Welcome the spooky season with these gothic-themed K-pop tracks

The spooky season is upon us, and what better way to gear up for the season than to prepare a spooky K-pop playlist? With its plethora of genres and performance styles, K-pop has something for everyone, including the fans who like the gothic aesthetic. Over the years, K-pop groups and solo artists have released several songs that display a stunning array of dark themes, fantasy and supernatural creatures, scary lores, and more. The lyrics also take a darker turn as the singers belt out a hauntingly beautiful vocal composition. Let’s take a look at some of the gothic-themed K-pop tracks to gear up for the spooky season. 

 

• Irene & Seulgi (Red Velvet) - Monster

 

Red Velvet has always been an iconic girl group, and it was a welcome delight when a sub-unit was first announced. Irene and Seulgi have been noted for their sharp features and impeccable vocals. The duo exuded a deadly charm in their debut song “Monster.” There is addiction, madness, fantasy, greed and a big, fat warning in this track. You will be trapped in the charms. Be warned!

 

• ATEEZ - The Black Cat Nero

 

In 1995, K-pop duo Turbo released a track “Black Cat Nero” and about two decades later, K-pop boy group ATEEZ presented their cover for this song on the reality show Immortal Songs 2. The appreciation for the cover led the group to release a performance video on the occasion of Halloween. The video has it all - edgy outfits, heavy makeup, and an eerie setting. Kim Jung Kook of Turbo also made a cameo in the music video. 

 

• Dreamcatcher - PIRI

 

Dreamcatcher has always been one of those K-pop girl groups that has an edge to their music. There is always something stunning to unwrap with its music videos and title tracks. With “PIRI,” the girls present a tale about madness, a loop that cannot be escaped. The undercurrent of impending danger is not amiss in this mind-bending track. 

 

• VIXX - Voodoo

 

One can not mention VIXX when mentioning spooky K-pop songs. As much as the group has had its share of criticism, in its heyday, VIXX did make promising music. “Voodoo” feels straight out of a gothic horror thriller movie. The members, in their kohl-rimmed eyes and edgy-funky outfits, sing a tale of romance that is no less than voodoo. 

 

• SHINee - Married to the Music

 

Trust SHINee to sprinkle a touch of humor in horror. SHINee’s “Married to the Music” is a funky mix of music and lyrics. The vibe of the song is very upbeat and innovative. Without the music video, one might not fully realize that the song was supposed to have a horror theme.

 

• SUNMI - Full Moon

 

It’s classic for SUNMI to deliver a song that is laced with seductive danger. SUNMI’s “Full Moon” plays on the idea of vampires and supernatural beings who follow a lunar calendar. The song is laced with SUNMI’s hauntingly beautiful vocals and a vibrant gothic imagery that readily enchants the listener from the get-go.

 

• EXO - Monster

 

EXO’s “Monster” is undoubtedly one of the classic tracks from its time. This song is well-known among K-pop fans, from old to new. EXO spun a tale of romance that is tinged with envy and revenge. EXO’s “Monster” remains one of the most iconic tracks till date and one cannot help but hold their breath when the rap verse ends and Kyungsoo picks up with “You can call me monster!”