21 Best K-Pop Music Videos of 2022

This year’s best K-pop music videos took us through wondrous lands, cathartic nostalgia, and grand theatrical numbers, inspiring us with the scope of creativity and overall good vibes. The music video is one area where K-pop shines especially bright — where the most inventive artists reimagined what they can do when given free rein to just create without limitations.

Related: The Best K-Pop Songs of 2022

While videos from powerhouses like BLACKPINK and NCT 127 were highly anticipated, others (like rookie group NewJeans) crashed through the doors without warning and became viral hits within days. And then there were a select few that reunited us with a blast from our past — the second-gen groups we’ll forever have in our hearts.

In no particular order, here is our list of the best K-pop music videos of 2022, because K-pop would never be the same without them.

SEVENTEEN, “HOT”

What other word could describe this 13-member group in a nutshell? With the release of their fourth studio album, Face the Sun, SEVENTEEN dialed it to 11 in the lead single, “HOT.” You never know what you’re going to get with SEVENTEEN comebacks; from light and bubbly concepts to dark and hard-hitting performances, there’s something in their catalog for everyone. Luckily, “HOT” lives up to its name and takes on the latter, making even the desert look too cool in comparison to the members. Yes, we’re looking at you, Cowboy S.Coups.

BLACKPINK, “Shut Down”

“It’s not a comeback since we never left,” BLACKPINK member Jennie hisses as she opens the group’s single, “Shut Down.” As fans (affectionately known as BLINKs) waited for the quartet’s second studio album, BORN PINK, with bated breath, the group quickly reminded the world why we all fell in love with BLACKPINK in the first place. 

With jaw-dropping outfit changes and familiar set pieces, the “Shut Down” video is littered with BLACKPINK references throughout the girls’ careers together. From Jennie’s iconic tank moment in “DDU-DU DDU-DU” to Rosé sitting on top of the world in “Whistle,” “Shut Down” is bold, powerful, reminiscent, and most importantly, a love letter to those who have unapologetically supported the girls from day one.

B.I, “BTBT” feat. DeVita

Besides releasing one of the most enchanting songs of 2022, K-pop soloist B.I accompanied his single, “BTBT,” with an equally captivating video to match. Dripping in leather, spikes, and chains, B.I. oozes rebelliousness as he and a group of friends roam around a futuristic cyberpunk-inspired city. With most of the scenes taking place at night — and some at what looks like dawn —” BTBT” is intentionally filmed cinematically. As the camera pans across the B.I and his comrades around a bonfire, a sense of familiarity and comfort permeate the screen as if to say, “You are home.”

Billlie, “RING ma Bell (what a wonderful world)”

Expertly pivoting from the bubbly and bright personas in their viral hit, “GingaMingaYo (the strange world),” Mystic Story group Billlie enters their rock era with a much darker and grungier aesthetic than ever before. In their third single, “RING ma Bell (what a wonderful world),” Billlie serves up every bit of pop-rock gold as the girls passionately dance onstage and even play instruments in a couple of quick shots.

While it’s common for K-pop groups to execute a rock ‘n’ roll concept at some point in their careers, there’s just something about Billlie’s “RING ma Bell” performance that genuinely makes you believe — and want — these girls to become a true-blue rock band.

Seulgi, “28 Reasons”

Solo debuts are an exciting time in K-pop. You sit and theorize all the different ways and routes your favorite artist could take as they begin to forge a path for themselves. How will it differ from their style and image within their respective group? In Seulgi’s case, the debut style of choice doesn’t alienate her from her role in Red Velvet but enhances it. “28 Reasons” is painfully seductive in its visuals — teetering the lines of good and evil, pure and wicked. Seulgi plays both roles to perfection, hammering home the video’s closing message that both good and evil coexist within us all.

Max Changmin, “Maniac”

If there’s one thing the members of TVXQ know how to do, it’s put on a show. Similar to how last year’s “Thank U” from Yunho was a cinematic experience, Max Changmin showed off his own affinity for classic films in “Maniac.” Released as a promotional video for his second EP, Devil, “Maniac” pays homage to iconic Alfred Hitchcock horror films such as Psycho and The Birds, the 1998 crime comedy The Big Lebowski, the 1958 psychological thriller Vertigo, and many more. Visually, “Maniac” appeals to movie and theatre buffs with its incorporation of fun theatrical comedy and dark callbacks to cinema’s past. Not to mention, how in the world does Changmin pull off a bright yellow suit so easily?

iKON, “But You”

Watching iKON’s journey from debut until now is a reward all on its own. While their early days were more rambunctious and flashy, the sextet has opened itself up to showing deeper levels of emotion and vulnerability. “But You,” the lead single off their fourth EP Flashback, is no different. In between the track’s melancholic synth-pop influence and the yearning in the group’s voices is an upbeat, numbing visual of partying to mask the pain. Videos that tug on your heartstrings while simultaneously melting your worries are an art form in itself, and I can’t imagine anyone bringing “But You” to fruition but iKON.

