Top 10 Best K-Pop Music Videos EVER

The top comment on YouTube reads “Practically every second of the mv would make a good wallpaper.” Not only do we heartily agree, but this simple summary shows why VIXX are considered concept masters. While many K-Pop music videos are caught up in scrambling to create something bigger and better, the visuals of “Shangri-La” are captivating because of their simple elegance. Rather than over-the-top camera choreography, the brilliance of each shot comes from negative space and minimalist composition. The connecting dance scenes create a graceful momentum that makes the video feel like it’s floating through the elements.

Some K-Pop videos can feel over-produced, especially when it comes to romance. However there’s nothing cautious about the chemistry between former 2NE1 member CL and DPR Ian. You’re immediately swept into their intoxicating love story, and the scenes feel like a digital diary. Its magic comes from visually capturing both the butterflies of attraction and the freeing feeling of falling for someone. Rather than relying on overdone romantic stereotypes, the video features more than a dozen unique locations, stunning coloring, and of course amazing styling.

It’s not an exaggeration to say this music video is a mini movie. And while it isn’t the first futuristic K-pop concept, “Why” stands out because of its scale, cinematic style, and storyline. Instead of feeling like a boy band dancing on a film set, a combination of CGI and drone shots quickly establish a vast, dystopian world. The hidden clues and fast-paced action capture your interest, and the emotion of the song makes the production feel authentic. As a group, ONF is known for jaw-dropping videos, but this installment takes their cinematic universe to a whole new level.

This music video was so memorable that it’s impossible to separate the iconic K-pop song from its visuals. The Wonder Girls’ mic stands, gold dresses, and retro style are untouchable. And while it’s technically more simple than some of the other entries on this list, it stands out because of its engaging storyline, which is a hallmark of the era. In this story, if JYP hadn’t gotten stuck in the bathroom without TP, the song would have been his. As the group blossoms from backup dancers to massive stars, it foreshadows their soon-to-come international success thanks to this history-making hit.

When it comes to music videos, TXT tend to be trailblazers rather than trend followers. And while you might not expect much from a lullaby, the visuals from “Nap of a Star” are breathtaking. Mimicking the style of revolutionary filmmaker Georges Méliès, the concept transports you into a whimsical and starry new galaxy. Combining illustrated sets, stop motion, and animation, the bedtime story is even split into chapters with silent-film title cards. With metaphors just as impactful as the artistic style, the video is a true masterpiece.

Today, K-Pop has mastered the art of going viral, but it all started with a 2012 satirical parody that was filmed in just 48 hours. To say that Psy’s “Gangnam Style” is iconic is an understatement. Yet the song’s international success can actually be attributed to the bizarre music video that accompanied it. A mix of humor, catchy choreography, and unique style made it addicting to watch. Once the scenes were turned into popular online memes, the recognizable dance took over the world like wildfire. The unlikely smash hit even made internet history as the very first video on Youtube to hit 1 billion views.

While many K-pop concepts are influenced by current styles and trends, this video reaches back centuries to bring classic works of art to life. Mainly taking inspiration from Dutch painter Hieronymus Bosch’s depictions of heaven and hell, Red Velvet gives their own balletic spin to the famous paintings. A mix of practical sets, CGI, and animated paint strokes, create a twisted fairytale. Each of the members take on unique characters, and while the scenes are filled with hidden references, it’s also just aesthetically beautiful. Yet, it still manages to incorporate the group’s signature style, making it one of K-pop’s most memorable music videos.

This music video is so impressive that you’ll immediately want to watch it back, and you may even find yourself deep diving into ATEEZ’s complicated lore. Dystopian boy group videos are nothing new, but this concept goes above and beyond. Deviating from the typical three sets and a dance break formula, “Guerrilla” features engaging storytelling, multiple art and media history references, and incredible editing. The attention to detail will blow your mind, and ATEEZ’s acting truly brings the world to life. As the song builds to the intense bridge, the falling flyers tie all of the scenes together for a rousing and unforgettable finale.

This fourth gen girl group is in the business of subverting expectations, and “Oh My God” proves they’re a force to be reckoned with. If you’re wondering what exactly makes this concept so addictive, the answer is contrast. The video pairs bright whites with deep reds and even includes several shots in black and white. In a dramatic twist to typical K-Pop tropes, goddess-like visuals are interrupted by barbed wire and bloody imagery. By forcing harsh and delicate scenes to co-exist, the incredible editing makes the haunting video impossible to look away from.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Focus on Me” (2019), Jus2
A Stunning Subunit Music Video with Innovative Editing

“Like A Movie” (2020), B1A4
Every Movie Genre Combined Into a Cinematic Love Story

“Black Suit” (2017), Super Junior
Rewinding a High Stakes Boy Band Heist

“Revolution” (2020), AleXa
She Sings, She Dances, and She Does Her Own Stunts

“Married to the Music” (2015), SHINee
An Upbeat House Party with a Bizarre Twist

While BTS boasts an entire library of fun, impressive, and beautiful music videos, this one might be the most iconic. Set in an art museum, the video is an artistic masterpiece in and of itself. Bold colors, special effects, and unique settings are interspersed with narrative scenes that bring the story to life. While the concept still showcases BTS’ signature powerful style, the themes also highlight a more elegant and refined side to the boy band. Somehow, “Blood Sweat & Tears” manages to feel like a dance, a painting, and a movie all at the same time.

What’s YOUR favorite K-Pop music video? Tell us in the comments!