15 Favorite Title Tracks Of 2016

It dawned on me as I was making this list just how many good songs were released this year. I never had the thought that 2016 would be such a good year musically as the year was passing, however in hindsight I can definitely say there's been many great releases. Additionally I did notice that compared to my "K-pop 2015" playlist there are many more tracks on this years', which also tells me that 2016 did deliver in that aspect. Like last year I'm going to make a separate post for title tracks and b-sides, just because it would be too difficult to cram the two into one ranking, as well as expanding the list to 15 tracks instead of 10. I listen to way too much music, basically. Let's go!


Red Velvet - Russian Roulette

Funnily enough I wasn't much into the song at all when I first listened to it, but after hearing it a few times I couldn't get it out of my head. I love the electronica-infused bubblegum-pop sound and the chorus is incredibly infectious.

NCT U - Without You

Every once in a while a song comes along that at first listen has an impact big enough for you to feel your life slightly changing. That was what happened with this track as it from the beginning made me feel something completely new and different, truly feeling every note deep inside my heart.

Produce 101 - In The Same Place

Out of all the songs B1A4's Jinyoung has produced for girl groups this year (and you will see many more, I promise) this one is my absolute favorite. It's sweet and feminine but at the same time mature, heartfelt and absolutely stunning.

Luna - Free Somebody

When a group member goes solo you always wonder what direction they will go musically, and boy am I happy that Luna didn't go down the ballad route but instead chose to show off her vocals in this dance track. Such a good song.

Taeyeon - Why

I didn't exactly love this at first either but after a while it did become my favorite song of the summer, with it's EDM-influences and dance-friendly sound. It's a new genre for Taeyeon and she pulls it off just as flawlessly as one would expect.

Block B - Toy

Another song that might have flown slightly under the radar this year is Block B's "Toy", and it almost did to me too had I not heard it live at Kcon. It's a really chill track with great rapping (as one would expect), great lyrics and heartfelt vocals sung to a beautiful melody.

BTS - Blood, Sweat & Tears

You wouldn't expect a BTS song not to be here, right? It's almost as if everything they touch turn to gold, which was proven once again with their comeback this past October. It does have a different sound from their past work but they pull it off amazingly.

I.O.I - Whatta Man

I know that this song was sampled and thus isn't exactly a new, original song, but the arrangement of "Whatta Man" did kind of blow me out of the water. The power, attitude and fierceness is real with this track and I love every bit of it.

GFriend - Rough

It was difficult to chose between this song and "Navillera" as both were great tracks, but I think that at first listen I liked "Rough" a tiny bit better. It's a song that's very "GFriend-esque" but showcased a slightly more mature sound to round up their successful schoolgirl trilogy.

B.A.P - Skydive

"Skydive" provided me with the kind of content I've been wanting to see from B.A.P since like 2013, and that's not an exaggeration. I absolutely love the song and its raw power and force, with great rapping, vocals and a chorus that gets to me every listen.

EXO - Monster

Here as well I found it hard to pick between "Monster" and their other fantastic title track "Lucky One". However this one came out on top due to it being slightly more powerful, with a chorus that hits so hard it's impossible to forget.

Monsta X - Fighter

With Monsta X I once again had to choose between the two great title tracks they've released this year, but as much as I loved "All In" as a comeback I actually liked and listened to "Fighter" more, at least when looking at my top hits of 2016 on Spotify.

WJSN - Secret

This comeback did kind of come out of nowhere in the sense that I didn't expect it to be of such high quality. The title "Secret" isn't groundbreaking or without flaw but it still stuck on me and I have been listening to it countless times since it came out.

Boa & Beenzino - No Matter What

SM's "Station" project did provide some great material throughout 2016, but my absolute favorite has to be this electro-pop track by BoA and Beenzino. It has a very fresh and modern sound that I could definitely see being popular even in the US and Europe.

Dal Shabet - Someone Like U

Last but not least we have arguably the most underappreciated jam of 2016; Dal Shabet's "Someone Like U". It's a great 80's influenced pop track with a catchy melody and vocals. I do wish they would've gained some more fame with it because the song is that awesome.

