K-pop fans would agree that while title tracks are the adrenaline of any album, B-sides are its very soul. B-sides, often overlooked by casual listeners, carry just as much weight and frequently convey the deeper meaning and messaging of the album. They bring a sense of cohesion and charm, tying the project together as a whole. While title tracks serve as the face of the album, offering a bold introduction and often giving the album its name, it’s the B-sides that reveal the heart beneath the surface.

 B-side tracks can be anything—healing anthems, fan favourites, tearjerkers, or the must-play songs that fans beg to hear “just once more” at concerts, where everyone sings along in unison. These tracks often hold a special place in fans’ hearts, carrying just as much weight, if not more, than the title track. Here, we list seven B-side tracks that exude main character energy and are more than deserving of title track status. Not only do they showcase the versatility of the idol group or artist, but they also hold the emotional core of their respective albums.

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1. TXT – “Anti Romantic” (The Chaos Chapter: FREEZE)

A TikTok darling, “Anti Romantic” is the B-side that arguably should have been the title track. As the brilliant album opener, this ethereal, R&B-infused ballad is brought to life by TXT’s stunning vocals. At its core, the song is angsty, with the members declaring themselves anti-romantic, sceptical of love and unwilling to believe in it. It perfectly captures a Gen Z mindset: a generation that outwardly brushes off romantic ideals with a rebellious attitude, yet secretly craves and cherishes love the moment it arrives. Brooding and introspective, “Anti Romantic” earned TXT many new fans and even debuted above the title track “0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You)” on music streaming charts.

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2. NewJeans – “ETA” (Get Up)

You know a K-pop group is making a mark when their sound becomes instantly recognisable, and that’s exactly what happened with NewJeans. Fans quickly began saying, “This sounds so NewJeans,” and “ETA,” from their second EP Get Up, is a perfect example. Short for Estimated Time of Arrival, “ETA” is a genre-blending track that fuses alternative indie-pop with Baltimore club rhythms, all filtered through a K-pop lens. But it’s also refreshingly different from typical K-pop fare: shot entirely on an iPhone in Barcelona, the music video has a raw, minimal vibe that mirrors the track’s mellow melody and funky beats. While “Super Shy” may have been the crowd favourite with its addictive hook, “ETA” is punchy, playful, and still perfectly on-brand for NewJeans, effortlessly cool and unmistakably them.

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3. SHINee – “Odd Eye” (Odd)

Following SHINee’s recent tribute to their late brother and the immensely talented Jonghyun with Poet | Artist—a song composed by him—it’s hard not to revisit one of their most beloved B-side tracks also crafted by Jonghyun: “Odd Eye.” Written, composed, and arranged by him, “Odd Eye” is the perfect album opener, tailor-made for SHINee and showcasing each member’s unique vocal prowess. A contemporary R&B track, a favourite genre of Jonghyun’s and a cornerstone of SHINee’s sonic identity, it delves into themes of love, longing, and the complexities of relationships. The song’s rich harmonisation of violins, electronic drums, and synthesisers creates a layered, emotional soundscape. “Odd Eye” is a classic case of a B-side that leaves fans thinking: this should’ve been the title track.

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4. BLACKPINK – “Don’t Know What To Do” (Kill This Love)

BLACKPINK never misses when it comes to title tracks—each one meticulously crafted for commercial appeal, YouTube virality, and a TikTok- and Instagram Reels–savvy generation. That high-impact formula is part of the group’s undeniable global appeal. But BLINKs know the truth: BLACKPINK’s B-sides are not only incredible, they’re often severely underrated. “Don’t Know What To Do” reveals a softer, more tender side of the group, one that rarely shows cracks in their otherwise confident and fierce exterior. On this track, the members trade aesthetics and swagger for vulnerability and emotional honesty, capturing the confusion and helplessness that follows a breakup. With its melancholic, electropop ballad feel, “Don’t Know What To Do” gives BLACKPINK space to be raw, imperfect, and heartbreakingly human.

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5. Stray Kids – “Charmer” (ODDINARY)

“Charmer” is one of those tracks that makes you immediately think, this should have been the title track. With its Eastern-infused melody and hypnotic opening flute, reminiscent of a snake charmer, it draws listeners in from the very first note. The track seamlessly blends electropop elements with groovy hip-hop rhythms, creating a sound that’s both bold and addictive. Much like the tale of the Pied Piper, “Charmer” has an irresistible pull, you can’t help but be swept up by its spell. The song gained further traction on social media, with fan covers and viral edits, and quickly became a concert favorite. STAYs reserve some of their loudest cheers for “Charmer,” solidifying its status as a B-side with undeniable title track energy.

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6. Red Velvet – “Kingdom Come” (Perfect Velvet)

Red Velvet remains one of K-pop’s most musically underrated groups—renowned for their versatility and ability to balance both their vibrant “Red” concept and the more sultry, mature “Velvet” side. “Kingdom Come” is a standout example of the latter: a sensual R&B track defined by the members’ rich vocals and emotional depth. With its dreamy soundscape and acoustic drum-based loops, the song creates a hypnotic, intimate atmosphere. While the title track “Peek-A-Boo” delivered solid commercial appeal with its catchy hooks and quirky concept, “Kingdom Come” showcases the group’s vocal range and artistic depth. It’s a B-side that feels timeless and reveals the true essence of Red Velvet’s sonic identity.

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7. EXO – “She’s Dreaming” (LOTTO)

EXO is widely recognized for having some of the best vocalists among 3rd-gen K-pop boy groups, and “She’s Dreaming” is a shining example of that strength. Led by the group’s powerhouse vocalist Chen, this haunting R&B ballad from the LOTTO repackage delivers an ethereal, atmospheric vibe. The track is guided by tender, emotive vocals layered over beautifully understated instrumentation, creating a dreamlike listening experience. In stark contrast to the bold, edgy energy of the title track “Lotto,” “She’s Dreaming” reveals EXO’s softer side, highlighting their vulnerability, versatility, and emotional depth. It’s a B-side that feels deeply personal and is quintessentially EXO.

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K-pop idol groups have found an effective way to strengthen their music marketing, capitalize on a song’s hype, and answer the age-old question—“What could have been the title track?” by releasing pre-release singles. Often standout B-sides, these tracks offer fans an early glimpse into the group’s artistic direction ahead of the full album drop.

Additionally, many idol groups are embracing a multi-track release strategy—almost like offering multiple endings to a film, to cater to the diverse tastes within their fandoms. Some songs are even kept as special performances, reserved for grand occasions like award shows or major concerts. A prime example is BTS’s electrifying performance of their B-side track “Dionysus” from Map of the Soul: Persona at the MAMA Awards, which left the live audience spellbound.

Because at the end of the day, the magic of a B-side lies in its unexpected power. These tracks don’t need the spotlight to shine—they steal it.