With a rhythm track that hits you right in your gut and some solid rapping, BTOB's "Hello Melo" was a song that deserved more attention than it got in 2014.
When asked about 2PM Tabet said, “I love them not just because they are the first K-pop group I got to know but also for their hard work and their spontaneous personalities."
Brave Brothers's collaborations with Hello Venus, particularly on their previous single "Sticky Sticky" and now "Wiggle Wiggle," have been a highpoint among recent Hallyu releases.
"U Touch Me" is a forward-thinking R&B slow burner that sounds at once sultry and futuristic, the result of an exciting cross-genre melding of styles and traditions by Teengirl Fantasy and Hoody.
"It has a lively spark of energy that drives it, a very unique way of popping out," Angelica said, regarding the K-pop genre in general. "It makes a bold statement."
Though it was often overshadowed on the charts by the eye-catching flash and slick production of boy bands and girl groups, South Korean hip-hop had a great year in 2014.
With revered US production team The Underdogs providing the firepower, Girls' Generation set a high water mark for music video in 2014 with "Mr.Mr."
In an exclusive interview with KpopStarz, actor-producer-composer John Paul Ouvrier about the need for Hallyu artists to become mainstream in America.
With a beat that sounds like Timbaland in his prime and a darkly epic quality reminiscent of late-era Michael Jackson, "Overdose," released back in May, was the strongest K-pop single of 2014.
Instead of relying on repetition of a few simple ideas, Kiss & Cry singer DIA's debut solo single "Paradise" uses musical development to engage the listener.
"The Interview" isn't really a representation of South Korea's complex relationship with North Korea, but there are some films and TV shows that do.
Singer NS Yoon-G's new wintertime single "Snowy Day" featuring rapper DinDin, has a crisp, hard-hitting beat and a certain sincere sweetness that makes you want to stop and enjoy the moment.
Okasian casts a spell on "Get That Money," reeling the listener in with a hypnotic hook and an addictive drum pattern, while leaving room for introspection.