[Writer’s Picks] The A to Z Of K-Pop B-Sides (Part I)

Hello and welcome back to HallyuTones — always focused on sound, stage and substance.

While title tracks, otherwise known as lead singles, are often the most well-known songs by an artist, the secondary tracks on their records are often the gems of their discography. Here, we see more of the artist’s vocal range, their colour, and flesh out some of the story of the project they’re presenting, be it an EP, LP, or even a mixtape. These songs, known as B-side tracks, often go undiscovered by the general public despite showcasing the artists’ talents that are often less spoken of, or given time to shine. When it comes to K-Pop idols and groups, this can be due to choosing songs to fit trends as titles, or simply because the chosen track was preferred by the agency or the members themselves. 

In this two part article, we are giving you the A to Z of K-Pop B-sides by some of our favourite girl groups and soloists. Some of these you may have heard, and some may be entirely new, but we hope that by the end there will be a few that you add to your playlists.

Let’s get started!

A

• Agit [Cabin Fever EP, 2023]
• Purple Kiss
• This group has consistently proved in their years of activities that they are standout performers. The shocking news of Purple Kiss’ impending disbandment completely blindsided fans, especially those who have followed their journey thus far. The members all take pride in writing, composing and producing the music they share; a fact which has not only garnered them a large portion of their audience but also shaped their group sound. Agit is an upbeat song that is perfect for summer days by the pool and roadtrips. While they initially debuted with an intense, horror-inspired concept, every release from Purple Kiss has shown that no matter where the members go, they are a kaleidoscope of colours just waiting to find the right canvas.

B

•  Bitter Taste [LOVE ALL EP, 2023]
• JO YURI

Famous for her years as an IZ*ONE member, JO YURI is not a voice that can easily be forgotten. While she recently came back with the five track EP titled ‘Episode 25’, one of her most memorable B-side tracks, at least to the author, is Bitter Taste. Coming off her 2023 ‘Love All’ EP, this song deviates significantly from the preppy love songs we’ve seen girl group alums use as album filler tracks. It tackles a more mature love that isn’t always sweet. Almost like a siren’s song the melody brings the listener close to diving into her bittersweet love. JO YURI’s entire catalogue is a testament to her focus on providing clean, enticing vocals no matter the style of the track. For lovers of RnB and its offshoots, someone could say this song would fit perfectly amongst the early 2000s records of artists like Christina Aguilera, and possibly even resembles the tone of some of Toni Braxton’s most famous releases. 

C:

• Cool (Your Rainbow) [ENTWURF, Single Album, 2022]
• NMIXX

Being one of their earlier B-sides, Cool may be further back in fan’s minds. However, this song was the writing on the wall for anyone who was unsure about the group’s direction following their debut with O.O. While DICE definitely piqued the interest of listeners, people’s ears were consistently tuned in just as much to Cool (Your Rainbow). This, being the second track on their second single album, was the beginnings of NMIXX proving themselves vocal royalty in the K-Pop industry. A pop ballad accompanied by entrancing strings, the song is said to be an outlet for confronting the less positive emotions faced by the NMIXX members of their journey. As a listener, the soundscape takes you through multiple phases, each of which is an opportunity to find a new perspective. On a cool autumn night, with a gentle breeze blowing, this song would be ideal as the background music for facing life and its changes head on.

D:

• DONE [Sequence EP, 2024]
• WJSN

Fresh off their Queendom Season 2 appearance, WJSN released the Sequence EP that had fans with their jaws on the ground. The title track Last Sequence is the very definition of what makes WJSN unique, and so well loved. While Done is also undeniably WJSN, it carries a completely different tone. Fans of the group were concerned at the time that the EP would be the group’s last release as an ensemble given that they had reached the end of their contracts with Starship Entertainment. While all but two members renewed their contracts, DONE and the Sequence EP is proof that even in times of uncertainty, the group will always put the music first. 

E:

• EXIT [Episode 1: Love, Full Album, 2023]
• So!YoOn

Our first entry on the list from a non-idol performer. As you know, HallyuTones is here for sound and substance. Hwang Soyoon, the frontman of Korean band SESONEON, gives all of that and more in her first full album. The song starts immediately with So!YoOn’s vocals over a flighty guitar tune. For lovers of rock, and instrument heavy music, this song, and the album as a whole, is a treat. An ode to love and its ups-and-downs, ‘Episode 1: Love’ is genuinely one of the most remarkable albums for its tableau painted across twelve songs. While this article is meant to promote the B-sides, it has to be said that once you’ve listened to Exit, it will be hard not to play every song from start to finish, maybe even multiple times. 

F :

• Flowers, Flutter, Your heart [Kep1going On, 1st Full album, 2025]
• Kep1er

Flowers, Flutter, Your Heart is a song that does exactly what the title says. On their first full length album, the Kep1er members did not hold back when it came to showing off their skills and proving that they are worth every bit of praise they receive for their talents. Primarily known for their stronger songs like WADADA, Straight line and YUM, every member of this group has shown their capacity to flip the switch and give us something softer, more demure. Flowers, Flutter, Your heart is a leisurely song that takes the listener through a winding, love that has your heart thumping at every stage. While every member sounds astounding throughout this song, Huening Bahiyyih, Chaehyun and Dayeon stand out in making this song as easy to fall for as it is. If you’re looking for something more slow-paced and romantic to listen to, this is definitely a song for you. 

