Whether you’ve got a date this Valentine’s season or you’re chilling with friends, this playlist is sure to keep you cozy and vibing no matter what.
February comebacks are always a classic for k-pop. It’s after the holidays so the pressure’s off, and Valentine’s day is added to the mix for a perfect casual comeback. Some groups release some great bops around this time, while others drop lovey-dovey songs all year round. Here are some songs that will make your Valentine’s Day extra special.
“La Vie En Rose” is a beautiful track. In French essentially means “life through rose-colored glasses”. The song entertains this idea describing how beautiful love can be as if those lenses were in fact reality. The music video is beautiful with the use of red and roses in particular. Such a low-key song, from the long but not forgotten group of twelve that was IZ*ONE.
NiziU is primarily a Japanese-pop group by JYP, the company that owns TWICE, ITZY, and Stray Kids. As their first Korean debut, this song screams cute. The name is a play on the words “heart” and “Tetris”. Just like the classic game, this song is about finding the perfect match to your heart. Hence the name, the song has a bit of a retro vibe. I absolutely love the tutting all throughout the choreography. There were several parts where they symbolized Tetris blocks falling into place. Felix of Stray Kids is the featured love interest, although the ending of the video has a bit of a twist. Definitely don’t skip out on this one!
3. CUPID – KARA
Not to be confused with “Cupid” by FIFTY FIFTY, this Cupid is the OG. Throwing it back a bit, the second-gen group KARA released “CUPID” in 2015. It’s such an underrated song. The chorus is so colorful and the vocals fit so well with the instrumental. Fans criticized the song for the simple choreography, but I think it fits great. Sometimes less is more. Choreographically and vocally, it’s such an effortless song. KARA is an overwhelming group to get into for many reasons, but this is a great song to start your journey. As their last main release it deserves so much more.
“ATTITUDE” is a new song dropped by IVE off their new album, “IVE EMPATHY”. In the music video, the six girls are living in a “Loveless Society”. In a gray dystopia they try to survive life in the office and at home. Eventually they’re able to express their passionate attitude and bring some life to their coworkers.
It’s a chill yet catchy pop song. I really like Wonyoung’s voice in the choruses, her parts specifically. The chorus samples a piece of the melody from “Tom’s Diner” by Suzanne Vega, which you may recognize in “Centuries” by Fall Out Boy. The sample itself fits but I know that IVE can make good songs with or without samples. Regardless, it’s a great February track.
If you’re on TikTok, you may have heard this song across a number of memes. The Lisa Rinna M&M meme has made this song a staple in TikTok culture. The aesthetic of the music video is so good, with each girl having her own theme and color. Whether you’re doing the dishes or on a long commute, “After Like” has a great pop sound that fills the space.
It has such a cute concept and message. Knowing that you like someone and the feeling is mutual, it playfully dodges around the elephant in the room: we know we both like each other, what comes after that? It samples a melody from Glora Gaynor’s “I Will Survive”. Again, like “ATTITUDE”, it would be great without the sample, as the rest of the song stands on its own. It’s a perfect part of your Valentine’s playlist.
If you’re on TikTok, chances are you’ve heard this song 1,000 times. Unlike KARA’s “CUPID”, this one is a classic bubblegum-pop song; with a similar sound to “Super Shy” by NewJeans. It’s a simple love song, telling the story of a girl who really wants romance in her life but is hesitant to go down that path. Giving the chance to Cupid, she’s waiting for that magical feeling but hasn’t found it just yet. Borderline overrated, but it has to be on this list.
“Giddy” has to be one of Kep1er’s best comebacks. This is the song and video that got me hooked on their music. Their comeback previous to “Giddy”, “We Fresh”, was kind of a flop. But after said flop, they rose to the top. It’s cute, everything’s fluffy, and it’s so cozy. The girls are in the city when a crystal heart appears and send them into a labyrinth. As they find their way around and look for an exit, they find keys and unlock random doors, taking them closer to the exit but not quite fully.
I love the cat concept. I think it’s a bit of symbolism how cats can be playful, curious, and mischievous, and how a new crush can bring those feelings about. There’s also a bit of seductive symbolism too, it’s the first Kep1er song with a sprinkling of spicy-undertones. The styling is peak, and I cannot get over the braided cat ears.
It strays a bit from their outer-space concept, but the ominous crystal heart could totally be something sci-fi and otherworldly. At the end, the nine look like they’ve escaped, but taking a look at the background, it looks as if the maze and the city are one with everything rose-colored. Maybe to say that they’ve found some clarity but haven’t quite escaped the curiosity, intrigue, and giddiness that love can bring. At the end, a giant Yeseo picks up a mini Chaehyun and eats her, almost like a cat-and-mouse situation. Such a cute and chill all-rounder song to add to your list.
Yes, in fact I do. Kep1er’s second Japanese release is such a cute song. It’s playful and cutesy, it’s “Giddy” itself through rose-colored glasses. It’s a song about admiring your crush and imagining how wonderful it could be. You might be a going bit delulu but the potential is definitely there. I think it’s a great display of all of their voices, I especially love Yeseo and Chaehyun here.
“Teddy Bear” is a classic valentine’s release as far as girl groups go. It’s a peak STAYC song and overwhelmingly cute. The concept is somewhat vague, but essentially it’s about having an inner “teddy bear” that’s a sense of comfort and support, and that will stick with you during tough times. The video is full of pink, stuffed animals, and all things cute. Aesthetic-aside, it’s the first time J had long hair which was very long-awaited. It’s also the first time Seeun got to sing in the chorus. It’d be a shame not to add this to your playlist.
10. POPPY- STAYC
The world wasn’t ready for STAYC’s Japanese debut. The song and video are overwhelmingly adorable and girly. The choreography is very TikTok-challenge worthy, it’s easy but really fun. The chorus is simple but solid. This was the first song of STAYC’s I ever heard, and it was a great introduction to the group. The concept is cute, about love and the bubbly feeling that arises when having a crush. Apparently, a previous rendition was that it would be “puppy” love, hence the puppy ears in the choreography. A sister song to “Giddy”, it’s a cute certified j-pop addition to your playlist.
Love is a popular and broad concept in music, but the Valentine’s season brings about an extra-special opportunity to celebrate it to its fullest potential. This playlist screams of hearts, chocolates, roses and teddy bears, everything you need for a perfect Valentine’s Day!