Top 25 K-Pop Albums That Made 2024 Unforgettable
From rookie groups making bold statements to global icons redefining their sounds, these albums showcased K-pop’s unstoppable growth and innovation. Here are the 25 best K-pop albums of the year as revealed by Billboard, ranked and celebrated for their impact.
25. P1Harmony – Sad Song
P1Harmony took their artistry to new heights with Sad Song. The EP features a blend of Latin pop, hip-hop, and rock elements. Tracks like “WASP” and “It’s Alright” highlight their ability to experiment while maintaining chart dominance, rising to No. 16 on the Billboard 200.
24. SCENEDROME – RESCENE
This rookie girl group’s debut album captivated fans with dreamy ballads like “New World” and electro-pop gems like “LOVE ATTACK.” SCENEDROME’s refreshing take on pop ensures their status as rising stars to watch in 2025.
23. Jin – Happy
After his military service, BTS member Jin made a triumphant return with Happy. The album fuses pop-rock with heartfelt ballads, including “Running Wild” and “Heart on the Window,” his duet with Red Velvet’s Wendy.
22. EPEX – Youth Chapter 2: Youth Days
EPEX continued to impress with their second full-length album, delving into themes of growth and self-discovery. Songs like “UNIVERSE” and “1997” bring a nostalgic yet fresh approach to synth-pop and reflective storytelling.
21. BOYNEXTDOOR – 19.99
With standout singles like “Dangerous” and “Nice Guy,” BOYNEXTDOOR’s debut full-length album captures the freedom and camaraderie of youth. The group’s relatable lyrics and polished production resonated with fans worldwide.
20. IVE – SWITCH
IVE showcased their versatility on SWITCH, featuring anthems like “HEYA” and introspective tracks like “Blue Heart.” Jang Wonyoung’s lyrical contribution further adds to the album’s heartfelt narrative.
19. Stray Kids – ATE
Stray Kids delivered their fifth No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 with ATE. From the rap-rock opener “Mountains” to the soulful “Twilight,” this album solidifies their place as genre-bending innovators.
18. DK – NAKSEO
DK, of iKON fame, went solo with NAKSEO, blending R&B and electronic dance music seamlessly. Tracks like “Groovin” and collaborations with Bobby and Punch highlight his versatility and artistic growth.
17. ENHYPEN – ROMANCE: UNTOLD -daydream-
Embracing lighter tones, ENHYPEN expanded their ROMANCE series with tracks like “Daydream” and “No Doubt.” The group’s intricate production and heartfelt themes captivated listeners and critics alike.
16. D.O. – BLOSSOM
D.O. of EXO released his most personal album yet under his new agency. Songs like “Mars” and “My Dear” explore love, regret, and self-reflection, making BLOSSOM a standout solo project.
15. ZEROBASEONE – You Had Me at HELLO
ZEROBASEONE’s debut album blends polished production with emotional depth. Tracks like “Solar POWER” and “Feel the POP” offer a rewarding listening experience for fans old and new.
14. SEVENTEEN – Spill the Feels
SEVENTEEN celebrated their global success with Spill the Feels. From the disco-inspired “Rain” to the braggadocious “Water,” the album is a testament to their unending ambition and creativity.
13. Yugyeom – Trust Me
GOT7’s Yugyeom dazzled fans with his solo album Trust Me, featuring tracks like “SHINE” and “Say Nothing.” His R&B and pop blend makes this album a must-listen.
12. ARTMS – DALL
Former LOONA members reunited under ARTMS to deliver DALL, a genre-spanning album with empowering tracks like “Girls Never Die” and “Virtual Angel.”
11. DAY6 – Fourever
DAY6 solidified their legacy with Fourever, blending rock, punk, and synth-pop. Songs like “HAPPY” and “Welcome to the Show” are crowd-pleasers.
10. NMIXX – Fe304: Break
NMIXX refined their signature MIXX pop sound with Fe304: Break. Tracks like “DASH” and “Passionfruit” showcase their ability to innovate while staying true to their unique style.
9. Baekhyun – Hello, World
EXO’s Baekhyun made a triumphant return with Hello, World. The album balances his R&B roots with experimental tracks like “Cold Heart” and “Pineapple Slice.”
8. Yves – I Did
Yves embraced bold concepts with her solo album I Did, featuring tracks like “Viola” and “Gone Girl.” Her artistry continues to evolve in exciting directions.
7. ONEW – FLOW
SHINee’s leader ONEW embraced his independence with FLOW. Songs like “Beat Drum” and “DIM” highlight his growth as a solo artist and storyteller.
6. tripleS – ASSEMBLE24
tripleS brought all 24 members together for ASSEMBLE24, a celebration of unity and creativity. Tracks like “Girls Never Die” and “Dimension” shine brightly.
5. NCT 127 – Walk
NCT 127 delivered another masterclass in production with Walk. Tracks like “Orange Seoul” and “Rain Drop” solidify their place as genre-defying trailblazers.
4. PLAVE – ASTERUM: 134-1
Virtual boy band PLAVE broke boundaries with ASTERUM: 134-1, proving their talents are anything but artificial. Songs like “WAY 4 LUV” and “From” stand out.
3. TWICE – With YOU-th
TWICE earned their first No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with With YOU-th, featuring empowering tracks like “I Got You” and “New New.”
2. IU – The Winning
IU delivered a positive, uplifting album with The Winning. Tracks like “Love Wins All” and “Holssi” highlight her growth and innovation as an artist.
1. RM – Right Place, Wrong Person
RM’s second solo album is a daring exploration of identity and artistry. Tracks like “Domodachi” and “Come Back to Me” make Right Place, Wrong Person one of the most impactful albums of the year.
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