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Christmas and K-Pop seemingly go hand-in-hand between a slew of covers of iconic holiday classics to memorable end-of-year festival performances.
There’s a long list of both original holiday tunes and modernized classics that are released from groups every year. There are some that stand above the rest to make a perfect Christmas playlist.
With “Beautiful Christmas,” girl groups Red Velvet and aespa join forces to make a festive song for all K-Pop fans. The track is proof that more K-Pop companies could benefit from inter-company collaboration. SM Entertainment has made attempts at this idea including super boy group, SuperM, and super girl group, GirlsOnTop, both of which feature stars from groups across generations (The evolution of K-Pop is often measured in “generations”).
ATEEZ’s “White Love” is a refreshing cover of a song from ‘90s Korean group, Turbo. ATEEZ has a robust selection of softer and vocal-heavy b-sides, but the group has become known for their powerful and energetic singles – see recent hits such as “Work,” “Bouncy (K-Hot Chili Peppers” and “Crazy Form” as an example. The 2021 song from their season specific release, Season Songs – a collaboration album with Turbo’s Kim Jong Kook – serves as an opportunity to show casual fans the diversity of their discography.
“Magical” is the latest addition to Twice’s near flawless holiday discography. The b-side track hails from the group’s latest release, Strategy. The girl group told THR earlier this year that the new album was a good challenge for the veteran K-Pop idols.
Below, find the K-Pop perfect songs to add to your holiday playlist.
K-Pop Stars at the 2021 SBS Gayo Daejeon, “All I Want for Christmas Is You (Mariah Carey Cover)” [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZ8QC64Yytk?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]
This 2021 cover of Mariah Carey’s Christmas classic is the ultimate K-Pop holiday track. The cover features artists from Tomorrow x Together, Red Velvet, Stray Kids, Itzy, ATEEZ, Astro, NCT 127, aespa and more.
Twice, “Magical” [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKlCkB_Iicc?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]
“Magical” is the latest entry in Twice’s ever-growing spectacular holiday discography – other notable songs include their 2022 Japanese release “Doughnut” and 2017 track “Merry & Happy.” Serving as a b-side on the nine-piece group’s latest album Strategy, “Magical,” a soft pop, dance track, perfectly encapsulates how much the group has evolved in recent years.
EXO, “The First Snow” [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAnWZmPsCnk?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]
Nothing highlights the impact short form video platforms such as TikTok and YouTube Shorts have on music quite like the resurgence of EXO’s 2013 holiday track “The First Snow.” The song was impossible to miss on the social platforms last holiday season and this year has been the same. The K-Pop Christmas classic has climbed domestic music charts as the holiday approached, and as of Dec. 25 at 1 a.m. KST, the song sits at No. 4 on Korea’s Melon Top 100 chart – beating out Christmas queen Mariah Carey.
Kep1er’s Huening Bahiyyih, “Snow in California (Ariana Grande Cover)” [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQKRPqpRtps?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]
The holiday season brings a slew of K-Pop covers, and Kep1er member Huening Bahiyyih’s 2023 rendition of “Snow in California” by Ariana Grande manages to stand out. The groovy holiday track is a departure from much of Kep1er’s discography, allowing the 20-year-old to showcase a new side of herself to fans.
BTS, “Dynamite (Holiday Remix)” [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8pTFwksO7s?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]
The festive version of BTS’ chart topping single “Dynamite” has become a must-add to any holiday playlist. The remix manages to keep the sound of the original track while adding a fun, festive vibe.
Red Velvet and aespa, “Beautiful Christmas” [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTgcp1oDk2M?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]
SM Entertainment loves to bring artists from different groups together (their SM Town banner and its live shows are a great example), but the decision to bring together beloved girl groups Red Velvet and aespa remains one of their best. The two groups are individually known for their strong vocal skills but seamlessly blended together for this instant holiday hit.
Stray Kids, “Christmas EveL” [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57n4dZAPxNY?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]
In true Stray Kids fashion, the eight-piece boy group took the Christmas genre and made it their own. This 2021 single perfectly showcase’s the group’s signature style with a festive twist, making it a highlight of their full discography. Felix’s short but memorable final rap verse is not to be missed.
Blackpink’s Lisa, “My Only Wish (Britney Spears Cover)” [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xi1YS_HfNyY?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]
The pop star’s 2023 cover of Britney Spears’ 2000 holiday hit was only the beginning to what would be a banner year ahead for the 27-year-old. After a trio of hit singles this year, the Thailand native is set to make her acting debut in the highly anticipated new season of The White Lotus.
ATEEZ, “White Love” [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSX9UztF9QU?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]
Originally sung by hit Korean act Turbo in the ‘90s, this cover by the eight-piece outfit – and most of the Season Songs EP it hails from – shows a softer side of the powerhouse boy group. It also spawned one of their most adorable onstage performances.
Le Sserafim, “Perfect Night (Holiday Remix)” [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sujIgaXoFTM?start=189&feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]
The girl group smartly remixed their hit English language single “Perfect Night” ahead of the holiday last year. The relaxed pop vibe of the original lends itself well to this festive twist, executed brilliantly by the five-piece group.
NCT Dream, “Joy” [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMMl0DopcdM?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]
Excuse the pun, but NCT Dream’s 2017 holiday single is truly a “joy” to listen to. This track is a throwback to the group’s early days, a shining example of how much the group has grown over the years.
NMIXX, “Funky Glitter Christmas” [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBwikDvbRbI?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]
This 2022 Christmas single was released under a year after the now-six-piece group debuted. The quirky and bright Christmas song fits right in with NMIXX’s direction and aesthetic as a group.
BoyNextDoor, “Last Christmas (Wham! Cover)” [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKVa-ksDhhs?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]
No holiday music playlist is complete without this Wham! classic. Understandably, it’s a popular cover choice but the rising star boy group’s simple arrangement and clean vocals sets their rendition apart.
Class:y, “Winter Bloom” [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJAdPdhjw3M?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]
For those that want a true bubblegum K-Pop Christmas vibe, “Winter Bloom” is the perfect song. The 2023 single from the seven-member girl group is fun enough to make the grumpiest grinch dance along to the beat.
The Boyz, “Christmassy!” [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcW47LstjWk?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]
This 2020 track from the 11-member group is the epitome of a group having fun with a Christmas single. The boy group even filmed an adorable music video for the track.
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