2021 was a great year for K-Pop. (Opens in new tab) As the world recovers from the turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic, the K-pop industry innovated with virtual performances and had some great comebacks this year. From newcomer comebacks to star solo debuts, idols and artists embraced more futuristic sounds and theatrical concepts, giving fans plenty of music to enjoy all year long. Here are 20 of our favorite new K-Pop songs for the hit-filled year 2021.

"Celebrity" - IU

"Celebrity," IU's latest song about the nature of celebrity and the public eye, captivates listeners with its uplifting lyrics and soft house beat that breaks into an EDM chorus.

"Rosario" - Epik High ft. CL, ZICO

Korean hip-hop group Epik High has been around for literally decades, but this song featuring K-pop icons CL and Zico reminds us of their influence and greatness.

"I'm Not Cool" - HyunA

The title track of her first full EP released on PSY's P-Nation label, HyunA shows her originality with a quirky EDM beat and powerful dance moves.

"Beautiful Beautiful" - ONF

This bright song by boy group ONF is filled with upbeat instrumentals and inspirational lyrics, with scolding pep in the track.

"On the Ground" - Roze

BLACKPINK member Roze stands out with an introspective solo debut that blends acoustic guitar and an EDM chorus, coupled with a stunning video.

"After School" - Weeekly

Up-and-coming girl group Weeekly made a splash with this catchy bop about waiting for the school bell to ring.

"Unnatural" - WJSN

Veteran girl group WJSN, also known as Cosmic Girls, broke the K-pop disco trend with this powerful dance track.

"Spider" - Hoshi

Seventeen member Hoshi debuted as a solo artist with this impressive performance.

"ASAP" - STAYC

New girl group STAYC took the K-pop industry and Tik Tok by storm with this bright, bubblegum pop song.

"Fever" - ENHYPEN

Another big hit on Tik Tok, this B-side song by new boy group ENHYPEN has a moody R&B beat.

"Next Level" - aespa

A remix of a song from the Fast and Furious soundtrack, this hit song has a sound that has become a trademark of aespa's and carries the listener along, switching beats along the way. Don't be surprised if the entire song gets stuck in your head.

"Advice" - Taemin

The final song in Taemin's comeback before his military service, this is a dramatic track with hip-hop and classical influences.

"0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You)" - TXT ft. TXT collaborated with solo artist Seori and BTS leader RM on this heartfelt rock ballad this year with a pop-punk concept.

"Butter" - BTS

BTS' second comeback in English is an R&B-inspired bop that references Usher and Michael Jackson and showcases each member's unique style.

"Alcohol-Free" - TWICE

In this summer track, TWICE compares the thrill of love to the feeling of being drunk, with happy, light-hearted lyrics and a bossa nova-style beat.

"Ready to Love" - Seventeen

After six years as a group, Seventeen is best known for its bright and catchy title track. "Ready to Love" finds the group returning to its dance-pop roots, singing lyrics about wanting more than friendship

"I'm Not a Friend.

"NAKKA" - AKMU ft. IU

Brother-sister duo AKMU team up with their mentor, IU, on a friendship in hard times The three of them combine their beautifully clear voices with a retro-style instrumental.

"Zombie" - Purple Kiss

The first comeback from new girl group Purple Kiss puts a fun twist on its dark concept, with this funky track comparing the pursuit of love to being chased by zombies.

"LALISA" - Lisa

This is the solo debut song of BLACKPINK's main dancer, Lisa (real name Larisa Manovan).

"Bad Love" - Key

SHINee member Key's first comeback since leaving the military, this solo song is an intergalactic-themed R&B-style synth-pop with lyrics about love gone wrong.