BTS attends the 5th Gaon Chart K-Pop Awards on Feb. 17, 2016 in Seoul, South Korea.
While many K-pop fans find it difficult to enjoy full albums in the singles-focused K-pop scene, these 10 releases proved that the format is far from dead and worth listeners' ears -- even if every song doesn't boast glossy music videos.
From releases that immortalized the sound of 2016 to acts that delivered timeless tunes, these are our picks for the best albums of the year.
1. BTS, Wings
Nevermind the fact that BTS blew away all K-pop chart records on the Billboard 200 when their sophomore album debuted in the Top 30, Wings is an accomplishment all its own. Co-writing and producing on nearly every track, the K-pop phenoms proved how they can compete with top pop acts. There's forward-thinking production (the guys flip Major Lazer's tropical sound for "Blood Sweat & Tears" and make Calvin Harris-esque EDM all their own on "Interlude: Wings") coupled with lyrics discussing topics important to their listeners like the dark side of adulthood and mental health issues.
