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10 Best Kpop Cinematic Music Videos: Korean pop music is famous for its intricate choreographies, captivating concepts and elaborate themes, often resembling short films. Each music video represents immense effort, as Kpop idols sing, dance and switch between multiple costumes and makeup looks, ultimately striking the hearts of fans like Cupid’s arrow. Here are ten music videos that stand out as cinematic masterpieces due to their themes, ambiance and visual appeal. From BTS' Blood, Sweat And Tears to Blackpink's Lovesick Girls, the list might contain all your favorite songs.

1. BTS’ Blood, Sweat And Tears:

Released on October 9, 2016, Blood, Sweat & Tears from BTS' second studio album, Wings, is an artistic marvel. The video delves into themes of temptation and existentialism, featuring rich, Baroque-inspired visuals. BTS, also known as Bangtan Sonyeondan or Beyond The Scene, is a seven-member group comprising Jungkook, V, Jimin, RM, Jhope, Suga and Jin known for their versatile music and thought-provoking lyrics. In this video, the members navigate through a museum filled with symbolic art pieces, enhancing the video's dreamlike, surreal quality. The choreography, catchy tunes and members' vocals stand out making this song a highlight from the band's discography. Jimin's dance and visuals deserve a special Baksu!

2. RM’s Come Back To Me:

'Come Back To Me' by RM showcases his prowess as a solo artist. Released as part of his second solo album, Right Place, Wrong Person, on 10 May 2024, this music video is minimalistic yet powerful, reflecting RM's deep introspection and lyrical genius. RM, also known as Kim Namjoon, is the leader of BTS, and his solo work often explores themes of identity and personal growth. The video’s simplicity, combined with RM's emotive performance, makes it a standout piece.

3. BLACKPINK’s Lovesick Girls:

Released on October 2, 2020, Lovesick Girls by BLACKPINK is a vibrant yet melancholic exploration of love and heartache. BLACKPINK, consisting of members Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa, is known for their edgy and powerful image. The video features dynamic scenes of the members experiencing the highs and lows of love, set against stunning backdrops and dramatic lighting, creating a visually captivating narrative.

4. NewJeans’ Ditto:

Ditto by NewJeans is a fresh and nostalgic music video that captures the essence of youthful exuberance. NewJeans, a relatively new girl group, has quickly gained attention for their catchy tunes and charismatic performances. The video, released in late 2022, showcases the members in a 'high school' setting running, singing and dancing with a mysterious girl, highlighting the concepts of loneliness and alienation. This song is NewJeans' best so far!

Some fan comments under the music video on YouTube capture its essence perfectly:

"for me this speaks to me on a friendship relationship basis, whereas you feel you weren't part of the group and that you feel you're an outsider where you can only be with them through those lenses, such a beautiful yet hauntingly masterpiece"

"For such a young group to be able to capture the vibes and essence of this song, it’s truly impressive. Also speaks volumes that they are willing to ditch creative trends to make such a nostalgic feeling song. With the creative team that’s behind these girls and the talent that they have, there’s no limit to the success they’ll have"

"I literally got goosebumps. Like??? Some kpop group songs are just too noisy for me but NEWJEANS just give me this nostalgic rnb pop genre. I love this MV so much. Thought it was a love story but the plot twist...damn"

Also, Ditto has two music videos (Side A and B):

5. BTS’ Spring Day:

Released on February 12, 2017, Spring Day by BTS is a poignant and visually stunning music video. It addresses themes of loss, longing and the passage of time. The video features beautiful, melancholic visuals, such as an abandoned amusement park and a train journey through snowy landscapes. BTS's emotive performance and the video's artistic direction have made it one of their most beloved works.

6. aespa’s Armageddon:

Armageddon by aespa is a futuristic and visually spectacular music video. aespa, known for their innovative concept of blending reality and virtual worlds, debuted in 2020 and quickly rose to fame. The Armageddon video, released in May 2024, showcases the group in a post-apocalyptic setting, blending cutting-edge CGI with powerful choreography and striking visuals, creating a mesmerizing experience. The visuals of members Karina, Ningning, Winter and Giselle are breathtakingly beautiful for the Armageddon concept photos. 

7. Red Velvet’s Feel My Rhythm:

Released on March 21, 2022, Feel My Rhythm by Red Velvet is a visually enchanting music video that draws inspiration from classical art and music. Red Velvet, known for their versatile concepts and harmonious vocals, presents a whimsical world where the members explore various artistic realms. The video’s vibrant colors, intricate sets and graceful choreography make it a true visual feast.

8. LE SSERAFIM’s Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard’s Wife:

Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard’s Wife by LE SSERAFIM is a dark and intriguing music video that delves into mythical and literary themes. LE SSERAFIM, a rising girl group, has captivated audiences with their bold concepts and powerful performances. Released in mid-2023, the video combines haunting imagery and elaborate storytelling, making it a standout piece in their discography.

A fan comment under the MV on YouTube explains the song title:

"For everyone questioning the title, "Eve, Psyche and the Bluebeard's wife" are three different women who did the forbidden in their own ways, as the message of this song is that Le Sserafim won't behave like the rules tell and that they will commit whatever is forbidden if they want to. Eve (as in Eve and Adam) ate the forbidden apple just as Eunchae refers to in her verse, Psyche is Cupid's lover who was told to never look at Cupid's real form but she once took a candle to come look at him during the night and got punished, as for the Bluebeard's wife, she was forbidden by Bluebeard to enter a room in their home where she went and discovered all Bluebeard's previous wives dead heads hung on the walls."

9. IU’s Love Wins All ft. BTS V:

Love Wins All by IU is a heartfelt visually stunning and tragic music video that highlights IU’s exceptional storytelling ability. IU, a beloved solo artist known for her soulful voice and poetic lyrics, released this video in early 2024 from her album The Winning. It features a series of beautifully shot scenes that convey a story of love and resilience in a post-apocalyptic world, enhanced by IU and actor Kim Taehyung aka V's emotive performances and the video's artistic direction.

10. MONSTA X’s Fantasia:

Released on May 26, 2020, Fantasia by MONSTA X is an explosive and visually dynamic music video. MONSTA X, known for their powerful music, delivers a high-energy video filled with dramatic visuals and impressive choreography. The video’s dark colors, rapid cuts and the members' charismatic presence make it an unforgettable visual experience.

These ten music videos showcase the cinematic brilliance and creative prowess of Kpop, highlighting the genre's ability to blend music, storytelling and visual art into unforgettable masterpieces. There are even more Kpop music videos that are cinematic masterpieces, waiting to be explored another time!

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