The 30 Greatest K-Pop Albums Of All Time, According To Paste Magazine

On September 11, entertainment magazine Paste Magazine released a list of what they’re calling the 30 best K-Pop albums of all time. They based their choices on a survey of 100 fans, and the list includes artists from every generation of K-Pop as well as both groups and soloists. Here are their (controversial, according to some) picks for the list, including a little bit about what makes each album so great according to them!

30. It’s Hyorish by Lee Hyori

This album was released in 2008 with the title songs “U-Go-Girl” and “Hey Mr. Big”. Here’s part of what Paste Magazine has to say about it:

Tracks like “U-Go-Girl” and “Hey Mr. Big” are some of the most infectious and catchy K-pop songs of all time. When you listen to It’s Hyorish in its entirety, you feel like you’re having a dance party all around.

— Paste Magazine

29. Rainism by Rain

This album was released in 2008 with the title songs “Love Story” and “Rainism”. Here’s part of what Paste Magazine has to say about it:

The title track has endured as one of the best K-pop songs ever released, and cuts like “My Girl” and “You” are bonafide dance classics.

— Paste Magazine

28. I Yah! by H.O.T

This album was released in 1999 with the title song “I Yah!”. Here’s part of what Paste Magazine has to say about it:

The fourth album from K-pop boy band H.O.T., I Yah! has sold over a million copies in the 24 years since its release. H.O.T. are among the most important originators in the genre, and they endure as one of its best male groups ever. The title track is dedicated to the lives of 23 school-age children who passed away in the Sealand Youth Training Center fire that occurred earlier in 1999.

— Paste Magazine

27. Come Come Come Baby by Baby V.O.X

This album was released in 1999 with the title song “Get Up”. Here’s part of what Paste Magazine has to say about it:

The third studio album by Baby V.O.X., Come Come Come Baby has sold over 200,000 copies in South Korea—and it cemented the quintet as K-pop royalty in 1999. Featuring a mix of ballad and dance tracks, like “Get Up,” “Killer” and “Missing You,” it meshed perfectly with the music that was booming during the era.

— Paste Magazine

26. Girls’ Generation by Girls’ Generation

This album was released in 2007 with the title song “Into the New World”. Here’s part of what Paste Magazine has to say about it:

The self-titled debut for Girls’ Generation has bubblegum pop oozing out from every side of it. Catalyzed by singles “Into the New World,” the title track and “Kissing You,” the album went on to sell over 100,000 copies—making Girls’ Generation the first girl group to achieve that number since S.E.S. six years prior.

— Paste Magazine

25. Exodus by EXO

This album was released in 2015 with the title song “Call Me Baby”. Here’s part of what Paste Magazine has to say about it:

It would go on to win numerous Album of the Year awards across the Asia region, and their music videos were so eye-catching that they continue to stand out among the 3rd generation of K-Pop. It’s one of the genre’s records that, truly, attracts fans on a broader, international level—and for good reason.

— Paste Magazine

24. Interview by Eric Nam

This album was released in 2016 with the title song “Good For You”. Here’s part of what Paste Magazine has to say about it:

It’s a relaxing project that contrasts his usual energetic personality, but his gentle vocals are a stunning standout. Though Nam has garnered success as a talk show on several variety programs—especially K-Pop Daebak—his music is what first made him a household name.

— Paste Magazine

23. I Never Die by (G)I-DLE

This album was released in 2022 with the title song “TOMBOY”. Here’s part of what Paste Magazine has to say about it:

On I Never Die, bandleader Soyeon served as the primary lyricist, penning tracks of self-empowerment, confidence and post-breakup healing. Released just last year, I Never Die has already been certified platinum in South Korea and has garnered much acclaim in the Asian music awards spheres—including the Bonsang Award at the Seoul Music Awards in 2023.

— Paste Magazine

22. Querencia by Chungha

This album was released in 2021 with the title song “Bicycle”. Here’s part of what Paste Magazine has to say about it:

The debut album by Seoul-born singer/songwriter Chungha, Querencia gets its title from a Spanish phrase that references a place where “one can be one’s true self.” Likewise, the pop album is a storybook collection of salsa swings, electro-pop, R&B and bossa nova—showcasing just how enigmatic Chungha already is in her short time on the circuit.

— Paste Magazine

21. Sorry, Sorry by Super Junior

This album was released in 2009 with the title song “Sorry, Sorry”. Here’s part of what Paste Magazine has to say about it:

It’s the last Super Junior record to feature members Han Geng and Kibum—and it’s the perfect swan song for their contributions. Sorry, Sorry would go on to win both the grand and main prizes at the Golden Disc Awards in 2009, and its impact on K-pop remains steadfast.