G:

• Good for U [Lovestruck EP, 2025]
• H1-KEY

Coming off of H1-KEY’s successful summer comeback, Good for U is a song that showcases the group’s love for performance. The pop punk banger was promoted on music shows alongside Song of the Summer nominee Summer Was You. H1-KEY has been known to drop gems for the music industry proven by their track record with Seoul (Such a beautiful city), the group’s first win and the chart-topping Rose Blossom. In this comeback, H1-KEY uses each track to evoke the feelings of summer, from hope to chaos to yearning, it’s all there. Good for U is our pick for this list because it’s a mixture of everything K-pop fans have been looking for: something fresh, breathtaking vocals, and music that ages like fine-wine. 

H:

• Hell in Heaven [Eyes wide open, 2nd Full Album, 2024]
• TWICE

When TWICE released I Can’t Stop Me, something shifted in the atmosphere. Known for their youthful charms, Eyes wide open presented an opportunity for TWICE to show off a more grown up look and sultry sound as a group. Hell in Heaven is one of the tracks not frequently mentioned in discussions about the group’s best songs but definitely deserves the attention. With addictive chords played by string instruments and a drum beat that gets the hips moving, if this song were released today it would have listeners everywhere on their feet for every second it plays. For anyone who isn’t entirely sure if TWICE is a group that makes songs for their taste, maybe start here. These women have a discography that is stacked full of underrated songs just waiting for listeners to find them.

I:

• I’ll Tell You [UNFRAMED EP, 2024]
• WOOAH

Following the release of the semi-viral track Blush in March of 2024, WOOAH came back with the mini album called ‘UNFRAMED’ and its title track POM POM POM. The song took fans by surprise for its stark contrast to Blush as a pre-release track. I’ll Tell You has a similar effect, showing the members, who are usually more demure and bright in their presentation, taking an affirmative stance. They proclaim “I’m burning like the fire… Don’t wanna change myself”. As a group that’s evolved and grown along with their fans, this message is one that is sure to resonate with anyone who has decided unwaveringly to take their life into their own hands. Almost like opening Pandora’s box, the song comes with multiple changeups throughout that will have anyone wishing they could hear it for the first time again. 

J:

• Jiggy [Re-Original EP, 2022]
• BVNDIT

As mentioned, some of our recommendations come from groups that are no longer active. BVNDIT is a group that was slated to be one of K-Pop’s biggest stars. From hits like Dumb, to Jungle, the group always left their audiences wanting more. Jiggy is a song off their final EP that could honestly pass for a title track. With heavy bass topped by sultry vocals, accompanied by cheeky wind instruments, Jiggy is precisely the type of song watchers of K-Pop Demon Hunters may be looking to find in the industry. While the group definitely has other impressive B-sides we could have chosen, Jiggy truly is an easy listen inviting everyone into the metaphorical dance circle. The chorus is a bright mix of alluring vocals and powerful rap lines delivered to the listener moving. Lovers of groups like Billlie might find this suggestion right up their alley. The two groups are no strangers to experimental sounds blending genres and vocal styles to create a sound that’s not easy to replicate. In their few years of existence, BVNDIT has added to the shape of K-pop and the sounds that keep listeners intrigued by its melodies.

K:

• Killshot [KILL MY DOUBT EP, 2023]
• ITZY

ITZY is a group that has always kept fans talking about their releases. From the debut of a generation with ‘DALLA DALLA’, to dance smash hits like ‘LOCO’, the group is known for their powerful stage presence and unforgettable hooks. Killshot is no different. Killshot calls back to the group’s MAFIA in the Morning era with its darker styling. The track, with its synth bassline and overall game soundtrack feel is the anthem for that point in life where even if you’re feeling weary, you’ve got to go for the kill shot. ITZY themselves are no strangers to having to roll with the punches; as survival show alumni, as performers in an extremely competitive industry where every move counts Killshot is a B-side that really makes the listener want to get their head in the game.

L:

• La Boum [Roll Up EP, 2024]
• BLACKSWAN  

BLACKSWAN broke out on the scene with their current lineup with a bang. Many followers of the RANIA pipeline were pleasantly surprised when KARMA was released. However, when it comes to showing their colours and showing that they deserve their place on the stage, the vocal line have left no room for deliberation with La Boum. Performing the song for the first time at the group’s headline concert in Uzbekistan, NVEE, Sriya and Gabi made it clear that BLACKSWAN is a powerhouse group with more to show than just the diversity in their backgrounds. Member Fatou watched alongside proud Lumina (their fans) as the girls showed how far they’ve come as idols. Even though La Boum only presents the three vocalists, member Fatou made sure to shine on the EP’s title track Roll Up as well as on house-infused C’est Jamais Vue. BLACKSWAN, as proven by their explosive recent appearance in new Apple TV series KPOPPED, is the kind of group that will have people talking for decades to come.

M:

• Miami [PREQUEL, Single Album, 2024]
• ICHILLIN’

This group is no stranger to giving listeners exactly what they want: unforgettable music to attach to memories that will last forever. The title track of the EP, Official, is one that was quite popular amongst fans of girl groups across social media. With an uptick in songs that sound like a dream, in part thanks to NEWJEANS’ Hype Boy, Miami is the type of song you could imagine playing at a house party on a warm summer night. It’s the type of song that montages of happy memories shared between lovers and friends are made to. While Summer may almost be over in the northern hemisphere, we recommend everyone adds this song to their Summer Playlist for some extra sparkle.

We hope that by looking through some of these songs you will find something new you enjoy. If not, that’s okay too. Everyone has their own taste and if putting these names in your search bar gives another listener a chance at finding their favourite artist, that is all we could ask for. 

Did you know any of these songs? Are there any artists you were hoping to see? Stay tuned for the final part of this series next week where we share even more of our favourite Bsides of K-Pop with you.