See Part 1 of this post here:

Joy In K-pop – A Monster Thread

But wait, there’s more – yes, once I’ve gone through all the music that gives me joy, there’s some honorable mentions. Music that I like or love, but that’s not necessarily joyous. So here goes…

Cheating

I’m going to start by cheating – oh, quelle surprise. Yes, there are a few songs that I love from yesterday’s groups that deserve to be mentioned, but don’t actually fit the “Joy” category. So I’m going to shoehorn them in here.

CNU/Sandeul – Oblique Line – This is simply one of the most beautiful songs I know.

CNU/Sandeul – Oblique Line

Super Junior D&E – Danger – I have a guilty fondness for trap, and this song features one of SuJu’s main rappers (Eunhyuk) as well as both lead dancers (Eunhyuk & Donghae).

SHINee – Don’t Call Me – Another trap treasure, done just after Minho completed his military service (hence the flaming red hair). Brilliant and hypnotic.

DinDin – Fallin’ Down (Feat. Lee Wonseok) – This is my go-to track when I need a bit of headbanging.

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Honorable Mentions (in alphabetical order)

Ateez – 4th generation group that, while they aren’t strictly joyful, still produce some good music. Start with their latest, Deja Vu.

BIBI
I want to be BIBI if I ever grow up (yah, I know, chances are slim). A 4th generation indie singer with a beautiful voice, and not afraid to say what she thinks. Has collaborated with some legends in the industry (like Heechul from Super Junior & CNU from B1A4, among others). Very interesting. Try Life Is A Bi***

BIBI – Life Is A Bi***

BigBang
Leader G Dragon is known as one of the 4 best songwriter/producers of his generation, and this rap/hip hop group are legendary. Start with Fantastic Baby.

BtoB
Another legendary 2nd generation group that creates excellent R&B. Start with their recent hit Outsider.

CNBLUE
A pop/rock group who debuted in 2009, making them 2nd generation, these guys are also legendary. Unusual in that they don’t dance and do play their own instruments on stage – many other artists play instruments, it’s just that they rarely do so as part of the performances. Try starting with their latest single, Love Cut.

g.o.d (Groove Overdose)
The ultimate living legends of K-pop, these guys are one of the few 1st generation groups still making music. Most of their music is slow R&B/hip hop, but this one’s fairly upbeat & cheerful, & they’re not taking themselves at all seriously.