[FEATURE] 10 Korean R&B Jams That Deserve A Spot In Your Playlist

When people hear the word ‘K-pop’, the first thing that probably comes to their mind are idol groups and the brand of music usually associated with them: a mix of pop, dance, and electronic genres, often forgetting that K-pop is the collective term for contemporary Korean music that encompasses a multitude of other genres. While idol culture remains a stronghold in the Korean music scene, R&B has been slowly making waves in the industry for the past couple of years with the likes of Crush, DEAN, and Zion. T at the helm, among many others.

South Korea is no stranger to R&B, not by a long shot, but the genre is often considered an underdog in a stage dominated by its pop equivalent. However, thanks to the recent influx of K-R&B tracks, usually from artists hailing from smaller labels, Korea has become a hotbed for emerging R&B talents who might just change the game.

In no particular order, here are 10 Korean R&B songs handpicked by The Seoul Story that will give you a taste of one of the lesser-known sides of K-pop that will surely leave you wanting more.

춤 (Dance) – offonoff
Release Date: 24 July 2017

This eargasm-inducing song from the duo offonoff gets its charm from the smooth and seamless integration of hypnotic beats and funky guitar riffs, and of course, vocalist Colde’s sultry voice that perfectly conveys the message of the lyrics – the feeling of adoration and longing for someone, especially at night when we are left alone with our thoughts. Whether you have a special someone or significant other in mind or not, this addicting track will definitely make you bob your head as you listen.

DRIVE – Jay Park (feat. GRAY)
Release Date: 20 October 2016

Even without the tropical visuals of the music video, one can easily imagine themselves in the middle of summer lounging at the poolside, enjoying the salty breeze at the beach, or enjoying a road trip by listening to this refreshing collaboration from Jay Park and GRAY. The lyrics of the song are certainly not intended for younger audiences, which is already expected from an artist like Jay Park and the type of music he brings to the table. ‘DRIVE’ showcases the mellow and seductive side of R&B, and as usual, Jay Park delivers.

Tell Me (What Is Love) – Yoo Young Jin x D.O.
Release Date: 19 February 2016

Legendary singer-songwriter and producer Yoo Young Jin and EXO’s D.O. complement each other exquisitely in this powerful R&B ballad that is overflowing with soul. Yoo Young Jin originally composed this song for D.O.’s solo stage at EXO’s first concert tour EXO from Exoplanet #1 – The Lost Planet way back in 2014, re-releasing the track two years later as a collaboration with D.O. himself under SM Entertainment’s digital music channel, SM STATION. D.O. hasn’t had many chances to sing R&B tracks while promoting as a member of EXO, and ‘Tell Me (What Is Love)’ just goes to show that his vocal color is as versatile as it is unique.

일곱 번째 감각 (The 7th Sense) – NCT U
Release Date: 9 April 2016

Listening to NCT U’s ‘일곱 번째 감각 (The 7th Sense)’ is tantamount to having an out-of-body experience, the strong yet pleasant bass throughout the track laced with smooth vocals and perfectly-executed rap inducing a dream-like atmosphere, fitting for the song’s lyrics. SM Entertainment artists aren’t known for delving much into the hip-hop/R&B genre, but NCT U’s debut track definitely shows telltale signs of what the company has up their sleeves. Accompanied by the sharp choreography and the members’ flawless synchronisation in the music video, ‘일곱 번째 감각 (The 7th Sense)’ is certainly a feast for the senses in every sense of the word.

잊을만하면 (Bittersweet) – Crush
Release Date: 3 May 2018

Crush sings about nostalgia for a past lover in this chill R&B track, the lyrics going on about one’s bittersweet feelings for ‘the one that got away’ that anyone can relate to, staying true to the song’s title. The dark – or in this case, “bitter” aspect of the song can be attributed to the message it’s trying to convey while the sweetness comes from Crush’s honey-like vocals. Despite its pretty straightforward beat, ‘잊을만하면 (Bittersweet)’ delivers a very addicting tune that will surely make anyone play the song over and over again.

Aroma – Wheesung (Realslow) (feat. Hash Swan)
Release Date: 23 October 2017

As the title blatantly suggests, Wheesung a.k.a. Realslow takes his listeners on a sensual trip as he describes his lover’s scent that he absolutely adores in this slow, sweet, and sexy R&B track featuring rapper Hash Swan. The song is easy on the ears as Wheesung keeps it soft and subtle with his falsettos, though there is nothing subdued about the innuendos the lyrics are laden with; they create a provocative and poetic narrative that undoubtedly suits the languid pace of the track.

Wet – Jooyoung (feat. Superbee)
Release Date: 2 September 2015

Pretty much like its predecessor on this list, Jooyoung’s ‘Wet’ featuring Superbee leans toward the classic sexy sound of R&B. Though Superbee’s rap is absent from the music video, it definitely adds a different layer to the song when listened to its album version. Jooyoung’s soothing vocals intensify the sensual feel of the track as the listener dives deeper and deeper into it, and when he sings “Wet, wet, I need an umbrella…” it’s obvious that he’s not talking about the rain.

풀어 (Pour Up) – DEAN (feat. Zico)
Release Date: 5 November 2015

‘풀어 (Pour Up)’ has a darker vibe compared to the previously mentioned songs, but DEAN’s light and easy singing balances out everything. The track features a familiar yet fresh beat, and its lyrics leave little to the imagination and are reminiscent of mistakes made during inebriated nights that one would rather forget. Zico’s rap at the bridge adds a bit of texture to the somber rhythm of the song, blending seamlessly with the rest of the track.

SWEATY – SAAY (feat. Crush)
Release Date: 23 November 2017

SAAY and Crush’s vocals are like yin and yang in this steamy collaboration that definitely leaves its listeners sweating. There’s no question that their voices got soul, and ‘SWEATY’ is testament to that; the track showcases a perfect balance between its slow and heavy rhythm and the singers’ sultry voices, highlighting the sensual mood that the song is going for. SAAY was a member of the now-disbanded girl group EvoL, re-debuting as a solo artist in 2017 and then releasing her first full-length album the following year with ‘SWEATY’ as one of its pre-released singles. If this track is any indication of the path K-R&B is leading to, then the future looks bright with the likes of SAAY at the forefront.

Just (그냥) – Zion. T & Crush
Release Date: 2 February 2015

Of course, it’s not an R&B playlist without Zion. T in the rotation. He teams up once more with his frequent collaborator Crush to produce this jazz-infused, minimalist jam that talks about the pain from a bad breakup that has been reduced to a dull ache in one’s chest. The monochromatic visuals of the music video perfectly express the gloomy narrative of the song and Zion. T and Crush’s silky vocals just have the right amount of radiance to keep the tune light and inviting.

It was definitely hard to narrow this list down into ten songs when there are many breathtaking tracks and amazing artists out there that keep Korean R&B alive and thriving no matter how underrated they are. If your favorite K-R&B songs didn’t make it to our list, do share them with us and everyone else by leaving comments below! 🙂

Written by: Sai Daquigan
Photo Credit: Sai Daquigan

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