2024 in K-pop was a whirlwind, to say the least — unexpected collabs, discussions of artist rights, idols swapping labels or creating their own, and solo efforts from the biggest stars all dominated headlines. Through all of the discourse, however, arose another year of the best K-pop music videos providing us with more elaborate aesthetics, storylines, and lore.
While the music trends of 2024 are usually at the forefront, the landscape of K-pop music videos is a little more difficult to pin down, as artists and their labels all have their own vision and signature style that sets them apart from the rest. In one realm, you have The Boyz leading a rebellion against the tyranny of AI; in another, you have TWICE hanging out with Megan Thee Stallion.
Whether it’s a blockbuster movie in the form of a three-minute video, a nostalgic homage to a particular decade, or a wacky free-for-all designed to throw you off, these are Teen Vogue’s picks for the 13 best K-pop music videos of 2024 (in no particular order).
(G)I-DLE, “Super Lady”
If any group were the definition of “locked in,” it would definitely be (G)I-DLE. After dominating the K-pop world with girly anthem “Queencard” in 2023, the group kicked off 2024 with their most extravagant and flashy music video to date, “Super Lady.” Co-directed by (G)I-DLE leader Soyeon and production team High Quality Fish, “Super Lady” pays homage to some of the industry’s most prominent female musicians: Beyoncé (specifically in “Love On Top” and “Single Ladies”), Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, and K-pop’s very own 2NE1. As influential women in their own right, the concept is right up (G)I-DLE’s alley.
Making their grand entrance inside a stadium with flashing lights and a sea of dancers, (G)I-DLE delivers the euphoric feeling of a concert experience straight to your doorstep. When the girls aren’t executing their best girl power stances and salutes in sparkly captain’s hats, they each take on the persona of a powerful woman in fiction, mythology, or history. Soyeon is Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, Miyeon is sitting pretty on her throne as Cleopatra, and Shuhua looks absolutely royal as the Queen of Hearts. Meanwhile, Minnie becomes the ever-seductive Medusa with braids down to her feet, representing the devious snakes that famously become the Gorgon’s hair. And finally, Yuqi commits her entire look to the popular Disney villain, Cruella de Vil.
Decked out in a Dalmatian-spotted jumpsuit, luxurious fur coat with ‘90s Glenn Close shoulder pads, and Cruella’s infamous split-toned hair, Yuqi immediately commands attention as she walks three Dalmatians down a black carpet like the diva she is. From the wardrobe and glamorous sets alone, it’s no wonder “Super Lady” is now one of the most expensive K-pop videos to have been produced, with Soyeon revealing it cost 1.1 billion won (or $820,000) to make their visions a reality. The result? Nothing less than super, spectacular, and ultra-feminist in all the right ways.
BIBI, “Bam Yang Gang”
Like a fairytale come to life, soloist BIBI captivated Korea this year with her enchanting single, “Bam Yang Gang.” Named after a popular Korean snack, a jelly made of chestnuts and red beans, the song marks a shift from the dark concepts BIBI’s become known for and opts for something more graceful and whimsical in tone. Evidently, it worked out in her favor as “Bam Yang Gang” achieved immense commercial success, earning BIBI her first Perfect All-Kill, first-ever music show win, and most recently, a MAMA award for “Best Vocal Performance Solo.”
According to the singer, “Bam Yang Gang” is meant to evoke a sense of nostalgia, with BIBI imagining what it would’ve been like if she had been born 50 years ago and became a singer in that era. The track’s accompanying music video also conveys this same timeless aura, with its storyline and visuals mirroring those of traditional folklore. Opening with an intense scene of BIBI getting dumped by her onscreen boyfriend, “Bam Yang Gang” follows the tale of a girl who simply wanted an authentic love story — or the metaphorical bamyanggaeng, in this case. Not a whole feast, just a simple treat or gesture to know that she’s loved for who she is.
Unfortunately, things don’t go as planned, and we see a heartbroken BIBI fall asleep in her bed before getting dragged off into a magical realm by her witchy doppelgänger. In this fantasy world, Witch BIBI fulfills several fun, stereotypical witchy tropes seen in media over the years: riding on brooms, possessing an ominous crystal ball, and concocting recipes in her boiling cauldron. She, and a couple of friendly mice, use the latter to help Real World BIBI cook the famous bamyanggaeng treat in an attempt to mend her broken heart. In the end, Real World BIBI returns to her home and gets somewhat of a happy ending as she finally eats a version of the bamyanggaeng she’s been craving. Like the beloved fairy tales we grew up with, “Bam Yang Gang” deserves to be passed down for generations to come, so that the legend of BIBI and her ongoing legacy continue to flourish.
