I love a good anthem, a song that is triumphant and empowering and makes me want to stand up and shout, “Yes! I will do the thing!” Admittedly, sometimes I don’t know what the thing is, but these songs always invigorate me and make me want to do something with my life. So clench those fists and get ready to punch the air as you listen to my top five kpop anthems!

B.A.P. — “Hands Up”

I told you to get ready to put your hands in the air, right? I love the message of “Hands Up” — shake off your limiting beliefs, put your hands up, and chase your dreams right out of the dark.

BTS — “Not Today”

To me, this is the ultimate anthem of working together and breaking through the barriers that hold us back. Of course it was written by BTS–I do believe they might be a little familiar with the process.

Stray Kids — “Voices”

Sometimes the thing holding us back is our dark, negative inner voice. I love Stray Kids’ message that we can break free of them, even if it hurts and makes us dizzy.

BoA — “Woman”

I’m not the biggest fan of kpop girl groups–they tend to be reduced to their looks and sex appeal, instead of having their talents and abilities highlighted. I just can’t support something that diminishes women like that, which is why I love outliers like BoA and her celebration of just being female in “Woman.”

Block B — “Shall We Dance”

This offbeat MV is all about freedom of expression–it’s a welcome reminder that we don’t need to live up to what we *think* we should be, but we can just be ourselves.

There you are, drama fans! What are your favorite kpop anthems? Tell me! I’m always happy to add more to my collection.

Until next time, I remain–

Karie the Maknae

Dramas with a Side of Kimchi