— Paste Magazine

20. Crush by 2NE1

This album was released in 2014 with the title song “Come Back Home”. Here’s part of what Paste Magazine has to say about it:

The project helped push K-pop’s electronica ahead of its time—and the title tracks, “Come Back Home” and “Gotta Be You” endure as club bangers. CL, the band’s leader and main rapper, helmed a large part of the songwriting, and he helped usher in a powerful lasting image that encompasses 2NE1’s rich, undeniable timelessness.

— Paste Magazine

19. Feel Special by TWICE

This album was released in 2019 with the title song “Feel Special”. Here’s part of what Paste Magazine has to say about it:

There’s a great ambition at play all across the album, as it features a mix of EDM, synth-pop and drill. With a huge focus placed on each member’s specific vocal abilities, there’s a catchiness throughout that cannot be ignored—nor should it ever be.

— Paste Magazine

18. Get Up by NewJeans

This album was released in 2023 with the title songs “Super Shy”, “ETA”, and “Cool With You”. Here’s part of what Paste Magazine has to say about it:

The Powerpuff Girls’ theme compliments a girl-next-door concept transposed into club-ready pop songs that are interesting, daring and hypnotic—led by tracks like “Super Shy,” “Cool With You” and “ETA.” Thanks to songwriter Erika De Casier from Copenhagen, she gave the quintet a refreshing pop sound with catchy R&B hooks.

— Paste Magazine

17. Maria by Hwasa

This album was released in 2020 with the title song “Maria”. Here’s part of what Paste Magazine has to say about it:

The debut EP from Mamamoo member HWASA, María is an eclectic merger of R&B and latin-pop. Songs like “Twit” and the title track and “Kidding” explore reflections on empowerment in the wake of criticism.

— Paste Magazine

16. The World EP.1: MOVEMENT by ATEEZ

This album was released in 2022 with the title song “Guerrilla”. Here’s part of what Paste Magazine has to say about it:

The aggressiveness of a track like “Guerrilla” employs screamo and catchy repetition—perfectly their enduring ambition. In five years on the circuit, ATEEZ have built a large international following off the hype around their explosive, eye-catching choreography.

— Paste Magazine

15. The Album by BLACKPINK

This album was released in 2020 with the title song “Lovesick Girls”. Here’s part of what Paste Magazine has to say about it:

Songs like “How You Like That,” “Ice Cream” and “Lovesick Girls” are among the catchiest singles in the genre’s recent history—and The Album boasts features from Selena Gomez, Cardi B, Ariana Grande and David Guetta. Instead of just singing about love the quartet showcased their mature exploration of all of love’s greatest complexities.

— Paste Magazine

14. Lucky Man by Bobby

This album was released in 2021 with the title song “U Mad”. Here’s part of what Paste Magazine has to say about it:

The second studio album from K-Pop singer/songwriter, rapper and iKon member Bobby, Lucky Man was one of the best records of 2021. Spanning 17 tracks, he explores a diverse, complicated arrangement of agony, sorrow and recovery.

— Paste Magazine

13. Heng:garae by SEVENTEEN

This album was released in 2020 with the title song “Left & Right”. Here’s part of what Paste Magazine has to say about it:

At 13 members strong, SEVENTEEN aren’t afraid to showcase just how many multitudes they can boast. The EP would go on to sell a million units, the first time the band had ever achieved such a feat, and singles like “My My” and “Left & Right” have cemented it as one of best-pop fusions of hip-hop and electronica.

— Paste Magazine

12. MADE by BIGBANG

This album was released in 2016. Here’s part of what Paste Magazine has to say about it:

The album title is an acronym for “Music, Achievement, Design and Experience,” and the lyrics examine mature expressions of doubt and worry, along with sexuality and societal issues. MADE has sold over a million units across the planet and even hit #1 on Billboard’s US World Albums chart—making BIGBANG one of the bigger global K-Pop acts, spreading their creative mantra and prowess all across the map.

— Paste Magazine

11. Advice by Taemin

This album was released in 2021 with the title song “Advice”. Here’s part of what Paste Magazine has to say about it:

From piano instrumentals to trap segues, Advice is a brilliant showcase of Taemin’s range and ambition. It would go on to hit the charts in Japan, South Korea, the UK, the US and Finland, and the record fully solidified TAEMIN’s artistry beyond his work in SHINee and SuperM.

