Red Velvet's 'Psycho' Tops Paper Magazine's '40 Best K-Pop Songs' 2020 + See Full List

By Eunice Dawson Dec 22, 2020

High-powered K-pop groups and artists' tracks released this year were chosen by Paper Magazine as "Best K-pop Songs"2020!

Recently, Paper Magazine, an independent magazine in New York, USA, selected and announced "The 40 Best K-pop Songs of 2020.

In the article titled, " The Best 40 K-pop Songs" 2020 released by their official site, Paper Magazine highlighted how music, particularly the genre of K-pop became a source of escapism, and bring comfort to people amidst the pandemic and lockdown.

Among numerous songs released this year, 40 songs were selected by the magazine which summarized the colorful spectrum of 2020.

Red Velvet's "Psycho" Tops "40 Best K-Pop Songs" 2020 of Paper Magazine

(Photo : Red Velvet Twitter)
Red Velvet's concept photo for "Psycho."

In the ranking, the hit track of Red Velvet "Pyscho" reigned the first place for this year's "Song of the Year" list.

The song was actually released in 2019, but its popularity both in domestic and international charts, as well as among music enthusiasts skyrocketed at ar the start of 2020.

Indeed, from the vocals of Red Velvet, dance choreography of the song, outfit, and cinematography of the music video, there is no way "Pyscho" will not be recognized as one of the songs that amassed huge recognition both in charts and fans.

Relive and watch Red Velvet's superior, SOTY-worthy track, "Psycho," below!

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Paper Magazine also highlighted that "through the sparkling tears and the whirlpool of self-doubt described in Baroque time, the song relentlessly pinned hopes on blind certainty that everything " will be okay" so "it's alright."

Red Velvet, a quintet comprises of Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Joy, and Yeri is expected to challenge themselves once again on a new genre as they were reported to have their comeback in 2021.

40 "Best K-pop Songs" 2020

In the list, official singles are included and undoubtedly, the songs carefully picked by Paper Magazine will be wrapped up in music fans' year in the K-pop scene.

(Photo : Stray Kids)

Following Psycho, the track, "Back Door" of Stray Kids ranked in second place. Written by 3RACHA (Bang Chan Changbin, and Han), papermag noted how the boyband evolved in terms of musicality, and concept, transforming from "self-searching young misfits to punchy powerhouses.

(Photo : SM Entertainment / SHINee Twitter)

Taemin of SHINee then ranked third, with the second lead track, "Criminal" of his trilogy "Never Gonna Dance Again."

The song exudes a theatrical atmosphere that captured SHINee's youngest member's loss of innocence in the MV.

Apink's "Dumhdurum" then ranked fourth, while ITZY's "Wannabe" came in No. 5. In the article, Paper Magazine highlighted the "shoulder dance" of Ryujin that gave a fun cover challenge to music fans which even idols have tried.

(Photo : Screenshot from "WANNABE" MV)

Pentagon's "Daisy" ranked 6th place."It's hard to regard the Pentagon's signature sound as one," Paper magazine said.

(Photo : Pentagon)

"The song combines the melody of a medium tempo that is easy to listen to with strong emotions," they explained. Finally, the magazine added, "K-pop's versatile group gives us an innovative feeling."