Taeyeon, “INVU”

Fighting jealousy by moonlight, winning battles by daylight — she is the one named Kim Taeyeon. Coinciding with her third studio album, Girls’ Generation member Taeyeon released her lead single and music video, “INVU.” To match the wonderfully dreamlike atmosphere the song creates, the video presents both an icy and desert landscape with warlike imagery inspired by Greek and Roman mythology. Taeyeon herself is dressed for the gods as she’s draped in jewels and preparing for battle with the person who stole her love and ran.

Overall, Taeyeon is a literal Ice Queen who walks among us. And although she seems unbreakable in all her glory, even the strongest warriors are allowed to feel envy.

Naeyeon, “POP!”

Now, this was arguably the music video of the summer. Nayeon’s “POP!” has everything: a sugar rush of colors, addictive point choreography, 13 eye-popping outfit changes, and backup dancers galore — it’s every possible ingredient you could have to create a classic pop music video. Hailing from the nine-member group TWICE (a staple in bubblegum K-pop), Nayeon knew she had to bring it as the first soloist out of the bunch. Not only did the singer deliver, but she was also able to inject that whimsical spark of joy that feels reminiscent of K-pop circa 2015 — a much-welcomed sensation in 2022.

aespa, “Girls”

Ding-dong, the Black Mamba is dead — or at least that’s what we’re supposed to believe after aespa dropped their video for “Girls” back in July. Continuing their quest to destroy the Black Mamba, aespa and their “ae” counterparts battle it out in an epic fight against the villain’s henchmen. While the choreography and fight sequences are stellar on their own, the camera work flawlessly enhances every movement the girls make as they take down baddies one by one. The abrasive zoom-ins, the swift slow-mo shots, and even the way Karina’s hair effortlessly blows in the wind are all captured in a way that makes aespa’s “Girls” a rewatchable experience for years to come.

NewJeans, “Attention”

NewJeans was a wild card no one saw coming in 2022. With only a minor hint on social media specifying the date of this mysterious release and no official announcement, the five members of NewJeans debuted their first music video for “Attention.” Admittedly, it’s tough having to choose between this and their multiple interconnected videos for “Hype Boy,” but, ultimately, “Attention” deserves its flowers for quite literally grabbing our attention and never letting go. 

What sets “Attention” apart from other K-pop videos is the casualness of the way it’s filmed. Instead of elaborate set designs and flashy effects, the concept opts for an indie film type of vibe in the beginning before swiftly switching to a ‘90s homemade video feel. It’s teenage girls doing what teenage girls do best — living, loving, and laughing as freely as can be.

EXID, “Fire”

Making their first Korean comeback since leaving their former agency in 2020, EXID turned the heat up with “Fire,” an electronic dance track with that signature touch that K-pop fans have grown to love. It’s no doubt these ladies have played a crucial role in women in K-pop owning their sexuality and going against unfathomable double standards in the industry. In their sizzling music video for “Fire,” they continue doing just that, serving Hot Girl Jail Time with looks that kill. From Viral Queen Hani seductively staring the camera down to Elly’s unmistakable vocal tone when she raps, EXID proves adult women still have a place in an industry where youth is highly coveted: “Like tabasco, I’m too hot, everyone knows.”

Girls’ Generation, “Forever 1”

Calling all SONE! Celebrating 15 years of music and friendship, Girls’ Generation returned with all eight members in their seventh studio album and single, Forever 1. Tissues are definitely a necessity for watching this sweet video from start to finish — not because it’s sad or dismal, but because the impact of Girls’ Generation is still so rich and runs so deep that it’s impossible to not swell up with emotions. Watching the members revel in all they’ve accomplished together is a sight to see and in true SNSD fashion, they remain the number one bubblegum queens. GG4EVA.

NCT 127, “2 Baddies”

We’re not sure which two baddies the song is referring to, but in NCT 127, there are nine and they’ve all got a license to drive the Internet wild. After throwing the K-pop community for a loop with 2021’s “Sticker,” NCT 127 returned after nearly a year with “2 Baddies,” a hip-hop-based song filled with abrasive chants that have become second nature to the group. Its music video is equally abrasive as it boasts a trippy cyberpunk concept and somehow becomes an effective Porsche advertisement all rolled into one.

And when it comes to the vehicles, “2 Baddies” delivers on every level. If the two skeleton models of the Porsche 911 hanging from the ceiling weren’t enough, a third is featured specifically designed for NCT 127 to use with style. (We’re all picturing that scene of Johnny ghost-riding while shirtless, right? Cool, just checking).

Monsta X, “LOVE”

I’d like to think of Monsta X as the chameleons of K-pop — their ability to adapt and evolve is a skill to be admired. Whether it’s boisterous EDM mixed with rap or smooth pop and R&B, each album peels back a new layer to Monsta X that’s as exhilarating as it is fascinating. “LOVE” is that type of track with its video combining street style with an air of sophistication.

