15. WOODZ – Smashing Concrete
Seasoned artist WOODZ holds a range of titles—K-pop chameleon, industry rebel, and the resurgence of K-pop innovator Seo Taiji are just a few. After completing his military service, he burst back onto the scene with ‘Smashing Concrete,’ featuring piercing electric guitar riffs and rhythmic cymbals that welcomed him home. The impassioned chant of “Keep on running” drives the song forward, embracing a nu-metal style not commonly heard in K-pop since the early 2000s. Although his 2023 track ‘DROWNING’ became an instant hit, WOODZ has shown a desire to keep straying from the norm, and ‘Smashing Concrete’ exemplifies this. In simple terms, WOODZ is a rockstar, and there’s much the industry can learn from him.
14. HONGJOONG of ATEEZ – NO1
The launch of ATEEZ’s 13th EP ‘GOLDEN HOUR: Part 3’ allowed for a deep dive into each member’s solo identity, and leader Hongjoong delivered admirably. This rave-ready EDM track interspersed with Jersey club beats mirrors his persona—nonconformist, confident, and creatively fearless. The song builds into hard techno, with a hypnotic bassline as the rapper declares: “N-O one, off the leash, I’m on the throne / N-O one, drip so hard, they can’t clone / N-O one, made the fake boys all fold / N-O one, overload the game, I own.” The title, a condensed version of Hongjoong’s motto “NO 1 LIKE ME,” showcases his skills as a composer, rapper, and artist overall.
13. RIIZE – Another Life
RIIZE garnered attention with their unconventional approach and clear talent with instruments. Following tracks like ‘Talk Saxy’, ‘Boom Boom Bass’, and ‘Get a Guitar,’ the group was ready to pivot with their debut full-length album ‘ODYSSEY.’ Closing the 10-track collection is ‘Another Life,’ a dreamy pop composition infused with R&B, funk, and soul. The result is a reflective midtempo piece that contemplates what life could be like if they could go back and try again, exploring endless possibilities. The group often doesn’t get enough recognition for their sweeter R&B tracks; however, ‘Another Life’ perfectly highlights their capabilities, illustrating their artistic growth.
12. NOWZ – Problem Child
NOWZ, a quintet under Cube Entertainment, are the fresh faces of the industry, and though they have only been active for about a year, they are beginning to captivate audiences. After rebranding from NOWADAYS, their musical style shifted dramatically; now embracing hip-hop, ‘Problem Child’ lives up to its title. A total departure from their previous work, the performance video has already surpassed seven million views. NOWZ is eager for the world to take note, expressing their rebellious spirit, or as they put it, “the kind of fun adults don’t understand.” Supported by a dynamic group of dancers, they showcase their determination, giving fans and new listeners a taste of their direction.
11. NMIXX and Pabllo Vittar – MEXE
NMIXX teamed up with Brazilian drag queen Pabllo Vittar in August for ‘MEXE,’ marking a unique collaboration. The title means to mix or stir in Portuguese, which is reflected in the production, blending Portuguese and English lyrics alongside hip-hop, trap, and Brazilian funk influences. Both sonically and artistically, NMIXX and Vittar bring fervor to the project, with NMIXX offering polished vocals and engaging delivery. Importantly, ‘MEXE’ positions NMIXX as the first group to musically collaborate with a drag queen, showcasing their commitment to being pioneers in the industry.
10. Chaeyoung ft. SUMIN, Jibin of Y2K92 – RIBBONS
TWICE’s Chaeyoung ventured solo this year with her debut album ‘LIL FANTASY vol. 1’. This project provides a personal glimpse into her world, sharing her experiences with fans. The release was beautifully complemented by ‘RIBBONS,’ a collaboration with SUMIN and Jibin of Y2K92. Chaeyoung expressed her admiration for SUMIN in an interview, noting her desire to unite a group of women for this collaboration. Consequently, ‘RIBBONS’ becomes a captivating two-and-a-half-minute experimental R&B track infused with glitching adlibs and altered vocals, perfectly realizing her artistic vision.
9. KATSEYE – Gnarly
KATSEYE has swiftly become a household name, with their rise to stardom occurring almost instantaneously. Their polarizing release quickly ignited trends. Irrefutably campy and
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15. WOODZ - Smashing Concrete https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=im6Df9xTRno A seasoned professional in the industry, WOODZ holds numerous titles, including K-pop chameleon and industry rebel, and