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Best K-pop albums of 2021 so far: Twice, Exo, Tomorrow x Together and others fly the flag for South Korea’s idol scene

  • K-pop’s top groups and artists have been busy in the first months of 2021, releasing uplifting and engaging albums
  • From Twice’s Taste of Love to The Chaos Chapter: Freeze from Tomorrow x Together to I Burn by G(I)-dle, here are the 10 best albums of the year so far

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Girl group (G)I-Dle’s IBurn is one of the best K-pop albums of 2021 so far. Photo: Cube Entertainment

Every year brings new K-pop hits, and albums, and so far South Korea’s idol scene has stayed strong in 2021, with many popular names releasing new albums that explore their artistry and viewpoints and make for all-around engaging listening experiences.

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Ranging from comeback albums to musical autobiographies, here are 10 of the best K-pop albums of 2021 so far.

I Burn by (G)I-dle (January 11)

Short and sweet, not even 20 minutes long, (G)I-dle’s “I Burn” is an intense, impassioned show of the band’s dynamic vocals, offering up the ultimate take on getting over a fiery love affair and its resulting break-up.

The cinematic album, which is fronted by the single Hwaa and has a true stand-out with the uplifting album closer Dahlia, incorporates elements of moombahton, nu-disco, R&B, and pop, blending with traditional Eastern musical elements to create something that is very 2021 and yet timeless.

Chung Ha’s Querencia showcases the singer (above) with 21 addictive dance tracks. Photo: Getty Images
Chung Ha’s Querencia showcases the singer (above) with 21 addictive dance tracks. Photo: Getty Images

Querencia by Chung Ha (February 15)

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