ATEEZ, “Ice On My Teeth”
Life is temporary, drip is forever. Whether they’re treasure-hunting pirates gallivanting across the seven seas or gun-toting cowboys on the run, ATEEZ has made it very clear throughout their career that they are not the ones to be messed with. The same theme rings true with their latest single, “Ice On My Teeth,” a smooth hip-hop track that accentuates the octet’s swagger and impeccable class. This time, however, the members trade in the Wild West aesthetic for European-style street gangs.
Continuing the brief storyline of ATEEZ as money launderers in this year’s, “WORK,” the concept for “Ice On My Teeth” feels very much in line with the Peaky Blinders, a real street gang based in Birmingham, England, that operated from the 1880s up until the 1920s. You’ll recognize the name and aesthetic from the popular British period crime show, starring Cillian Murphy as gang leader Thomas Shelby.
Dressed to the nines in three-piece suits, black leather gloves, and floor-length overcoats, the ATEEZ members fully make you believe they run the most elite and influential gang in town — to fear them is to respect them. Team captain Hongjoong seems to take on the role of Thomas Shelby, given the newsboy cap he wears referencing the character (and how the Peaky Blinders acquired their name in the first place). But if you look closely, there are even sly nods to The Godfather and mafia culture in general, including a very “blink and you’ll miss it” scene of rapper Mingi putting on a gold ring and holding out his hand for one of his followers to kiss. Honestly, we could go on about the beauty of this MV — the hair and wardrobe, the ballerinas, the elegant set dressing of the mansion — but rewatching “Ice On My Teeth” for the umpteenth time seems like a much better use of our time.
THE BOYZ, “TRIGGER”
Ever since their rise in popularity following the competition series Road to Kingdom and Kingdom in 2020 and 2021 respectively, The Boyz have become synonymous with theatrical grand-scale performances, and for good reason. The dramatism intricately woven into their darker, more powerful concepts is chilling, often combining ancient themes with a modernized twist. In 2023, it was Fallen Angels with “ROAR,” but this year, the epic electro-pop and hip-hop-tinged “TRIGGER” carries the torch into a new era inspired by Greek mythology and the Legend of Prometheus.
Throughout history, humanity has always had a funny way of turning resources that were once used to further civilizations into weapons of destruction, tearing down the very infrastructures that they helped build. From humans’ misuse of fire — as summarized by rapper Sunwoo in the video’s opening sequence — to the misuse of AI in today’s world, mankind will always find a way to implode on itself. The Boyz know this, which is why in “TRIGGER,” the group seemingly becomes agents of the gods, particularly Zeus, to help humans defy and resist the tyranny of virtual reality and AI. While many moments in the video depict rebelliousness and breaking free of the system, some of the most striking scenes include members Juyeon and Hyunjae, as the former paints the Chinese symbol “導” on his bandmate’s face, which means “to direct, guide, lead, and conduct.” Yes, it’s symbolic of the song’s theme and The Boyz’s mission to guide humans in a better direction, but the term could also apply to the group’s position in K-pop, continuing to guide and lead expectations regarding high-level concepts and god-tier performances.
Suho, “Zero Gravity”
Looking back on the videos that left an impact this year, it’s important to acknowledge that not all of them have to live up to the standard “wow factor” this industry has ingrained in our brains. Don’t get me wrong — we love when music videos aren’t afraid to get creative and spoil us with baffling visuals, cool transitions, and out-of-the-box concepts that make our heads spin. But there’s also validity in preferring videos that exist simply for sentimental value; something that makes you feel closer to the artist and a part of their story. “Zero Gravity,” an alt-rock B-side from Suho’s latest EP 1 to 3, is one of those videos.
With the MV releases of his double title tracks, “Cheese” and “1 to 3,” EXO leader Suho had already shown how comical, eccentric, and larger than life he can be. From attempting a cheese robbery in a museum with Red Velvet’s WENDY to rocking out on the moon with his band, there’s no question the singer enjoys showcasing his sense of humor from time to time. However, nothing captures the full essence of Suho’s passion, dedication, and love for his craft quite like “Zero Gravity.” Right from the beginning, we’re thrust into Suho’s rockstar world as the video opens with various clips throughout his album production process: writing and recording, sharpening his guitar skills, all leading up to clips of his first solo tour, “SU:HOME.”
