Cover Rosé dominates global charts with ‘APT’ ft. Bruno Mars while Aespa takes over the K-pop industry with ‘Supernova’ (Photo: Warner Music and Instagram / @aespa_official)
Rosé dominates global charts with ‘APT’ ft. Bruno Mars while Aespa takes over the K-pop industry with ‘Supernova’ (Photo: Warner Music and Instagram / @aespa_official)
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From Rosé’s chart-topping hit ‘APT’ with Bruno Mars to G-dragon and 2NE1’s comebacks, here are the K-pop moments that shaped pop culture in 2024
This year, K-pop has continued to showcase its growing global influence, captivating audiences everywhere with its infectious energy and artistic innovation. As the genre continues to evolve, 2024 has brought us a whirlwind of unforgettable moments that have not only thrilled devoted fans but also welcomed newcomers into the colourful world of K-pop.
From remarkable collaborations and the highly anticipated returns of beloved artists after long breaks to breathtaking performances that left fans excited, Tatler gathered the 10 best moments made by leading K-pop acts. Whether you’re a dedicated fan or just dipping your toes into the K-pop scene, these moments are sure to resonate with you. Plus, we’ll tease some thrilling developments for 2025, making it clear that the K-pop journey is far from over.
Get ready to celebrate the highlights of 2024!
1. Lisa extended her career
Above Lisa performs ‘Rockstar’ at Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
After eight incredible years since their debut, Blackpink’s members have been actively pursuing individual projects throughout the year. Among them, Lisa stands out as a powerhouse, achieving remarkable milestones this year. She made history as the first K-pop artist to perform at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and clinched the ‘Best K-pop’ award at the MTV Video Music Awards for the second time. With hit singles like Rockstar, New Woman and Moonlit Floor (Kiss Me), Lisa has solidified her status as a global superstar.
Looking ahead to 2025, Lisa’s versatility is set to shine even further. Fans can look forward to her acting debut in HBO’s award-winning dark comedy The White Lotus season 3, where she portrays a hotel receptionist named Mook in her home country, Thailand. Meanwhile, she has teased the upcoming release of her solo album, Alter Ego, scheduled to arrive on February 28, 2025.
2. Rosé broke global charts with ‘APT’ ft. Bruno Mars
Above Rosé and Bruno Mars show their chemistry in the music video of ‘APT’
Let’s be honest: we have been obsessed with Rosé’s single APT since its release in October. This catchy track has dominated the Billboard Global 200 for the seventh week so far and became the fastest K-pop song to surpass 500 million views on YouTube.
Featuring pop legend Bruno Mars, APT shifts from Rosé’s earlier vibey tracks to a full-fledged pop anthem that invites fans to sing along. Inspired by her favourite Korean drinking game, Apartment, Rosé initially hesitated to release it due to its theme. However, the production team convinced her, resulting in a captivating music video showcasing their sparkling chemistry, with Mars’s smooth tenor blending perfectly with Rosé’s vibrant soprano.
APT is just one of the 12 tracks in her long-awaited album, Rosie, which she meticulously crafted over the past year. The album, released on December 6, explores the themes of her past relationships and reflects her desire to connect more personally with her fans. Rosé is here to rule.
3. G-Dragon and 2NE1’s iconic comeback
Above G-dragon, Taeyang and Daesung perform their megahits at the MAMA Awards 2024
2024 also marks the return of some K-pop legends. Known for shattering conventions and making waves on global charts as both the leader of Bigbang and a soloist, G-Dragon made a surprise comeback this October with his single Power after a seven-year hiatus. This vibrant hip-hop-infused anthem captures the essence of his artistry and marks the beginning of a new chapter following his departure from YG Entertainment last year.
G-Dragon also had a thrilling reunion with his bandmates Taeyang and Daesung at the MAMA Awards stage this year—together, they performed megahits such as Bang Bang Bang (2015), Fantastic Baby (2012) and their new track Home Sweet Home (2024).
Meanwhile, the pioneer of “girl crush”, 2NE1 kicked off their Asia tour this October, marking their first major return since announcing their hiatus in 2015. Tickets for the tour sold out almost instantly, highlighting the band’s enduring popularity over the past 15 years. The tour is set to continue in 2025, with stops planned in Singapore, Bangkok and Taipei.
Fans can expect more returns of third-generation K-pop acts next year, with Got7 reuniting on January 20 after two years and GFriend making their comeback on January 6 after four years.
4. Aespa took over the industry
Above Aespa’s stunning performance at the MAMA Awards 2024 in Japan
This year truly belongs to Aespa. The quartet has taken the K-pop scene by storm, sweeping awards such as Best Female Group and Song of the Year at major music events like the MAMA Awards and the Melon Music Awards. Known for their futuristic Y3K concept, Aespa showcases a striking cyberpunk aesthetic, seamlessly blending pop, electronic and experimental sounds.
