Idol Music Dominates the Rankings
The prestigious Gallup survey has unveiled South Korea’s top songs of 2024, showcasing the preferences of thousands of citizens aged 13 and up. This year, idol music and K-Pop soloists unsurprisingly dominated the list, reflecting the ongoing popularity of these genres among younger audiences.
1. BLACKPINK’s Rosé & Bruno Mars – “APT.”
Topping the list is the collaboration between BLACKPINK’s Rosé and global superstar Bruno Mars with their hit song “APT.” Garnering 9.8% of the votes, this track not only achieved acclaim internationally but also resonated strongly with Korean listeners across various age groups.
- Cross-Generational Appeal: “APT.” was notably the highest-ranking song among listeners aged 19–29, 30s, and even made it into the top 10 for those in their 50s.
2. aespa – “Supernova”
Aespa’s “Supernova” claimed second place with 7.2% of the votes, particularly popular among those under 30.
- Youthful Favorite: In the 13–18 age group, it ranked first with an impressive 12.2% of the vote, showcasing its appeal to younger fans.
3. NewJeans – “How Sweet”
NewJeans continues to shine with their track “How Sweet,” which secured third place with 5.9% of the votes.
- Consistent Performance: This song held steady in rankings across multiple age groups, including third for both the 13–18 and 19–29 demographics.
More Notable Entries
4. IVE – “HEYA”
IVE’s catchy track “HEYA” ranked fourth overall and performed consistently across age categories, making it a favorite among younger listeners.
5. DAY6 – “Happy”
DAY6 made a notable appearance with their enduring hit “Happy,” which received 4.7% of the votes and showcased their lasting impact on K-Pop.
6. IU – “Through the Night”
Despite being released in 2017, IU’s “Through the Night” remains a beloved choice among fans, receiving 4.3% of votes from those under 30.
7. NewJeans – “Hype Boy”
Another entry from NewJeans, “Hype Boy,” continues to charm listeners, securing its place on the list with 4.1% of the votes despite its earlier release.
8. BIBI – “Bam Yang Gang”
BIBI’s viral hit “Bam Yang Gang” made waves this year, particularly appealing to younger audiences with a total of 3.7% of votes.
9. IU – “Love Wins All”
IU appears again with her track “Love Wins All,” featuring BTS’s V in the music video, garnering significant attention and securing ninth place.
10. NewJeans – “Supernatural”
Rounding out the top ten is NewJeans’ “Supernatural,” marking their third entry on this year’s list with a solid performance among younger voters.
A Shift in Preferences for Older Audiences
While idol music thrived among younger listeners, those aged 40 and over favored classic hits:
- Lim Young Woong – “Love Always Run Away”
Dominating this demographic, Lim Young Woong’s older song topped their chart with 5.9%. - Lim Young Woong – “Warmth”
His recent release also performed well, securing second place with 5.5%. - Jin Sung – “At Andong Station”
This classic from Jin Sung rounded out the top three for older audiences.
The Evolving Music Landscape
The Gallup survey reflects not only current trends in South Korean music but also highlights how different age groups engage with various genres. While idol music continues to dominate among younger listeners, classic tracks resonate deeply with older generations, showcasing a diverse musical landscape in South Korea as we move into 2024.