There’s a certain intimacy and trust that comes with this vlog-style music video — as if Suho is personally inviting us into his bubble to experience his creative process firsthand. It’s sacred yet liberating; personal yet joyful. For longtime EXO-Ls watching, it’s easy to see how far he’s come as a soloist and how weightless he looks when it comes to his music. You can’t help but smile and hold back tears as he does the same while addressing the crowd, knowing what it took to get to this point. From start to finish, “Zero Gravity” is a celebration of Suho in his best and truest form: vulnerable, grounded, content, and irrevocably free.
Doh Kyungsoo, “Popcorn”
Doh Kyungsoo, otherwise known as D.O., is easily one of the most recognizable voices in K-pop. His rich, warm timbre is all-consuming, and the emotion he pours into each syllable has you hanging on his every word. Ironically enough, it’s his conviction and willingness to explore human emotions that also makes D.O. one of the most recognizable and acclaimed actors in Korea, gaining notoriety through various films and dramas such as My Annoying Brother, Swing Kids, and 100 Days My Prince. Marrying his acting chops with the likes of his solo music over the last few years, D.O. has struck a perfect balance between musician and actor in his music videos — most recently, with this year’s lighthearted single, “Popcorn.”
Reminiscent of a mid-2000s sitcom, the video for “Popcorn” follows a lovestruck D.O. throughout his day as he gets ready to see his loved one. Although the singer-turned-actor is amazing in serious, dramatic roles, his comedic timing here is phenomenal and a highlight of “Popcorn” as a whole. One minute, he’s frantically cleaning his room before Facetiming his sweetheart, and the next, he’s breaking out in a quirky little dance while ironing his clothes — and then again out in the hallway of his apartment. The copious amounts of popcorn sputtering out from random places also add to the cartoonish humor, likening the feeling of your heart popping out of joy to the sensation of cooking popcorn kernels. As D.O. finds himself nestled in an elevator filled with the delightfully buttery snack, it’s nearly impossible to deny the pure rom-com energy he so effortlessly carries.
aespa, “Whiplash”
Sometimes, less is definitely more, and who better to serve minimalistic runway stardom than fashion darlings aespa themselves? As if 2024 couldn’t get any better for the quartet following the massive success of “Supernova” and “Armaggedon,” the girls gave us all a collective whiplash in their most recent video, appropriately titled, “Whiplash.”
Until now, aespa’s aesthetic has hinged on its maximalist, hyper-futuristic, otherworldly concept, merging the real world with metaverse motifs and avatars. In “Whiplash,” the girl group dials it back with the video mainly consisting of a plain white background akin to a production stage; it might’ve been one of the rare times a K-pop MV actually went viral for its choice of minimalism and subtlety. As each member does her part to assemble the sleek camera equipment, “Whiplash” could easily pass as a high-fashion, high-quality engineering advertisement — think prestige fashion show meets savvy women in tech.
We then cut to some outdoor shots during the second verse, with NingNing giving her best catwalk before Giselle sneaks up to steal the entire heel from her shoe. It’s all good, though, because the trickery only results in what might be NingNing’s fiercest and most iconic pose yet, as she falls with a poise that supermodels everywhere would envy. Before aespa takes their final bow, “Whiplash” closes with a much-needed catwalk from all four members, serving face and proving why they’re truly K-pop’s It Girls of 2024.
Stray Kids, “Chk Chk Boom”
Given Stray Kids’ long history as fans of Marvel (specifically Deadpool), it was only a matter of time before we witnessed a true collaboration between the K-pop group and their superhero icons. However, I don’t think anyone could’ve predicted the Deadpool himself, Ryan Reynolds, and his best mate Hugh Jackman, aka Wolverine, appearing in their respective suits for Stray Kids’ “Chk Chk Boom” video. Maximizing their joint slay in true Marvel cameo fashion, Reynolds and Jackman’s presence and interactions with the Stray Kids members make “Chk Chk Boom” feel that much more monumental and grand in scale. Not only does it showcase the power Stray Kids holds to draw in two of Hollywood’s biggest stars, but it’s also a testament to the genuine friendship the group has built with Reynolds these last few years.
Cameos aside, however, “Chk Chk Boom” is classic Stray Kids territory as a “mysterious phenomenon” occurs worldwide, throwing everything in disarray and a sea of madness around them. Trash is littered across the streets, graffiti has taken up every inch of the buildings shown, and exploding paintballs are shot into the sky, creating a festival aura in the middle of the city. As for the cause of his phenomenon, I’d say it probably has something to do with Stray Kids’ affinity for disruptive chaos while looking damn good dishing it out. I mean seriously, Hyunjin in those red shades could throw the world off its axis and we’d all thank him for it.
