Top 5 K-pop music videos, according to YouTube views
These music videos truly define how enigmatic K-Pop is.
The top 5 K-Pop music videos of all time are packed with larger-than-life sets, enticing fashion, and dynamic choreographies. Be it BTS, BLACKPINK, or the second-generation K-Pop wonder PSY, audiences have showered their love and support to K-artists who have created an impact in the global music industry.
In general, K-pop groups know how to deliver chart-topping hits. The genre is known on an international scale for its high-grade production and exceptionally talented artists who are equally skilled in singing, dancing, and rapping. These artists use their “blood, sweat, and tears” (intentional reference) to create spectacular songs and visually appealing videos for their eager audience.
The list below is based on the most-watched K-pop videos on YouTube that have proved that the genre is here to stay for a long time. PSY tops it with his 2012 hit Gangnam Style followed by some incredible works from internationally famous groups like BLACKPINK and BTS.
The top 5 K-pop music videos of all time that are Gen-Z favorites
- Gangnam Style By PSY
PSY’s Gangnam Style is a mood setter that has garnered over 4.9 billion views on YouTube, making it the most-watched K-Pop music video of all time. Released in 2012, it focuses on PSY’s chaotic dance steps, colorful outfits, and lavish sets. The cinematography is nothing short of extravagant. However, upon closer inspection, one can understand how the video parodies the social life led by South Korea’s elite, the residents of Gangnam in Seoul. PSY successfully offers a social criticism, wrapping it in humorous scenes and a comical horse-riding hook step that is unforgettable.
To date, PSY’s iconic song is performed by the newer generations of K-Pop stars in variety shows and music festivals, including BTS, who are fans of his music.
2. DDU-DU-DDU-DU by BLACKPINK
BLACKPINK’s DDU-DU-DDU-DU has received over 2.1 billion views on YouTube and remains the second-most loved K-Pop song on the platform. Many fans of the group, a.k.a “Blinks’’ credit DDU-DU-DDU-DU as their best track, and rightly so. The music video flaunts larger-than-life sets and exceptional outfits that, in combination, show the Blackpink members as daring women of the 21st century. The video aligns with the song’s overall themes that explore self-confidence and women’s empowerment. One of the many reasons for DDU-DU-DDU-DU’s music video’s success is the energetic choreography with a rebellious hook step that is still famous on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
3. Kill This Love by BLACKPINK
There cannot be a BLACKPINK music video without extravagant sets and dazzling choreography. Kill This Love has garnered 1.9 billion views and stands tall as the second-most loved music video by the group and the third-most loved K-Pop video on YouTube. In the video, the members show off their acting skills along with their vocal abilities. The rap-heavy song shines bright as Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa display their fiery fashion sense along with energetic choreography, something that is BLACKPINK’s unique selling point. The cinematography shifts from a lighter to a darker aesthetic while the four members happen to sing about toxic love and its after-effects.
4. Dynamite by BTS
Dynamite was released when the world was combatting COVID-19 in 2020. The 3-minute and 43-second track garnered 1.7 billion views on YouTube and it stands as the fourth-most watched K-music video of all time. BTS’ popularity needs no introduction but their first English track Dynamite made the group receive many positive reviews from global media. It also helped them secure their first Grammy nomination, for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 63rd Grammy Awards, making them the first Korean pop act to be nominated for one.
The music video is colorful, vibrant, and choreography-heavy. The cinematography is light with mostly straightforward shots in a retro setting. The members flaunt their goofy personalities and engage in freestyle dance steps which make the video entertaining to watch.
5. Boy With Luv by BTS (feat. Halsey)
No music video from BTS is complete without the seven members being high-spirited. Boy With Luv featuring singer Halsey was released in 2019 as a part of the album “MAP OF THE SOUL: PERSONA.” The music video has a vibrant color palette with different shades of pink taking the lead. The cinematography is commendable with extravagant shots that truly enhance the aesthetic. Halsey and the members interact in playful banter and the eight of them perform the choreography energetically. Boy With Luv has garnered 1.7 billion views on YouTube.
Every K-Pop music video on the list brings something different to the table. The ones ranked above have been viewed the most by audiences and have received positive reviews from critics. However, even though the list only names three K-Pop entities, other soloists and groups have also helped the genre reach global status with their hard work and talent.
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