K-pop has taken the world by storm in recent years, with its catchy beats, synchronized choreography, and eye-catching visuals. And with the rise of online platforms like YouTube, K-pop has found a global audience like never before. In 2023, we saw a massive amount of views on K-pop music videos, and in this article, we will take a look at the 10 most-viewed K-pop MVs on YouTube and see what made them stand out from the rest.
1. Jungkook's SEVEN - A Symbol of Growth and Struggle
Coming in at number one is BTS's Jungkook's solo track, 'SEVEN'. This music video racked up over 300 million views on YouTube in just a few months, making it the most-watched K-pop MV of 2023. This powerful song showcases Jungkook's growth as an artist and his struggles with fame and success. The stunning visuals, coupled with the heartfelt lyrics, resonated with fans all over the world, and it is no surprise that it topped the list.
2. JISOO's Flower - A Blossoming Solo Career
In the second place, we have BLACKPINK's JISOO with her solo track, 'Flower'. With over 250 million views, this music video captivated audiences with its ethereal concept and JISOO's angelic vocals. It marked her first solo venture outside of BLACKPINK, and fans were quick to show their support. The MV is a visual masterpiece, with breathtaking cinematography and symbolic imagery that perfectly complemented the elegant song.
3. The Power of Collaboration - Legendary SuperM's ZERO
Just months after debuting, SuperM solidified its status as the next big thing in K-pop with 'ZERO'. This collaboration between SM Entertainment's biggest stars, including Baekhyun, Kai, and Taemin, garnered over 200 million views on YouTube. The electrifying music video showcased the group's awe-inspiring dance moves and powerful vocals, proving that their combined talents are truly unstoppable.
4. TWICE's FANCY - A Dazzling Visual Extravaganza
TWICE's 'FANCY' was an instant hit with fans, amassing over 180 million views in 2023. The music video is a visual spectacle, with the members donning colorful, futuristic outfits while dancing in a stunning set. The girls' addictive vocals and the catchy chorus made this MV an instant favorite among fans, solidifying TWICE's position as one of the biggest girl groups in K-pop.
5. EXO's OBSESSION - An Addictive and Bold Comeback
In fifth place, we have EXO's 'OBSESSION', which drew in over 160 million views. The MV showcased the group's signature powerful choreography and chic style, coupled with a gritty and intense concept. The addictive beat and bold visuals quickly captivated audiences, and the MV went on to become the most-watched K-pop comeback of 2023.
6. Lisa's LALISA - A Solo Debut That Broke Records
Making her solo debut, BLACKPINK's Lisa came in at sixth place with 'LALISA'. The music video generated over 150 million views, making her the first female K-pop soloist to achieve this feat in just a few months. The fierce and charismatic MV highlighted Lisa's rap and dance skills and solidified her position as a solo superstar.
7. The Impact of Social Media - BTS's Butter
BTS strikes again with their summer hit, 'Butter', which raked in over 140 million views on YouTube. The MV showcased the group's fun and charismatic side, with catchy beats and dance moves that quickly became a trend on social media. The song's infectious nature, along with BTS's massive global fandom, made 'Butter' one of the most-watched K-pop MVs of 2023.
8. Red Velvet's PIKACHU - A Quirky and Playful Collaboration
In eighth place, we have Red Velvet's 'PIKACHU' featuring Wendy and Seulgi. This adorable animated MV amassed over 130 million views and captured the hearts of fans with its playful and quirky concept. The catchy tune and charismatic voices of Wendy and Seulgi, along with the lovable Pikachu, made this MV a hit among both K-pop and anime enthusiasts.
9. NCT's HOT SUMMER - A Refreshing Summer Anthem
NCT's 'HOT SUMMER' enchanted audiences with its refreshing and upbeat sound, garnering over 120 million views. The MV showcased the group's charming vocals and fun-loving personalities against a vibrant summer backdrop. This catchy and feel-good song captured the essence of summer and quickly became a fan favorite, solidifying NCT's position as one of the top boy groups in K-pop.
10. IU's Lilac - A Musical Journey Through Time
Last but certainly not least, we have IU's 'Lilac' rounding off the list with over 100 million views. The MV takes audiences on a journey through different eras, with IU showcasing her versatility as an artist. The nostalgic and dreamy visuals, coupled with her enchanting vocals, made this MV a hit among fans of all ages.
As we can see, the top 10 most-viewed K-pop MVs in 2023 are a diverse mix of solo tracks, collaborations, and group comebacks. Each music video had its unique concept and charm, which resonated with fans in different ways. While K-pop continues to take the world by storm, we can't wait to see what the future holds for this ever-evolving genre.