Top 50 K-Pop Singles of 2012: 30-21*
Updated: May 23

30. TVXQ!- Humanoids
Humanoids is precisely what the name suggests - a dystopian-like EDM production that pleads the modern generation to create a better future through high-octane vocal performances.
It helps that the soundscape is high-quality too!
29. B.A.P- Power
Power builds on Warrior's sound to provide another potent, in-your-face B.A.P title track.
The hook is powerful, but that "warning" post-chorus is more effective. Backed by a heavy metal-inspired instrumental, this comeback showed B.A.P wasn't your typical rookie group to mess with!
28. Beast- Beautiful Night
Beautiful Night wastes no time presenting itself as a catchy dancefloor anthem thanks to its ear-grabbing refrain, especially when Yoseob sings the line "I'm yours."
It's the perfect song to get you jumping!
27. 100%- Bad Boy
Dramatic and propulsive, Bad Boy arrives as an underrated debut powerhouse thanks to its strings and electronics.
When it comes down to it, though, the guys stole the show by offering a sweeping chorus and a thrilling "Get it out" post-refrain!
26. BoA- The Shadow
BoA delivers chewy melodies over a prominent electro beat, leaving no room for dull moments.
The chorus, in particular, is a mouthwatering highlight. Every second of the hook is irresistible, rightfully ended by a piercing electronic!
25. ZE:A- Phoenix
Phoenix marches forward as an underrated electropop dance song, distributing a winning chorus and galvanizing "fire burn" post-hook.
The glitchy electronics and vocal melodies made every second of this track entertaining!
24. f(x)- Electric Shock
Living up to its name, Electric Shock is an electropop banger carrying a colossal beat and playful hooks. The most charming moment happens during the refrain when the members sing "Nanananananana" in tune with the instrumental.
Points to Luna for her part after the first chorus, though everyone gets points for delivering fun, showstopping melodies!
23. J.Y. Park- You're the One
K-pop veteran J.Y. Park proves he can compete with the younger competitors with this smooth r&b masterpiece.
The hook is excellent, but the post-chorus is even better! The repetition of "neo ppuniya" is dangerously addicting!
22. 4Minute- Volume Up
This song is 4Minute's undisputed champion.
The driving force of Volume Up is its formidable pre-chorus. With the help of Gayoon and HyunA, the track excitingly builds to a jump-inducing refrain that delivers a powerful punch.
Ultimately, it's the saxophone riff that steals the show. You hear it in the intro, and it arrives again after the hook, appearing as the song's trump card to deliver the final blow!
21. Block B- Nillili Mambo
You figured this song would come out full force just by looking at its name.
Featuring a heavy beat and symphonic samples, Nillili Mambo is a thunderous party track displaying several highlights, such as its enormous chorus, Zico's and Kyung's rapping, and U-Kwon's outstanding singing.
This is a powerful anthem you don't get to hear in K-pop nowadays!