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."
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.
TS Entertainment’s new girl group has a unique sound that does not necessarily borrow from B.A.P.
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.
Actress Clara released her first song, and it's a bit out of this world.
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.
Dionysus may have been Korea's first neoclassical metal band and on "Legend of Darkness," they weren't afraid to shred.
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.
Before they went metal, Seoul band Samchung were making hardcore classics like 1999's "Crucified."
Though all of the songs on his new album "Monsta Truck 2014" showcase Korean rapper Qwala's unique talents, it is "Big Capital" that is the clear standout track.
On "SIN," the title track from the new Soul Dive album, the rap trio allow their true smooth style to shine through completely.
It is exciting to see South Korean rapper J-Slow bringing the saxophone into an electro hip-hop context on his new single "Slow Motion," released on Sunday.