Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with some spine-tingling K-pop tracks?
The Kpop scene has explored many concepts, including some eerie tunes and chilling music video visuals perfect for Halloween. As some binge-watch horror movies on different streaming platforms this Halloween, let us get ready to dance with the undead and sing along to the sounds of the supernatural with these seven hauntingly delightful and thrilling Kpop tracks.
Also Read: 10 P-pop Tracks that Slayed Our 2024 Playlist
“Maniac” by Stray Kids
From the concept photos to the trailers, “Maniac” by Stray Kids already has fans holding onto the edge of their seats. Written and composed by Stray Kids’ very own 3Racha, “Maniac” is a trap, EDM, and pop song about ‘odd’ people trying to break into the ‘ordinary’ social norms set by the world. This specifically refers to Frankenstein’s monster.
Notably, the concept photos capture each member in a seemingly ordinary light, yet upon closer look, their silhouettes evoke the thrilling oddness of Frankenstein’s monster, wittily blending the familiar with the uncanny.
The music video also reflects the struggle between sanity and madness. The song conveys confidence and encourages listeners to boldly accept their uniqueness, and the same is portrayed in the music video.
“Dracula” by f(x)
f(x)’s “Dracula” dives into the spine-chilling tale of a vampire lurking in the shadows, hunting for those who feel lonely and vulnerable. From the first note, the song wraps listeners in an eerie midnight ambiance, evoking the unsettling feeling of solitude when every shadow seems alive. The vampire is portrayed as an elusive yet inevitable presence, creeping closer with each beat.
Survival demands one thing: run as fast and far as you can. The haunting “Dracula-la-la-la-la” chorus is as unforgettable as it is spooky, amplifying the song’s dark allure and making it an irresistibly haunting Kpop track for Halloween.
“Chill Kill” by Red Velvet
Red Velvet has some of the best concepts in the Kpop scene. And when everyone thought queen “Psycho” would be on this Halloween playlist, make way for the goddess “Chill Kill.”
“Chill Kill” is a pop dance song with heavy bass, string melodies, dreamy synths, and bell rhythm. The lyrics express the narrative of a love affair and longing for the other person, even amid tragedy when the quiet world is turned upside down. But it’s not about the song’s meaning that gives it a throne in this Kpop Halloween playlist; it’s the music video.
At their album launch press conference, Joy peeled back the layers of the song’s music video, describing it as a hauntingly beautiful saga of five sisters bound by tragedy and propelled toward rebirth. Each member personifies a unique facet of identity. They struggle against a symbol of authority, a looming metaphor of inner demons, and a past too heavy to carry. In a defiant moment, they break free, burning down the remnants of their former selves to claim liberation.
As they flee, suitcases in hand, their exodus feels like a hard-won rebirth—a celebration of new beginnings. Yet, the police sirens close behind, suggesting that freedom is rarely as simple as it seems. The shadows of our past have a way of trailing us, no matter how far we run, adding a chilling reminder of the price of personal transformation.
You Might Also Like: Pop Review: SHINee’s Key Got Us Tongue Tied with New Music Video
“Scream” by Dreamcatcher
“Scream” by Dreamcatcher screams so much about witch hunts, targeting those who deviate from the norm. Inspired by a hateful comment, the song reflects the dark side of the digital age, where anonymity makes it all too easy to unleash the venom from the shadows.
The music video is a visual feast, featuring haunting masks and eerie possession imagery. The choreography at the end reinforces the theme of judgment, and the dancers wearing masks symbolize the chaotic online bullying that feels alive when gathered around hot issues.
Additionally, the wormholes and transitions echoed the frenzied switching that happens online. An online bully would jump from one social media platform to another. Through “Scream,” Dreamcatcher invites listeners to confront the monsters lurking within our screens.
“Fantasy” by VIXX
VIXX has long reigned as the concept kings in the Kpop scene, and “Fantasy” only cements their reputation further. This haunting track is a masterclass blending classical and contemporary elements to create a darkly romantic, immersive experience.
Particularly, Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” opens and closes the song, setting a timeless, eerie tone that feels like a descent into the underworld. The chorus swells with dramatic choir scales and somber bells, adding layers of grandeur that heighten the intensity and draw listeners deep into a sonic abyss.
Inspired by the Greek god Hades, the music video transports us to a shadowy, mythological realm where VIXX members seem trapped in an endless cycle of longing and loss.
“Married to the Music” by SHINee
Bringing a spooky twist to love, “Married to the Music” is a wild genre-bending ride, opening with what seems like a beatboxing, hip-hop-inspired intro before flipping the script with a sultry, bouncy electronic beat for the verses. Then, just as you’re grooving along, SHINee hits you with a funk-laden chorus, complete with punchy horn blasts, groovy guitar riffs, and those smooth, boy-band harmonies that make it irresistibly catchy.
The music video opens with the line “Marriage is a slow death.” Throughout, the visuals blend campy horror flick and Rocky Horror Picture Show madness as SHINee stumbles into a Halloween-style bash with eerie green cocktails and a mysterious faceless femme fatale. And then, the real fun begins.
With their signature slick choreography, each member gets their moment to spook viewers: Key’s neck takes a sinister slice, Jonghyun’s lips vanish with a stolen kiss, Taemin looks around for his eyeballs, Onew’s nose gets stolen while washing his face, and Minho gets burned by the candlelight. Altogether, “Married to the Music” delivers horror vibes and killer dance moves in one wickedly fun, twisted package.
Also Read: 7 Reasons Why eaJ is Beloved by His Fans
“Love Killa” by MONSTA X
If there’s any song to wrap up this Kpop Halloween playlist, it’s “Love Killa“ by MONSTA X.
Released in November 2020, “Love Killa“ offers a thrilling blend of pop culture references and dark charisma reminiscent of a binge-worthy horror movie marathon. Shownu, Jooheon, Kihyun, Minhyuk, Hyungwon, and I.M. channels notorious “bad boy“ characters from classic thrillers like Hitman: Agent 47, The Dark Knight, The Silence of the Lambs, American Psycho, Fight Club, and Drive.
As you dive into the music video, it feels like a cinematic journey through a twisted Halloween night, where every frame teases a different plot twist. The vibe is electrifying, much like the suspense of your favorite horror flick — every moment is packed with intrigue and intensity, compelling you to keep watching.
Moreover, the concept photos amplify this eerie allure, showcasing the members in striking visuals that echo this edgy, villainous aesthetic. From intense stares to sophisticated attire, each image heightens the intensity, hinting at the chaotic allure that the song encapsulates.
With the song title itself — a phrase that captures both romance and destruction — MONSTA X blends charisma and danger. This makes the track a defining moment in their discography and an anthem for those drawn to a touch of the dark side.
Also Read: Pride Month Special: 6 Kpop Artists Proudly Raising the Flag
What’s on your Kpop Halloween playlist?
Video and Image Source: SM Entertainment, Jellyfish Entertainment, Starship Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, Dreamcatcher Company