Although there’s supposed to be a distinct difference between the group’s more casual persona versus its suave, debonair side, both are deeply rooted in ‘90s hip-hop and R&B — an era that looks and sounds absolutely exquisite on Monsta X. The sparkling tuxedos, the slicked-back hair, I.M dancing with a cane, it’s all just too much to handle, honestly. But that’s exactly why I keep coming back for more.

Red Velvet, “Feel My Rhythm”

Entering a fantastical world of creamy pastels, beautiful ball gowns, and questionable-looking creatures, Red Velvet turned their once-quirky festival into a dream world with “Feel My Rhythm.” The soft dance-pop song is accompanied by a grand music video that feels more like a classic Disney fairytale than a festival, but it does wonders for Red Velvet’s dainty aesthetic and choreography. Speaking of the Disney trope, Seulgi is particularly giving off ‘Evil Queen’ vibes as she’s the only member to juxtapose her princess persona with a more sinister look.

Many have even noted that “Feel My Rhythm” feels like a fusion between 2019’s “Psycho” and 2021’s “Queendom,” drawing key visual and sonic cues from each of the previous tracks. If there’s a deeper story here to tell, we can’t wait to see where Red Velvet takes us next.

J-Hope, “MORE”

2022 was a milestone for BTS member J-Hope. Not only was he the first member of the group to promote as a solo artist, but he also became the first South Korean artist to headline the main stage at a major U.S. music festival with Chicago’s annual Lollapalooza. Departing from his usual happy-go-lucky personality, “MORE” is much edgier than any of his previous works and signifies J-Hope’s willingness to think outside the box — no pun intended. In its music video, the rapper/singer is seen venturing into various rooms from a barren hallway to a corporate office, and even a hospital ward. However, the most exciting sequences have to be the classic “garage” scenes as J-Hope lets loose into the mic with his band. If hard rock is the new Hobicore, sign me up.

Ten, “Birthday”

When it comes to male soloists in K-pop, there are a couple of names you’re bound to hear — artists who have influenced a new generation of rising stars and hopefuls looking to become the best performers in the industry. With two of those heavy hitters currently serving in the Korean military (SHINee’s Taemin and EXO’s Baekhyun), someone else has to step up to the plate. That someone is Ten.

Exuding sensuality with every movement, WayV’s Ten glides through effortless motions of lust and passion in his music video for “Birthday.” The song itself suggests an erotic relationship between lovers, but Ten also sees it as having a deep emotional connection with himself. This is especially depicted as the singer performs in front of a luxurious mirror, twisting and contorting his body in ways that shouldn’t be humanly possible. But that’s Ten. His vision is always so mesmerizing and concise while still leaving it up for interpretation — it’s one of the many reasons why he’ll soon join the ranks of solo giants like the ones who have come before him.

NCT Dream, “Glitch Mode”

If there were a video game based on a K-pop song, it should be NCT Dream’s “Glitch Mode,” hands down. After the release of their first studio album, Hot Sauce, the septet went full gamer mode in Glitch Mode, even going as far as incorporating buffering-type movements in the single’s choreography to resemble a video game glitch. 

Since the members of Dream are self-proclaimed game-boys themselves, it’s not hard to see why this concept resonated with the group. Set in a neon-colored game shop, “Glitch Mode” is filled with standard video game motifs such as consoles and even custom “Glitch Mode” cases to look like an actual Playstation game. You’ll definitely feel like you’re on a sugar high watching this video — there are ice storms, flower gardens, and seven of the most stylish boys around. What’s not to love?

BIBI, “BIBI Vengeance”

Finally making her studio album debut with Lowlife Princess: Noir, BIBI is both striking and terrifying in her latest music video, “BIBI Vengeance.” When it comes to the Feel Ghood singer’s creative process, she’s the type of artist who immerses herself in world-building and storytelling to capture her emotions. She’s both the author and main character of her own story—whatever her next role is, she’s fully committed to bringing that story to life.

Joined by Korean dance group HOOK (led by choreographer AIKI), BIBI sets out to do exactly what the title suggests; she wants sweet revenge against a man who has disrespected and dehumanized her. “I’ve been waiting and anticipating to be a bad b*tch,” BIBI sings with a deliciously psychotic look in her eyes. Everything from her rebellious nature to the ferociousness with which she tackles the choreography is absolutely menacing…yeah, we’ll take more of that, please.

(G)I-DLE, “Tomboy”

The pop-punk revival in K-pop has not been subtle whatsoever; so many groups have been trying it on for size, and there are several Korean rock bands whose music is already embedded in the genre. For the five-piece girl group (G)I-DLE, they didn’t just get their feet wet, they dove right in and embraced their inner rockstar with “Tomboy.” Clad in a mix of pink, red, and black Y2K-inspired outfits, the girls spend their time mocking men who think the perfect girlfriend is supposed to look like a “blonde Barbie doll” and not have a mind of her own. (G)I-DLE’s social commentaries are never lost on us, especially with how visually stunning they always are.