PSY's Instagram / YueHua Entertainment / SM Entertainment
2022 has been an incredible year for Korean music so far, with some amazing artists making their highly-awaited comebacks, newcomers making their mark, idol members going solo, and more. Previously on Kpopmap, we listed the top 10 K-Pop debuts from the first half of 2022. This time, we're taking a look back at the exceptional releases that shaped the K-Pop soundscape in the first half of the year.
Note: This list is inclusive of artists that made their comeback on or before June 31, 2022. It is not based on sales.
1. PSY
The living legend of K-Pop, a frontrunner of the modern Hallyu wave, PSY made a grand comeback on April 29, 2022, with his ninth studio album "PSY 9th" and its lead single 'That That' featuring BTS' Suga as a producer and performer. The album was not only received with great accolades, but it was also musically diverse yet cohesive. The mastery that went into this album is definitely worth high praise.
2. SEVENTEEN
SEVENTEEN released their 4th studio album, "Face The Sun," on May 27, 2022. With nine tracks, including the lead single 'Hot', "Face The Sun" is arguably one of SEVENTEEN's best works to date. Staying true to SEVENTEEN's self-produced title, the members actively participated in the song-writing and production process. In particular, WooZi co-wrote and co-composed all of the songs on the album. What makes the album even more unique is the way it represents SEVENTEEN's musical identity at its finest and allows each member to shine in their glory.
3. BTS
BTS' iconic comeback with the three-CD anthology album "Proof" on June 10, 2022, was a moment that made K-Pop history. Composed of a total of 48 tracks, including 3 new songs, 'Yet To Come (The Most Beautiful Moment)', 'Run BTS', and 'For Youth', the album holds deep significance for both the group and ARMY. It continues to reflect BTS' evolving sound while paying tribute to their journey so far. 'Proof' is proof of BTS' greatness as we have seen it in the past, as we're witnessing in the present and as it will be, in the future.
4. Red Velvet
Red Velvet's comeback with "The ReVe Festival 2022 – Feel My Rhythm" celebrates the core of the group's sonic aesthetic, bubbling with magic realism. Rich with freshness and novelty, "The ReVe Festival 2022 – Feel My Rhythm" is made up of 6 tracks, including the eponymous title song 'Feel My Rhythm' which samples the Johann Sebastian Bach arrangement "Air on the G String". Each song brings to life a unique sentiment through a range of genres, transforming the listening experience into a dreamlike voyage. From the music to the visuals, fashion, and more, this comeback was brilliant, to say the least.
5. GOT7
Few comebacks created as much buzz in the K-Pop industry as did GOT7's self-titled EP, "GOT7", released on May 23, 2022. The emotional import of this comeback representing the fulfillment of a promise made to iGOT7 and the fact that the members overcame numerous adversities such as differences in time zones, schedules, and more to create this album makes it even more impactful. "GOT7" portrays GOT7 in their most real and authentic artistic colour and it is every bit as exciting and wonderful as we thought it would be.
6. BIGBANG
BIGBANG's first comeback in four long years with the digital single 'Still Life' on April 5, 2022, was as sharply poignant, ruminative, and bittersweet as it gets. It echoes BIGBANG's signature sound but, at the same time, shows us a brand new musicality that mirrors the members' growth and evolution. More than being a promotional comeback, it is a deeply personal message to V.I.P, thanking them for being with BIGBANG and reassuring them that they will return.
7. Girls' Generation's TaeYeon
South Korea's golden-voiced songstress TaeYeon from Girls' Generation released her third studio album, "INVU" on February 14, 2022. As is expected from a veteran, TaeYeon's album is a musical masterpiece in the form of 13 inimitable songs that are equally addictive and memorable. You won't be able to pick a favorite! TaeYeon's penchant for storytelling shines brighter than ever in this album and, as always, strikes a different chord for each listener. "INVU" is a treasure of the music world.
8. WOODZ
One of the most talented and versatile soloists in the Korean music industry, WOODZ, made an amazing comeback with his 4th mini-album "Colorful Trauma" on May 4, 2022. With this EP and especially its lead single, 'I Hate You', WOODZ transforms into a fully realized rockstar, who can nonetheless make our hearts ache. "Colourful Trauma" is WOODZ's emo/punk calling, and it is absolutely genre-defining, to say the least.
9. ASTRO
ASTRO's 3rd Korean-language studio album, "Drive to the Starry Road" is as dreamy, whimsical, and romantic as the name suggests. Featuring 11 songs, including solo tracks by all the members, this album defines ASTRO's artistic prowess as a group and shines the light on each member's individual musicality. The title track, 'Candy Sugar Pop' is dedicated to AROHA, and, just like the title suggests, is as swoon-worthy and sweet as you'd imagine.
10. P1Harmony & TXT (Tied)
P1Harmony and TXT came in strong as the representative 4th generation K-Pop groups in the first half of 2022. P1Harmony made a comeback with their third mini-album, "Disharmony: Find Out", and its title track 'Do It Like This', released on January 3, 2022. Needless to say, when it comes to delivering solid bops with world-class production, P1Harmony has consistently shown us how it's done. However, "Disharmony: Find Out" takes it to a whole new level as the group continues to outdo themselves.
On the other hand, TXT made a comeback with "Minisode 2: Thursday's Child" and its lead single 'Good Boy Gone Bad', released on May 9, 2022. With TXT's own blend of genres and musical flavours, they create an incomparable sonic adventure that is both a delight to listen to and intriguing to analyse. The members' participation in co-writing the lyrics for most of the songs imbued the album with the extra pizzazz that only TXT is capable of.
What was your favorite K-Pop comeback from the 1st half of 2022?
※You can vote multiple times without sign in.PSY
SEVENTEEN
BTS
Red Velvet
GOT7
BIGBANG
Girls' Generation's TaeYeon
WOODZ
ASTRO
P1Harmony
TXT
Tell us your top 10 ranking in the comments section down below!
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