It’s time to flash back seven years to 2012, an era of huge choruses, thumping dance beats and an endless supply of sci-fi influenced music videos. 2012’s charms were endless, but here are fifty of the absolute best singles.

To be eligible for this top fifty list, songs must have had a Korean release as a title or promotional track between Jan. 1st and Dec. 31st, 2012.

PART ONE: Songs 50-41
PART TWO: Songs 40-31

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30. B.A.P – Power

Building on Warrior‘s successful sound, Power injects just enough boyband cheesiness to make it tremendously fun rather than in-your-face aggressive. The stomping beat and heavy-metal inspired production is perfectly executed.

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29. ZE:A – Phoenix

Phoenix marches forward like a call to arms. It’s the group’s most aggressively in-your-face single, firing its oft-repeated refrain with an addictive confidence. A group with as many members as ZE:A should sound enormous. Phoenix does just that.

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28. Ailee – I’ll Show You

A modern-day equivalent of Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive, I’ll Show You begins as a ballad before transforming into a thumping dance track with enough vocal and instrumental fireworks to fuel an entire career. It was the first time Ailee showed us just how unstoppable she could be.

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27. Nu’est – Action

Action‘s pulverizing beat crashes in like a wrecking ball, augmented with strings and chugging electric guitar. It’s the group’s most immense-sounding moment, and stands as an excellent reminder of 2012’s aggressively ambitious sense of sci-fi style.

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26. Bigbang – Bad Boy

Hearkening back to the group’s hip-hop roots, Bad Boy displayed a laid-back, effortlessly cool charm. Many younger idol groups strive for “swag.” Here, Bigbang perfected it.

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25. Epik High – Don’t Hate Me

Don’t Hate Me‘s radio rock sound works wonders, giving Epik High’s hip-hop base a sing-along appeal that highlighted their charisma and knack for an incredible hook.

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24. A-Jax – 2MYX

Building on a specific late-90’s Max Martin boyband sound, 2MYX‘s unflagging kick and mammoth chorus feel nostalgic in the best possible way. Its crisp arrangement and tight melody represent pop music at its most potently concentrated.

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23. Park Jinyoung (JYP) – You’re The One

Almost two decades after his debut as a solo artist, JYP distilled the best aspects of his vast discography into the smooth r&b of You’re The One. It’s not his most instant, in-your-face title track, but the sheer perfection of its melody endures. The song’s been covered in many genres, but always retains its effortless sense of warm, soul-driven pop sophistication.

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22. Kara – Pandora

In a year where Sweetune expanded their sonic ambition, Pandora acts as a powerful statement of intent. Its aggressive synth attack augmented Kara’s already-robust sound just enough to feel daring, fresh and innovative.

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21. Beast – Beautiful Night

One of the few straight-up party songs Beast released as a single, Beautiful Night is a sterling example of what a properly-executed hype track can be. It’s a pure shot of energy, fueled by one of the group’s strongest choruses.

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NEXT: NUMBERS 20-11