with Indian music style. The blend signifies the celebration of cultural and racial differences as well as MFBTY's own hip-hop brand. The predominant Indian percussion beats are unique, catchy and addictive, the dance and music video are simple but are very much fun, and the lyrics are proud and motivational. “Bang Diggy Bang Bang” is an edgy, vibrant and inspirational piece of art proving MFBTY's significance in the Korean music industry. - Lya Susanto
BASTARZ - "Zero for Conduct"
April brought with it a change in weather; while Australia shivered, the talented B-Bomb, U-Kwon, and P.O. from famed group Block B dropped their sizzling hit single ‘Zero For Conduct’. Under the name of Bastarz, this new subunit created some serious K-Pop heat, with a track that is outstandingly solid – a mix of rebellious raps, slick and sweet rhythms, and a bold electronic chorus. It is daring and almost dangerous, and I love every single second of it. - Anastasia Giggins
From the very first moment I heard this I was hooked! Then I saw the MV and dance and was even more hooked. This subunit of Block B is bad azz, totally awesome in the style of Block B, and this song is catchy, epic and really fun. - Kat Czornij
Dalshabet - "Joker"
Despite the controversial dance moves and the way they pronounced 'Joker' (which is said to resemble a particular Korean slang), this song does not get out of your head, and not in an annoying way. Joker is a brassy pop song that is very easy to listen to and is possibly the most K-pop song on my list.- Ghassani Swaryandini
Jinusean - "Tell Me One More Time" (featuring Jang Hana)
There's nothing I love more than a great funk-pop tune, and YG rap duo Jinusean nailed it with "Tell Me One More Time". The bass holds it down and leaves plenty of room for the wild synth, the vocoder hook and the catchiest chorus this side of Jamiroquai. - Erin Smith
UNIQ - "EOEO"
This brassy hip hop song with dark, heavy beats is so catchy it will get you to hum the 'EOEO' part straight away. Paired with an excellent, sexy dance routine, this song is a killer. - Ghassani Swaryandini
UNIQ caught me totally off-guard with this track, after their previous fresh-faced and cutesy releases. "EOEO" is all dirty grooves and attitude, and I hope they give us a lot more of that in future releases! Plus how great are those horn samples? - Erin Smith
Lim Kim - "Love Game"
Lim Kim quickly became one of my favourite singers ever when I discovered this song and fell in love with her voice. The playful lounge song showcases her unique husky voice very well. This song is definitely very refreshing to the ears and stands out in the midst of other K-pop songs. - Ghassani Swaryandini
BTS – "I Need U"
BTS are relentlessly full of energy, delivering faultless and infectiously divine hip-hop and R&B inspired dance tracks that never fail to impress. From strength to strength, these men push the limits of what it truly means to be bulletproof; it is their 2015 hit-single ‘I Need U’ that simultaneously explores a rather unique vulnerability that pulls you in and refuses to let up. Their music is raw, their talent undeniable, a particular strength that makes them one of my own personal favourite male groups. Unashamedly, this song was on repeat for days. Even now, one listen is never enough. Fortunately, the boys will be heading down to Australia in July and I cannot wait. - Anastasia Giggins
BIGBANG - "Loser”
"Loser" is not BIGBANG's usual edgy and fun hip-hop track we are used to. It is a unique release with a hint of gothic influence - dark and emotional. I couldn't imagine a better depiction of such depressing subject and agony, which is a challenging task on its own. - Lya Susanto
SHINee - "View"
My SHINee boys are back, and this time they’re showing us all how mature and wonderfully talented they all are. "View" is sexy and catchy, and has a shoulder swiveling dance move to make you swoon (MINHO’S ARMS!). SHINee just keeps getting better and better every year, and who doesn’t love watching the antics these boys play on each other?- Kat Czornij
SHINee most certainly delivered with an infectiously upbeat, celestial driving pop-hit that features SHINee at their most brilliant, bubbling best. I have not been able to get enough of this sweet, sweet tune! Whimsical, soft, and entirely dreamlike, quite honestly, I am a fan of anything these five wonderful boys do. - Anastasia Giggins
BIGBANG - "BANG BANG BANG"
Whoever listens to "BANG BANG BANG" would instantly fall in love with it. Though the climax isn't comparable to "Fantastic Baby", the track is undeniably upbeat, catchy and addictive. Besides, the chorus is a banger - everyone regardless of their age could sing along and follow the dance action. I don't doubt that "BANG BANG BANG" is a must have party song. - Lya Susanto
2PM - "My House"
This one only dropped in mid-June but it had me right away. The Cinderella concept, the acoustic guitar and that totally-nonchalant-but-sexy-as-hell walk away from the camera in the chorus choreography - 2PM have it all going for them and I will happily follow them home. Well, they are insisting after all. - Erin Smith
SISTAR - "Shake It"
Yes! This just came out but I love it!! The song is so happy and fresh and summery, and that’s just what I love from Sistar. These girls have smiles and know how to use them! The dance is cute and sexy, a nice balance, and I can’t wait to shake it in dance class! - Kat Czornij
