Kpop music videos have come a long way. Korean music videos started to become popular back in the mid-1990s. These Kpop music videos have been used as the lifeblood of many Kpop groups. These days many of the most-viewed music videos are generally Kpop videos. Kpop music videos by BTS and BLACKPINK have already surpassed 1 billion views on YouTube. The reason for their success is that these videos do an excellent job of telling a story that is connected to the song’s lyrics while at the same time entertaining viewers visually. So what are the best Kpop music videos of all time?
Top 100 Kpop Stars in 2023 – Q1
A few factors went into making this list. First, the song itself had to be good. It doesn’t matter how great visually a Kpop music video is, if the song is not great, it won’t make this list. Another factor we considered was how much the music video took Kpop to another level. A straight performance video would not be enough to make this list. The concept, design, choreography, and directing matter all matter. Many of the older great Kpop videos did not make a list as most can not compare with what is being produced today.
Main Elements Considered for the Ranking:
- The music track
- Concept or Story based on Visuals
- Look/Style
- Member involvement
- Lighting
- Props/Set Design
- Editing/Graphics
BTS – Black Swan
BTS makes some of the best Kpop music videos; however, Black Swan is on a new level. It is our choice for the top spot for the best Kpop music videos on the all-time list. Black Swan is unlike any music video you have seen before. It is the most artistic Kpop music video and incorporates great storytelling with a powerful message. The overall tone and mood are dark and depressing, which breaks away from other Kpop music videos that are a lot about being flashy yet meaningless. The more you watch the video you start to find deeper meanings which takes this video to a whole new level.
Psy – Gangnam Style
There is a reason why Gangnam Style is closing in on 4.7 billion views on YouTube. This music video single-handedly took Kpop global. Interestingly, the Gangnam Style is nothing like the typical Kpop music video. It is a fun and playful music video poking fun at the upper-class society in Gangnam. This music video is the most influential Kpop song of all time. PSY and the song are treated in Korea as a point of pride. You can even visit a giant bronze sculpture at COEX that’s modeled after PSY’s hands.
Big Bang – Fantastic Baby
The visuals behind Big Bang’s Fantastic Baby are amazing! The song is very catchy and probably the Big Bang’s most memorable song. The music video shows why Big Bang is considered the Kings of Kpop. Many scenes in this music video can stand alone as pieces of art. For example, G-Dragon’s long flowing orange hair as he sits on a stone throne is an image you will never forget. The plot of the video is simple and clear. A rebellion against the government wants to stop the people from partying. Big Bang is the king of this rebellion and looks to lead them to freedom. The music video does a fantastic job of complementing the fast-paced dance music while simultaneously satisfying the viewer’s visual experience.
BTS – Blood, Sweat, & Tears
Most BTS fans will say Blood, Sweat, and Tears is their best music video, and it is hard to argue with them. The sound is amazing as it incorporates a lot of layers, such as soft chimes, echoing sirens, and rhythmic claps. The hook is very catchy as it is a simple two-word chant. The production team went to work on this music video. The video explores concepts such as life and death. The story is about falling from grace and whether you can piece yourself back together.
SEVENTEEN – Fear
SEVENTEEN blew us away with their darkest music video yet. It is edgy and sensual and tells a story about how love can turn bad. Bad feelings can become toxic and ruin relationships. The music video does a great job of keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The colors used in the video are a work of art and make the video visually startling. Fear does a great job of playing tricks with the camera using different camera angles and filters. One of the most haunting and dark Kpop music videos out there.
BLACKPINK – Ddu-du Ddu-du
When you think of BLACKPINK, you most likely picture a scene from Ddu-du Ddu-du. It is their best music video and does a great job of showcasing their hip-hop-infused sound. The message is all about female empowerment, and while they may be pretty on the outside, they are fierce on the inside. The video itself has a lot of standout moments, such as the diamond-covered tank, but what makes this music video so good is its ability to switch from dark themes to bright softer themes fluidly. You can easily watch this video over and over again. Videos like this made BLACKPINK the best K-pop girl group of all time.
EXO – Love Shot
Love Shot is one of EXO’s best songs and has one of their best choruses. You will have it in your head well after hearing it. While the song lacks energy compared to EXO’s other hits, the music video sets it apart. It does a great job of showcasing each member. The story is about a bank robbery, but rather than using guns; they are using alcohol. Love Shot has done it perfectly for those interested in seeing great visuals of each member. The choreography is also on point, and EXO shows that they have the potential to make equally great music videos as BTS.
(G)I-DLE – Oh My God
By far the most artistic Kpop music video out there today. (G)I-DLE’s Oh My God is a very emotional and powerful song to date. What the music video does so well is that they can blend art with the pain the girls are trying to express. The video is very edge and artistic and does a great job of showing the different styles of each member. The story blends the concept of heaven vs. hell and needs multiple viewings to see which one wins out.
BTS – DYNAMITE
The music video brought a smile to people’s faces during the coronavirus pandemic. This is an entertaining music video and is their first song sung entirely in English. It is an upbeat disco-pop song with many funk and soul elements of the 70s. The music video was made to give off that vintage-nostalgic feeling for viewers. It is the definition of a hit summer Kpop music video. If you want the video carefully, you will find many references and tributes to music legends from the past.
BLACKPINK – Kill This Love
Some might argue that Kill This Love is a better music video than Ddu-du Ddu-du; however, it is not a better song. The story is about the group’s goal of ending a toxic relationship by killing it. The music video incorporates styles from films like Suicide Squad and Tomb Raider. It does a great job of mixing soft and hard elements. Therefore they are edgy while not being offensive.
