Drama aside, South Korean music remained stronger than ever this year with everyone from domestic legends to adorable newcomers all proving that they had something to offer our ears. Like in 2012 and 2013, the Billboard staff once again sifted through the charts and beyond to bring the 10 songs that break language barriers, push conventional music boundaries and best highlight all the K-pop scene has to offer. (And see our list of the 10 best K-pop albums here.)
10. SISTAR - "Touch My Body"
9. Dynamic Duo & DJ Premier - "Animal"
After 15 years on the scene, hip-hop heavyweights Dynamic Duo made yet another game-changing move by releasing a collaboration album with legendary producer DJ Premier, aptly titled A Giant Step. On the standout single "Animal," Dynamic Duo brings their immaculate rhyming over Preemo's lyrical scratches and aggressive loops.
8. Hyolyn & JooYoung - "Erase"Put together two prodigiously talented vocalists on a richly produced, jazz-inspired track and you have an instant hit. Newbie JooYoung reveals a silky tone that perfectly complements and counters Hyolyn's smoky vocals.
7. INFINITE - "Back"
"Back" opens with ballad-style piano as harps, 808s and siren-like synths are added to this slow-burning sonic mix. The beat drops and the single takes a drastic, energetic turn as synth-heavy breakdowns are infused with orchestral strings (best heard at the 2:23 mark) as if the seemingly disparate parts are working in tandem to be heard as one collective sound.
This track is an exciting display of Nell vocalist/composer Kim Jong Wan's knack for sophisticated songwriting. He uses force of gravity as a metaphor to describe one's inability to forget past love over a soundscape of driving drums, luscious guitar strums and lively piano chords.
5. San E & Raina - "A Midsummer Night's Sweetness"
Duets between hip-hop stars and K-pop idol sweethearts were a major trend this year, but none hit the mark as well as San E alongside Raina of After School. The two bounced off each other's energy as the girl-group diva added harmonies to San E's verses while the rapper ad-libbed on her unforgettable, hook-laden choruses.
4. TVXQ! - "Something"
With a big-band concept in tow, TVXQ! celebrated their 10th year on the K-pop scene with a swing-pop track to help make this the most sophisticated release of the year. Yunho and Changmin bring their signature energy and harmonies to the game, but the unexpected bebop break and jiving breakdown boasting Jimi Hendrix-esque guitar show the veterans still have more than enough tricks up their sleeves.
3. G-Dragon & Taeyang - "Good Boy"
G-Dragon and Taeyang's collaborative effort, a trap-inflected banger with heavy bass and pulsating synths, is 2014's most addictive single and guaranteed to be a new club anthem. The song structure is familiar and accessible, but the BIGBANGboys blur the line of rapping and singing as the guys trade off lines. GD x Taeyang hardly feels like a collaboration, but more like a cohesive artist.
2. Seo Taiji & IU - "Sogyeokdong"
Both the Korean rock legend and K-pop sweetheart dove into new sonic territory with this synth-pop spectacular. In a complex combination of sounds and emotions, IU's melancholy coos and honeyed harmonies detail South Korea's dictatorship days in the '80s amid Seo Taiji's symphonic storm of crunchy synthesizers. There's a lovely dreaminess to the track, but there's also a dark history in the lyrics and instrument choices.
1. Beast - "Good Luck"
From big band to EDM to '80s synth-pop, some of the best K-pop songs of the year came from honing in on and perfecting a particular concept. But by pulling fresh music inspirations while still retaining their band's signature energy, Beast truly nailed it with this lovelorn breakup track that spans 360 degrees of entertainment and emotions.
Emotional piano lines and heartfelt croons evolve into fierce kiss-off lyrics over fizzy electronic production. Meanwhile, ominous cellos, sneering violins and other orchestral elements creep in before they're trounced by throbbing EDM and trap beats as the guys showcase their singing, belting and rapping skills. There isn't much more you could ask -- or that could fit -- in this meticulously put-together tour de force.
Crafted by member Junhyung and his longtime collaborator Kim Taejoo, "Good Luck" feels like the singer/rapper is truly at a point where he understands how to make his band's dynamics shine while pushing himself to create bigger and better productions, undoubtedly a trend that will continue as Beast moves into the second half of their first decade together stronger than ever.
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