K-pop music videos nowadays do much more than simply promote songs or visualize lyrics. Music videos are powerful carriers that express each artist’s unique persona and creativity; some K-pop artists even incorporate a common theme throughout their music videos, which accumulate into a sprawling yet cohesive universe. Featuring dynamic computer graphics, cultural elements, or playful and often humorous tones, K-pop music videos have stunned global audiences time after time and allowed fans to connect with songs on a deeper, more emotional level, even transcending language barriers.
We present six sensational K-pop music videos from 2024. Each video has set industry trends with unique themes, high production quality, and cinematic elements that have wowed fans all over the world.
Armageddon – AESPA
Music Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFYwcndNuOY
Photo: SM Entertainment
Released on May 27, 2024, ‘Armageddon’ is one of the double title tracks from aespa’s first full length album of the same name, “Armageddon”. While the music video for ‘Supernova’ (the other title track) adheres to a quirkier aesthetic, “Armageddon” takes fans on a journey through cosmic horror, a rare theme in K-pop. Weaved throughout the video are CG-generated images based on crop circles, Cthulhu mythos, and eerie liminal spaces, adding great detail to aespa’s ‘KWANGYA’ universe.
Following the success of “Armageddon”, aespa released their 5th Mini Album ‘Whiplash’– a techno-based album with an expanded setlist and a fresh, spicy sound. aespa has multiple year-end concerts planned in Korea, Japan, and more, with promises of an even richer setlist. Fans can look forward to being blown away by aespa’s ever-evolving music universe in the remaining months of 2024 and well into 2025.
Chk Chk Boom – STRAY KIDS
Music Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0P0aQreFs8w
Photo: JYP Entertainment
Released on July 19, 2024, the music video for Stray Kids’ ‘Chk Chk Boom’ takes the group’s iconic blockbuster music video visuals to new heights. The ‘Chk Chk Boom’ music video features cameo appearances by Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman as Deadpool and Wolverine, bringing Hollywood flair to New York’s streets. Stray Kids’ music videos have always had a certain grandiosity, but with ‘Chk Chk Boom’ the group solidified their identity as international superstars.
Following the success of ‘Chk Chk Boom’, Stray Kids began their world tour ‘dominATE’, which started in Sydney, then continued to Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines. The tour will continue into January, 2025, and fans worldwide eagerly await their explosive performances and upcoming projects.
Saint – DPR IAN
Music Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnujWlVacRY
Pre-released in 2023 and officially released on June 8, 2024, the music video for DPR IAN’s ‘SAINT’ takes place in a dark, medieval fantasy setting reminiscent of the video game ‘Dark Souls.’ In this video, DPR IAN appears as a hooded adventurer seeking power; the dark and mysterious ambience of the song, mixed with colorful CG and DPR IAN’s signature lightening effects, makes the music video a cinematic masterpiece. DPR IAN is known for directing all of his own music videos, and the creativity of his music videos has been a significant factor in his popularity. DPR IAN’s particular approach to both music and visuals has set new standards for K-pop music videos, with more and more music video directors striving toward striking aesthetics.
DPR IAN’s world tour, ‘The Dream Reborn,’ kicked off in July, 2024. The tour will take DPR IAN to 22 countries and 36 cities across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. The futuristic visuals of the stage and DPR IAN’s powerful vocals have fans all across the world scrambling for tickets.
Dangerous – BOYNEXTDOOR
Music Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkCXVgcsGTU
Photo: HYBE LABELS
Released on September 9, 2024, ‘Dangerous’ is a pre-released track from BOYNEXTDOOR’s 3rd EP [19.99]. The music video for ‘Dangerous’ visually expands on the song’s retro elements, drawing inspiration from 90s K-pop music videos as well as incorporating more modern inventions such as TikTok memes, Instagram Live, and other social media. ‘Dangerous’ captures the thrill of a secret, late-night adventure that you wouldn’t want your parents to know about, and BOYNEXTDOOR brings a fresh Gen Z groove to the song with a simple, unique beat. This fresh take on K-hip-hop, based on childhood memories that everyone can relate to and borrowing from old K-pop music videos, evokes nostalgia for Koreans and resonates with global fans alike.
BOYNEXTDOOR’s 3rd EP [19.99] was a smash hit on Billboard and Oricon charts, propelling the rising 5th generation idol group into global stardom. As BOYNEXTDOOR continues on their journey toward the top of the K-pop industry, their trajectory suggests that the group has bigger hits to come.
Stuck – 82MAJOR
Music Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vls2xzqYbG4
Photo: Great M Entertainment
‘Stuck’ is the title track of 82MAJOR’s 2nd mini album [X-82], and the music video for ‘Stuck’ was released on October 15, 2024. At once a parody and an homage to Asian spy films, the music video blends elements from 80s Hong Kong cinema, particularly Stephen Chow and Jackie Chan films. From costumes to cinematography, the music video makes multiple nods to heist films such as ‘Ocean’s Eleven’, spy and action films such as ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’, and the recently popular Netflix K-drama ‘Squid Game’. Each re-watch of ‘Stuck’ music video unearths yet another delightful easter egg or film reference, which may explain how the video reached 11M views on YouTube just one week after the release.
Though it has only been a year since 82MAJOR debuted, the group is making a mark on the K-pop industry and gaining attention for their unique and fresh take on hip-hop. As seen in the ‘Stuck’ music video, 82MAJOR is challenging industry norms with their signature wittiness and Korean flair. 82MJAOR debuted on Billboard Charts recently, and fans are eagerly watching to see if this fast-rising 5th generation group will continue to dominate global music charts.
Nemonemo – YENA
Music Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPp8hbuZwW0
Photo: Yuehua Entertainment
YENA’s latest single album “NEMONEMO” was released on September 30, 2024, at the same time as the music video for the eponymous title track ‘NEMONEMO’. The music video follows the story of YENA as a high school girl in a world where “everything is square”. YENA’s unique ‘square’ concept has been a delight for fans, bringing her endearing, cute style to life. The music video “NEMONEMO” breaks new ground with a unique concept, departing from the grand scale and flashy visuals typical of major K-pop agencies. Instead, it draws inspiration from the trendy “Square meme” popular in Korea, unfolding as a romantic comedy. This fresh approach offers a distinctive style in the K-pop scene.
Since her solo activities after IZ*ONE, YENA has been expanding her influence in Korea and Japan. She has appeared on many TV shows and concert stages. As she continues to charm fans worldwide, YENA’s upcoming projects are sure to bring her even closer to her global audience in 2025.
K-pop continues to push boundaries of the genre with constant innovation and experimentation, bringing not only artistic and technical mastery but also humor and kitsch to the mix. These six music videos open new chapters in music video history, and followers of K-pop can look forward to witnessing the evolution of K-pop music videos.
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