EVERGLOW, “Zombie”
Why wait until October for spooky concepts when EVERGLOW was already four months ahead of the curve? Directed by Ziyong Kim of The Fantazy Lab, EVERGLOW’s 2024 single “Zombie” surprisingly tones down much of what the sextet has been known for since its debut. Where there would usually be splashes of color, grandiose sets, and dramatic lighting now is swapped for a cooler, almost lifeless void of suspense and despair — similar to the song’s lyrical message of the emptiness felt after a heartbreak.
Opening with vocalist Sihyeon laughing maniacally, “Zombie” invites us into the hospital-themed horror show, where EVERGLOW is dressed head to toe in ghostly white dresses and matching wigs to set the tone. One by one, each member is revealed while staring intensely at her phone, hinting that whatever’s on the screen is the cause of their zombie-fication. “Every night turns cold, my heart lost its warmth / Your cruel lies kill me,” Yiren sings. We’re bombarded with conflicting scenes of the girls crashing out like the chase scene of a slasher flick before reverting to the slow, ghoulish movements we started with. For a music video titled “Zombie,” we’d expect nothing less than the creepy existential critics lurking around every corner and behind every door.
SEVENTEEN, “Spell”
You know it’s a flex when your unit B-sides get the same level of treatment as your title tracks, which in SEVENTEEN’s case has just become the standard lately. After dropping this year’s single “Maestro” from their 17 Is Right Here album, SEVENTEEN’s performance unit (Hoshi, The8, Jun, and Dino) took the liberty of enchanting fans with its dreamy Afrobeat-driven wonder, “Spell.” Leaning into the theme of tarot cards and spiritual exploration, the members embody divinity on its highest plane and remain light on their feet, swerving between angelic and outright seductive. Every sway of their hips or swing of their shoulders brings you closer to paradise.
Most of the video takes place within a dome-like setting, seemingly hinting that SEVENTEEN is actually inside the crystal ball that appears in both the intro and outro. The ethereal landscapes constantly change around them, shifting from bright blue skies to an aurora borealis to a nighttime setting as lightning strikes in time with their dancing. Not that it’s a surprise to anyone at this point, but the fluidity with which the unit moves is like water, repeatedly ebbing and flowing until you’re completely entranced in its waves. Maybe that’s why there are several water motifs shown throughout the video; from the ocean shore to the inside of a waterfall cave, everything about “Spell” is dipped in luxury.
Wendy, “Wish You Hell”
Imagine rolling up to your own funeral and basically giving yourself the middle finger — okay, maybe not literally, but Red Velvet’s Wendy definitely has some experience this year when it comes to burying her old self. In her second solo project, “Wish You Hell,” the SM singer uses the rebellious pop anthem to rid herself of the girl she once was, someone who lived by the rules and expectations of others instead of pursuing the life she wanted to live. By the time we see this mindful and demure version of Wendy, she’s already lying in a coffin, with the new and approved Wendy looking over the funerary box and promptly shutting it with satisfaction. “Forget that good girl / I tried and at first, it wasn’t bad / But now I’m done,” she idly sings in the opening.
It’s symbolic and inspiring for anyone who can relate to shedding skin that no longer fits with their changed beliefs. Wendy is interested in big questions, like when does selflessness turn into people-pleasing? When does compliance get in the way of fulfilling our own needs? “Wish You Hell” addresses this topic in a way that’s lighthearted and campy while still getting its message across loud and clear. From triumphantly dragging her corpse down to hell to eerily dancing in an empty school auditorium (very Red Velvet-coded), Wendy’s true self as a soloist is utterly entertaining, and she deserves to be as loud and proud about it as she pleases.
LE SSERAFIM, “Crazy”
Capitalizing on the huge success of 2023’s “Eve, Psyche, & The Bluebeard’s Wife,” girl group LE SSERAFIM pulled out all the stops in this year’s musical event, “Crazy.” Directed by Yunah Sheep, the video features the members going full American ballroom — voguing, duck-walking, and all alongside the House of Juicy Couture vogue dance team. If you think you’ve seen a trippier music video than “Crazy,” think again.