Honorable mentions:

GFriend - Navillera

EXO - Lucky one
Taemin - Drip Drop
K.A.R.D - Oh NaNa

I.O.I - Very very very

Day6 - Letting go

Berry Good - Don't believe 

SHINee - Tell me what to do

BTS - Fire
Monsta X - All In

Song of the Week #64

BoA - No Matter What (ft. Beenzino)


I have so much respect and admiration for BoA and her work and it saddens me when newer K-pop fans dismiss legendary artists such as her because they're not young or "hip". This song however is very modern and I feel like this is the kind of music she could do more of.  The sound is great, melody is amazing and her vocals are flawless.

Glorious Photoshoots - February

Two of SM's most famous visuals; Yoona and Kai, shoot together for Elle and look amazing.

Favorite Award Show Performances - 2016 SMA & GDA

I do love award shows, and although I love watching my favorites win what I like the most are the many enjoyable performances these shows often offer. Admittedly many of my faves do win awards, but that's just an added bonus. Another enjoyable aspect are the interactions that occur between different group members, and watching them dig and jam along to each other's music. I didn't quite have the will to do a full recap of these award shows, but I did find the time to at least present to you some of my favorite performances.

TBT - BoA's "Only One"

Released: July 21, 2012

In celebration of queen BoA making her long-awaited comeback this month I thought I'd share this gem with you all. "Only One" was quite possibly the first BoA song I heard, and it has been my favorite since. However, the choreography for the song takes the cake for being probably my favorite female choreography ever. BoA is an amazing dancer, and watching her perform every move with both power, smoothness and crispness is truly astounding.

Glorious Photo Shoots - April Round-Up!

Spring has officially arrived, and what better way to celebrate than with this iconic shot of f(x)'s Sulli for "High Cut". Also, about the lack of boys in this post...sorry not sorry.

50 Most Beautiful Female Idols (50-41)

The time has finally come, guys. Now take in mind that these are all my personal opinions and if yours differ than that's fine. Remember that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder.


50. AOA's Seolhyun


I certainly don't think she's as pretty as some people make her out to be, but definitely pretty enought to earn a spot on this list. I would say her personality helped a lot too, as I find her quite endearing, and her body is smoking hot.

49. Rainbow's No Eul


This girl is a lot prettier than what she gets credit for, which is shame, but than again the entire group falls under the same category. I really don't know too much about her either but she stood out to me right away when I first encountered Rainbow during their "Tell Me Tell Me" promotions.

48. Hello Venus' Nara



I'm not lying when I say her smile is one of my favorites ever. Seriously, she looks so radiant when she smiles it lights up the room. Now that Hello Venus has returned with two new members I'm hoping they might gain some more recognition, and I hope Nara will be officially acknowledged as Korea's new smiling angel.

47. A Pink's Hayoung


Not only does she have a unique face but she also has, by far, the greatest body out of A Pink which earns her major bonus points. Her strength lies in her easily distinguishable look that sets her apart from her band members. She's also a 96-liner like me, but that totally hasn't affected my decision at all.

46. Fiestar's Jei


Jei kind of looks like a hamster to me, a cute one of course, and especially when she smiles. I think it's the teeth that makes it. However, she is very pretty and stands out the most in her group that's full of pretty members. If only they where a bit more popular.

45. Crayon Pop's Ellin


Ellin is just crazy pretty. I don't understand why people aren't going nuts about her because she's the most gorgeous thing ever. Her smile is like kittens and unicorns and she has an amazing personality that's both funny and sweet.

44. AOA's Hyejeong


There's an obvious reason as to why Hyejeong is the second face of the group next to Seolhyun. I don't know if you've been put under her spell yet but if you haven't I can guarantee you it won't be long until you are.

43. IU


IU's image wasn't always a favorite of mine, but with her jazzy album "Modern Times" she really turned me into a fan. I loved seeing this mature, grown-up side of hers and I honestly think she's getting more and more beautiful each day that passes.

42. BoA


Life must run by so smoothly for this lovely lady. Can you imagine being that talented in dancing and singing and looking incredibly beautiful at the same time? No, me neither. God certainly doesn't create us all equal.

41. Rainbow's Woori


Is Woori hot? Yes, yes and yes. I was extremely upset when she cut her sexy locks off for "Tell Me Tell Me" as I didn't think it suited her image at all, but I think she's growing it out again. Such a beautiful woman deserves some long, sleek hair.

Glorious Photo Shoots: September Round Up

BoA's "Cosmopolitan" photo shoot opens this truly glorious September pictorial collection, and how this month has blessed us with beauty and inspiration.