On December 8th, popular British music magazine NME selected 50 Best Albums Of 2023. In the rankings, the names of IVE, LE SSRERAFIM, BTS’s Suga, also known as Agust D, and Korean-American indie artist Yeaji were proudly listed. It’s more meaningful because the rankings selected all albums released in 2023 beyond K-pop, regardless of whether they are mainstream or indie music.
IVE ranked No.47th with “I’ve IVE” they introduced in April. NME’s editor Rhian Daly explained the reason this album was chosen, saying “The record showed off Ive’s full spectrum of strengths. It fully justified the buzz around them, shining from beginning to end with fresh ideas and immaculate energy.”
“D-DAY”, the album Suga released in April under the name Agust D, ranked No.38. Regarding this album, NME editor commented, “The fiery album wrapped up his trilogy of solo releases with more sharp, thought-provoking societal observations and reflections on his own life, but with room for a new sense of peace, acceptance and hope”, adding, “That it was all set to hard-hitting hip-hop and featured starry collabs with BTS’ J-Hope, late Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto and more only made ‘D-Day’ more spectacular”.
LE SSERAFIM’s “UNFORGIVEN” appeared in No.30. This album drew keen attention even before its official release with the participation of legendary guitarist Nile Rodgers. Regarding this album, editor Jenessa Williams said, “It was the triple threat of ‘UNFORGIVEN’, ‘ANTIFRAGILE’ and ‘Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard’s Wife’ which really coined their signature style though – rebellious, bassy anthems that put the empowerment in the party.”
Korean-American singer Yeaji, who gained huge attention from the indie world for her extraordinary electronic sound, ranked high at No.24 with “With a Hammer”. Moving back and forth between Seoul and New York, she is expected to show a wide activity spectrum in the future. “With a Hammer” also appeared at No.7 in Album of the Year selected by American web magazine The Guardian.
As Korean musicians, including top idol groups, are advancing overseas. Starting with BTS and BLACKPINK, the proportion of Korean musicians being mentioned in overseas music communities will continue to increase. For example, famous US music media outlet Billboard also selected Best K-pop Tracks and Albums in 2023.
Attention is focused on which K-pop artists and albums will appear in global charts and year-end rankings in 2024.
Source: Daum
