A rising star in global charts, Korean music is quickly becoming a more international scene. Getting into K-pop can involve a lot of work, so if you need a quick tour of some of the best songs the industry has to offer, take a break from studying and browse through this playlist.

(Note: A lot of Korean music very visual: In mainstream K-pop, releasing a song requires lots of planning for an accompanying visual concept, video and dance. With this in mind, please watch the videos as you enjoy the music.

1. “Awoo” – Lim Kim

A whimsical tune with an equally whimsical video to match, “Awoo” by singer-songwriter Lim Kim is poppy and fun, but it removes itself from the more cliched corners of the mainstream with its artistry and creative production. With “Awoo,” Kim takes a different direction from the image-focused, super-compressed pop produced by many K-pop idol groups in favor of focusing on the music itself. The melody of the song, though catchy, is original and less predictable than those of the industry standard. The production, as well, is unconventional and expansive, and this works well with Kim’s breathy, languid voice and the saccharine chorus.  

2. “You & Me” – Kisum (ft. Jooyoung)

To get a glimpse of a unique development in Korea’s hip-hop scene, check out Kisum’s “You & Me.” An anthem for the minimalist pastel aesthetic, “You & Me” has been generating some buzz amongst art bloggers on the internet for the soft colors and beautiful cinematography of its music video. Like the video, the song itself is sweet, bubbly and a little dreamy. The lyrics and tune are perfectly complemented by Kisum’s characteristically buoyant, sing-song delivery.

3. “Doin’ It” – Verbal Jint & Sanchez (feat. Bumkey)

Smooth and jazzy, “Doin’ It” skips lightly from note to note. The easy interplay between Verbal Jint’s verses, jazz piano runs and Sanchez’s refrains come together to form a polished, sophisticated glaze over the innovative core of the song. In “Doin’ It,” Verbal Jint breaks away from the synth-heavy party beats now common in Korean music in favor of experimenting with more traditional instruments. The result is a stripped-down tune — brilliant in its simplicity — that explores hip-hop’s roots in jazz.

4. “I Need U (YA해)” – Kye Bum Zu

“I Need U (YA해)” by Kye Bum Zu is the song on this playlist a casual American listener would be least likely to simply stumble upon while browsing the Internet for tunes. Zu, though an established presence in Korean music, has previously taken a more behind-the-scenes role as a songwriter and producer, working with underground rappers as well as mainstream groups such as Block B and Seventeen. As a performer, however, Zu definitely holds his own — “I Need U” is the kind of light, poppy R&B song so versatile that it’s the perfect song to both dance to at a party or relax to at home.  

5. “Adore U” – Seventeen

Now, for a look at the Korean mainstream, check out rookie idol group Seventeen’s debut track, “Adore U.” Playing with funky guitar riffs and a unique and catchy melody, “Adore U” stands out in a genre otherwise known for cranking out dance tunes with melodramatic, hip-hop inspired hooks. Seventeen turns to a more buoyant, boyish image and delivers a bright, upbeat pop song — a go-to when you need to boost your mood. Seventeen also distinguishes itself by composing its own songs and choreographing its own dances — not an easy feat in South Korea’s competitive industry, especially when the members’ average age is only 18.

6. “Doctor Pepper (feat. RiFF RAFF and OG Maco)” – Diplo and CL (America x South Korea)

You may have already heard this one on the radio. Most of the names credited on “Doctor Pepper” are mainstream American artists, and it has been blowing up in the US as a party tune. What you might not have known, however, is that the lead vocalist of the song launched her career as a member of the wildly successful Korean girl group, 2NE1. Put this song on the playlist for your next kickback, and take it as proof that Korean music is becoming truly international.

Lindsay Choi covers literature. Contact her at lchoi@dailycal.org.