Top 10 K-pop Summer Songs

Summer is always one of the most anticipated seasons for music releases. Artists usually use this time to release more jovial, lighthearted fare, and even go on summer tours. And the beauty of a summer song is its versatility in genre despite catering to a very specific ambiance. From upbeat dance tracks to refreshing downtempo numbers, summer has a song for everyone. So here is my list of the top 10 K-pop songs to cool down this summer!

10. SISTAR - Touch My Body

Who could make a list of K-pop summer songs with SISTAR, the summer queens themselves? "Touch My Body" has to be one of their most iconic releases, and rightfully so since the four members are clearly the front and center stars in this song. Perfect for summer, the song uses a brassy pop instrumental underpinned by a catchy hook and ample saxophone. SISTAR's vocal smarts are what bring this song to the next level, though. While the backing on "Touch My Body" is laid back, Hyolyn, Soyou, and Dasom effortlessly propel the song into a bombastic, head-bopping number with their soulful, smooth vocals. And of course, Bora counters well with a sassy rap.

9. GFRIEND - Sunny Summer

With this 2018 release, GFRIEND teamed up with the recently disbanded SISTAR's producers to shoot their shot at the summer queen title. And it's quite a convincing attempt. They bring their expert performance skills to "Sunny Summer," imbuing it with power and personality. The song is still classic GFRIEND, though, with its melodic, pure aesthetic. Only now, things are bright and sunny. While the verses are rather throwaway, the ascending pre-chorus pulls you right into the edge of your seat, just before the beaming chorus full of jazzy synths explodes. It's uplifting, and pleasant, just the right mood maker for an exciting summer.

8. (G) - IDLE - DUMDi DUMDi

"DUMDi DUMDi" was quite an unexpected follow-up to the dark, moody "Oh My God." It diverges from (G)-IDLE's rather sophisticated sound with its bright and gamey atmosphere. The song uses chopped vocals looped against a plethora of sharp claps, bells, and African drums. A mighty pre-chorus carries up the earnest verses, soaring to the open sky, into the amusing chorus. And the obligatory rap by Soyeon and an incredibly catchy refrain are here to brighten up the day. The overall result is delightfully chaotic. Paired with a striking music video storyline, which sees the members in a strangers-to-friends arc making the most of their stay at a motel together, "DUMDi DUMDi's infectious energy does justice to poetic summertime friendships.

7. 2NE1 - Falling in Love

2NE1 may have disbanded nearly 6 years ago, but their discography still holds up today. "Falling in Love" reaches back even further to 2013, combining reggae, hip hop, and dancehall for an unexpectedly chill sound. Sonically, this was a change for 2NE1, who usually opted for the girl crush genre now used by their successors, Blackpink. The toned-down feel is welcome, though, as its grooviness suits summer wonderfully. And it still does not squander any of 2NE1's attitude or flamboyance, which live on through their signature vocals and the fun music video. It's full of sass, confidence, and fun. I just hope newer K-pop fans are able to discover and enjoy this song.

6. Sunmi - Heart Burn

Sunmi's discography is one of the most thought-provoking and artistic in the entirety of K-pop, and her most recent release is no exception. A follow-up to 2020's "pporappipam," "Heart Burn" sets itself in a dreamy, hypnotic landscape, perfect for relaxing on a hot summer day. The subdued energy of the song is well matched by Sunmi's husky, sensual voice. And of course, no Sunmi song would be complete without a stunning music video. "Heart Burn" uses clear, sunny imagery, showing Sunmi as a fabled femme fatale living through the ages in the Americas. It's an intriguing song, perfect to dance to in a hazy heat wave.

5. Twice - Alcohol-Free

"Alcohol-Free" is quite a unique K-pop song. While summer music is nothing new for TWICE, bossa nova very much is, even to K-pop as a whole. Despite this, "Alcohol-Free" remains faithful to its title, opting for a simple, sugary sound. Breezy tropical melodies abound as TWICE liken an intoxicating love to consuming a slew of alcoholic drinks, despite actually having none of them (hence the name). The music video is absolutely gorgeous, juxtaposing sunny vacation days and refreshing drinks with nighttime parties and bright fireworks. As a whole, "Alcohol-Free" is sweet and relaxing, a perfect accompaniment for drinks at the poolside.

4. Red Velvet - Red Flavor

"Red Flavor" is undeniably one of K-pop's most iconic summer songs. It utilizes a variety of different percussion laid onto explosive synths, sprinkled with a muffled, robotic vocal line. The result is a glitzy, youthful pop number. Using Red Velvet's vocal expertise and its fast-paced tempo to its advantage, the song is constantly taking a new direction with each section. Poppy verses are set off by a creamy, melodic pre-chorus. The jumpy chorus is topped off with a swift rap section, and an explosive finale performed by main vocalist Wendy. All in all, "Red Flavor" is fun, endearing, and refreshing. It just feels like classic summer.

3. Hyolyn - SEE SEA

Although SISTAR may have disbanded, each individual member continues to do justice to their legacy. Main vocalist Hyolyn brings forth her skill with solo track "SEE SEA." An 80s tropical surf track, "SEE SEA" is a dreamy, wistful song full of clunky, summery melodies and zingy guitar. The icing on the cake is a slow, hushed chorus where Hyolyn showcases both her refined lower register and powerful head voice. It's a slow burner, but the nostalgic coming-of-age feel complimented by Hyolyn's timeless vocals makes "SEE SEA" perfect for beachside relaxation.

2. AleXa - Xtra

Continuing with soloists, American Song Contest winner AleXa took a break from her hard-hitting cyberpunk sound last year with "Xtra." It's meant to be a fun, lighthearted dance song, and boy does it succeed. "Xtra" harkens back to old-school funk and hip hop, using brassy synths and booming percussion to craft an addictively energetic pop soundscape. AleXa steers the song with dynamic charisma and confidence. While the verses primarily opt for talk-rapping, the chorus takes an unexpected turn with its powerful, authoritative vocals. The lyrics are amusing, and the music video is bright and full of momentum. It's lively and fun, tailor-made for summer.

1. Elris - Summer Dream

Surprise! Elris may not be one of the most popular K-pop groups, but they have consistently released top-tier music since debut. The star of their discography is the bright and refreshing "Summer Dream." Sparkly synths, retro percussion, and cheerful vocals grace this beach-drive number. Reminiscent of Apink, the song is imbued with the nostalgia and purity of quintessential 2nd gen K-pop. It's a no-brainer classic.