In May, the group released Supernova, which ruled the Melon chart for 15 weeks. In October, they dropped Whiplash, a unique tech-house track that stands out with its viral electronic rhythms. Fans should rewatch their performance at the MAMA Awards 2024, highlighting Aespa’s hits this year, from Karina’s solo Up to Giselle stealing the show despite wearing sunglasses due to an allergic reaction.
5. RM’s music video won four awards at Germany’s Ciclope Festival
Above BTS’s RM clinched four awards at Germany’s Ciclope Festival with his ‘Lost’ music video
BTS continues to thrive this year, even with most members serving mandatory military duties. Leader RM has swept four awards for his Lost music video at the prestigious Ciclope Festival in Germany. This title track from his second solo album, Right Place Wrong Person, released in May, earned two gold for Direction and Production Design and two bronze for Cinematography and Color Grading.
Meanwhile, the documentary RM: Right People, Wrong Place, showcasing his album-making process and eight-month journey before military service, premiered in the Open Cinema section at this year’s Busan International Film Festival, marking a historic first for K-pop documentaries.
In case you missed it: Beyond K-pop: How BTS’s RM has become a trusted voice in South Korea’s indie music and art scenes
6. NewJeans fighting for their independence
NewJeans has made headlines this year by advocating for autonomy in their careers following the ongoing legal dispute that began in April between Hybe and former producer Min Heejin of their subsidiary agency, Ador, over the group’s management. On November 28, the members announced their departure from Ador during a press conference.
Hanni, who has alleged workplace harassment while working at the label, said, “This is not the type of work ethic we respect and nor one we want to be part of.” The group expressed hope to continue working with Min, who left Ador in August and was the mastermind behind their creation.
NewJeans’ public declaration marks an unprecedented act of defiance in the K-pop industry, which is known for its iron control over artists and its emphasis on maintaining a perfect public image.
7. Stray Kids became the first K-pop band to attend the Met Gala
Since their debut in 2018, Stray Kids has emerged as one of the top K-pop boy bands, consistently topping Billboard charts and breaking global records with their music releases. This year, they made history as the first K-pop act to attend the Met Gala in New York City in May. The eight-member group dazzled in custom Tommy Hilfiger suits featuring signature red, white and blue with gold floral detailing, perfectly aligning with the gala’s “The Garden of Time” dress code.
Currently, they are on their third world concert tour, with fans eagerly anticipating their upcoming stop in Hong Kong on January 18-19, 2025 at AsiaWorld-Expo.
8. Seventeen became the first K-pop act to perform at Glastonbury
Above Seventeen performs ‘Maestro’ (2024) at Glastonbury
Last year, Seventeen achieved remarkable success, with the biggest-selling album worldwide and ranking as the second biggest-selling artist of 2023, surpassed only by Taylor Swift, according to IFPI. This solidified their status as a global sensation. This year, the group headlined several major music festivals, including Lollapalooza in Berlin in September and made history by performing at Glastonbury in June, becoming the first K-pop group to take the main stage at the UK’s largest music festival.
The 13-member band performed 13 songs, including Maestro (2024), Hot (2022) and Very Nice (2016), captivating a crowd of more than 200,000 with their synchronised, powerful choreography and exceptional vocal skills.
9. Jin holds the Olympic torch
After completing his military service in June, BTS’s Jin surprised fans worldwide by representing South Korea as a torchbearer for the Paris 2024 Olympics. In July, dressed in all white, he received the torch on Rue de Rivoli from a torchbearer on a bicycle and led the run to the Louvre Museum. Crowds gathered in the streets to catch a glimpse of the star, celebrating this memorable moment.
10. Lee Young-ji collaborated with D.O. and Christopher
Above Lee Young-ji wrote the lyrics for ‘Small Girl’ based on her personal experience
As a leading figure South Korea's MZ generation, Lee Young-ji has injected fresh energy and cross-genre appeal into the K-pop scene this year. In June, she collaborated with EXO’s D.O. on the song Small Girl, which quickly became a hot topic on social media. The music video features a charming moment where D.O. steals a kiss, causing Lee to shyly run away, a scene that captured the attention of fans. The song explores themes of self-acceptance as it tells the story of a tall girl who feels insecure about her height but learns that love and confidence come from within.
In September, Lee partnered with Danish singer Christopher to release Toxic. Later, in November, Rosé made a surprise appearance on Lee’s music show, The Seasons: Lee Young-ji’s Rainbow (2024), where they performed APT. Their delightful chemistry caused the audience to erupt into a loud cheer.