From beginning to end, “Crazy” makes you feel like you’re on a Y2K acid trip, with several deliberate moments of the members “glitching” while they dance or the video appearing to buffer mid-song. As fun and creative as these scenes are, it’s the girls’ commitment to being as eccentric, and sometimes deadpan, as they can while pulling off some of the most unexpected moves. For example, Eunchae’s fall into a dip is legendary; she executes it without even breaking a sweat but makes it look even more adorable than it should. Likewise, Sakura’s scenes are easily some of the best, including her first scene as she “walks like an Egyptian” surrounded by dancers wearing lampshades on their heads, and of course, her flawless duck-walk. With songs like “Crazy” and MAMAMOO’s Solar’s “Color” that outwardly celebrate and incorporate ballroom house, we hope to see even more LGBTQ+ influenced videos in K-pop very soon.
NewJeans, “Supernatural”
Despite the ongoing conflicts that transpired this year between NewJeans and their label ADOR, 2024 continued to spotlight the group’s musical and visual impact on the K-pop industry. Once again drawing inspiration from the ‘90s with its city-pop and New Jack Swing influence, NewJeans’ “Supernatural” highlights everything we tend to romanticize about the late 20th century — nostalgia at its finest.
Broken up into two parts, the video is set up like a ‘90s teen drama, with NewJeans’ youngest, Hyein, acting as the story’s main character. Considering the singer was injured during the time this was filmed, her incorporation into the overall plot is seamless — you wouldn’t even notice her absence in the dance portions if you were unaware of the circumstances. While part one of “Supernatural” sets up the storyline from an outsider’s point of view, part two offers new context and fills in the blanks as if we’re witnessing the conflicts unfold in real-time. Between the girls’ ultra-laid-back styling and the retro filters to evoke the essence of ‘90s TV, NewJeans has the art of vintage throwbacks for a modern industry down pact.
TWICE feat. Megan Thee Stallion, “Strategy,”
Bet you never thought you’d see TWICE join forces with hip-hop’s resident Hot Girl herself, Megan Thee Stallion. Well, neither did we, but 2024 was certainly a year of surprises. After featuring on the Houston rapper’s “Mamushi” remix in October, the JYP girl group doubled back for round two in their newest release, “Strategy.” Covered from head-to-toe in early aughts hip-hop flavor, “Strategy” is a visual and musical treat made to exist in TWICE’s bubblegum-coated world.
Opening with Chaeyoung flipping open a magazine that mimics the design of the group’s Strategy album, the video transforms into part music video, part fashion editorial, and part “How to Win Your Man Over in 10 Days.” When the girls aren’t dancing inside a pink-toned shooting range or in front of a heart-shaped ferris wheel, they’re living their best lives in personalized photoshoots and advertisements, all while coming up with their best love strategies. In this setting, you truly feel just how much TWICE has matured in nearly a decade while never straying too far away from the sweet aura they’ve always had. Now, there’s just a little more spice to it — this is where Megan Thee Stallion fits in.
Known for making cute aesthetics look effortlessly sexy, there’s no question Megan Thee Stallion was meant to feature in a TWICE video. The rapper makes her first appearance halfway through “Strategy” on a rooftop with a bullhorn and even if that’s all we got, it would’ve been more than enough. Luckily, Megan’s recent trip to Korea involved so much more than rapping her verses alone, as the next scene cuts to an all-white set where we finally get Megan and the TWICE members being absolute baddies together in one frame. If this is what dreams are made of, we never want it to end.
“toxic till the end,” Rosé
The feats that BLACKPINK star Rosé has achieved in just the last few months of the year are nothing short of legendary, dominating both the pop and K-pop spheres with the viral Bruno Mars collab, “APT.” from her debut solo album, Rosie. In her third single — following the release of “number one girl” in November — Rosé steps into her emo-pop bag and takes a more cinematic Gilmore Girls approach with her music video, “toxic till the end.”
Inspired by Rosé’s real-life relationship with an ex-boyfriend, “toxic till the end” sees the singer processing the fallout and traumatic events of participating in their toxic relationship. By playing up the drama, betrayals, and heartache of it all, the video unfolds like a 2000s love story turned sour, following the couple as the cracks in their romance start to show.
With 2021 Gossip Girl actor Evan Mock playing the role of “The Ex,” it’s the first time we see such intimacy and raw emotion from Rosé — allowing herself to open up to the world and show that she’s no different from any other girl in love. From frolicking in the gardens to skateboarding and drinking together, Rosé and Mock’s chemistry speaks for itself. However, as the rose-colored glasses begin to fade, it’s clear the pair were doomed from the start — like a head-on collision that neither tries to avoid. Instead, they’re adding fuel to the fire as both attempt to get under each other’s skin and see who can hurt whom the most. Like a twisted chess game, he may have been playing her after they met, but Rosé is a master at turning the tables before the match even began.
