As the year winds down, it's always fascinating to look back at the music that soundtracked our lives. In Korea, 2021 was a year filled with incredible tunes that resonated deeply, topping charts and capturing hearts. Based on the MelOn charts, a clear picture emerges of what truly moved listeners.
Taking the coveted number one spot was IU's "Celebrity." This track, from her fifth album "Lilac," is a beacon of positivity, reminding us of our inherent worth even when we feel unseen. It wasn't just a fleeting hit; "Celebrity" spent a remarkable 21 consecutive weeks in MelOn's top 10 and garnered significant accolades, including being named best song of the first half of 2021 by Billboard K-pop. It's a song that feels like a warm embrace, a gentle nudge to appreciate ourselves.
Then there's the unexpected resurgence of Brave Girls' "Rollin'." Originally released in 2017, this song found a new life in 2021, exploding onto the charts and dominating music shows. The infectious dance challenge swept across social media, proving that a great song can find its moment, no matter when it's released. It’s a testament to the power of perseverance and a catchy beat!
BTS continued their global domination with "Butter," their English single that landed at number three. This track was an absolute phenomenon, breaking records with its rapid ascent to 100 million YouTube views in under 21 hours. With over 650 million views now, it's clear "Butter" was more than just a song; it was a cultural moment.
Lee Mujin's "Traffic Light" (신호등) emerged as a significant hit, particularly in the latter half of the year. This singer-songwriter's representative track, with its all-Korean lyrics, found a special connection with younger audiences, like elementary school students. It's a song that feels both relatable and uniquely Korean.
SM's rising girl group aespa made a powerful statement with "Next Level." This single not only achieved chart success but also set a new record for weeks spent in MelOn's Weekly Chart TOP10 for a girl group. The distinctive "ㄷ" dance move became a social media sensation, showcasing the group's innovative style.
IU graced the charts again with "Lilac," the title track from her fifth album. Its bright, spring-like sound and themes of farewell to her twenties (as she approached 30 in Korean age) resonated deeply. The song's emotional depth and cheerful melody earned it a 100 million streaming certification.
Interestingly, international hits also found a strong foothold. Justin Bieber's "Peaches," featuring Daniel Caesar and Giveon, not only topped global charts but also saw a heartwarming and humorous cover video by the Hansarang Mountain Club go viral in Korea, amassing millions of views.
Another collaboration that made waves was "STAY" by The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber. This track became a defining song of 2021, solidifying The Kid LAROI's status as a Gen Z icon. Similarly, BTS's "Permission to Dance" (PTD) continued their streak of English-language successes, marking another Billboard Hot Shot #1 debut.
MSG Wannabe, a project group formed on the MBC program "Hangout With Yoo," captured hearts with their ballad "Foolish Love" (바라만 본다). This track, performed by the unit M.O.M, even won a Project Music Award at the MelOn Music Awards.
Heize's "HAPPEN" (헤픈 우연), from her 7th mini-album, garnered significant attention, partly due to the appearance of actor Song Joong-ki in its music video. Meanwhile, IU's "strawberry moon" enchanted listeners, topping multiple major Korean music charts with its theme of life's mysterious, magical moments.
The hip-hop scene also had its champions. "OHAYO MY NIGHT" by D-Hack and PATEKO, a 2020 collaboration, unexpectedly surged in popularity in 2021, becoming a top 10 hit on MelOn and a standout hip-hop track of the year.
Finally, the collaboration "NAKKA" (낙하) between AKMU and IU showcased a beautiful musical synergy, further cementing their status as beloved artists. Even parodies of these hits, like the one by Yoo Jae-suk and Shin Bong-sun, added to the vibrant cultural tapestry of the year's music.
These songs, a mix of K-pop powerhouses, rising stars, and even unexpected international hits, paint a vivid picture of Korea's musical landscape in 2021. They're more than just melodies; they're the echoes of a year lived, felt, and celebrated through sound.