— Paste Magazine

10. NOEASY by Stray Kids

This album was released in 2021 with the title song “Thunderous”. Here’s part of what Paste Magazine has to say about it:

A play on the word ‘noisy,’ NOEASY aims to comment on the impact of making music for the world to consume and find joy in. It’s the second studio album from Stray Kids, but it’s, handedly, their best and brightest. It merges many different styles, including EDM, hip-hop, pop, R&B and rock—making it one of the most eclectic entries on this list.

— Paste Magazine

9. INVU by Taeyeon

This album was released in 2022 with the title song “INVU”. Here’s part of what Paste Magazine has to say about it:

The record has moved over 250,000 copies since its release last year, it even placed on Billboard’s US Heatseekers Albums chart (#20). Traversing personal complexities and devastating emotional turbulence across fits of dance, pop, ballad and house, INVU is a tour de force that evokes deft guitar instrumentation and monodrama.

— Paste Magazine

8. Reboot by Wonder Girls

This album was released in 2015 with the title song “I Feel You”. Here’s part of what Paste Magazine has to say about it:

There’s an employment of deeply retro, 1980s-inspired concepts across the album—including synth-pop, chillwave, hip-hop, pop rock and electro-pop. Reboot was recorded with professional instrumentalists, and that thematic concept helped propel the record’s ingenuity forward.

— Paste Magazine

7. The Chaos Chapter: Freeze by TXT

This album was released in 2021 with the title song “0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You)”. Here’s part of what Paste Magazine has to say about it:

Hailed by critics far and wide for the bold instrumentation and bright, auspicious production, The Chaos Chapter: Freeze was the band’s fourth #1 album in South Korea and sold over 850,000 copies in its first year of release. Songs like “Magic” and “Frost” and “OX1=Lovesong (I Know I Love You)” are among the strongest in all of TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s catalog—helping solidify the quintet as one of the best K-Pop bands in the world.

— Paste Magazine

6. Odd by SHINee

This album was released in 2015 with the title song “View”. Here’s part of what Paste Magazine has to say about it:

The fourth Korean studio album from SHINee, Odd finds the band retreating to their R&B sensibilities in a really rewarding and fresh way. 11 songs complement the experimental nature of the album—and it was their first release after a two-year hiatus.

— Paste Magazine

5. Perfect Velvet by Red Velvet

This album was released in 2017 with the title song “Peek-A-Boo”. Here’s part of what Paste Magazine has to say about it:

The quintet are at an all-time high here, as they crafted bright and buoyant pop tracks that examine the equilibrium of youth. Songs like “Look” and “Perfect 10” merge 1980s synth-pop and nu-disco R&B. There’s an ample amount of finesse on Perfect Velvet, as Red Velvet weaves a brilliant tapestry of never-ending genre experimentation.

— Paste Magazine

4. Palette by IU

This album was released in 2017 with the title song “Palette”. Here’s part of what Paste Magazine has to say about it:

The tracks are laid back and simple, but they’re perfect in both regards. The album won a Melon Music Award for Album of the Year and went on to sell almost 150,000 copies. Its critical acclaim has firmly outpaced its commercial success, but IU remains a K-Pop force who continues to outdo herself on every record.

— Paste Magazine

3. Love Yourself: Tear by BTS

This album was released in 2018 with the title song “Fake Love”. Here’s part of what Paste Magazine has to say about it:

Love Yourself: Tear is the band at their most cohesive and ambitious, as they aren’t afraid to take experimental risks while perfecting their maximalist sensibilities. It’s a victory lap for one of the most recognizable K-Pop acts of all time.

— Paste Magazine

2. Jack in the Box by J-Hope

This album was released in 2022 with the title songs “MORE” and “Arson”. Here’s part of what Paste Magazine has to say about it:

The debut solo album from J-Hope, Jack in the Box is, in no short terms, a sonic triumph. Based on the Greek artifact of Pandora’s box, the singer/songwriter and rapper pulls from old-school hip-hop to offer up a real brilliance of K-Pop—while also experimenting with grunge, R&B and pop.

— Paste Magazine

1. Pink Tape by f(x)

This album was released in 2013 with the title song “Rum Pum Pum Pum”. Here’s part of what Paste Magazine has to say about it:

On Pink Tape, f(x) experimented with bold, candy-colored electronica and even features a guest performance from EXO’s D.O. Songs like “Rum Pum Pum Pum” and “Airplane” and “Goodbye Summer”—the latter of which was composed by member Amber Liu in her first instance of songwriting for the band—have firmly cemented f(x) as one of the greatest K-Pop acts to ever exist. Pink Tape is a wondrous, undeniable token of bonafide brilliance.

— Paste Magazine

Here’s how K-Pop fans are reacting to the list.

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Do you agree or disagree with their choices?