[ASKKPOP] Staff Picks: Best MVs of 2015 (First Half)

Now that it's July and summer has arrived, that means 2015 is already halfway over (That was fast)!  The year was a blur so far with all the dating scandals, debuts, and more - but the crazy (good) music video releases are what always has the K-Pop fans coming back for more. There have been many amazing MVs that boasted great cinematography, touching stories, and great shots of some addictive dance moves, but which ones made the Staff Picks list?

Check them out below and then let us know your favorite K-Pop MV so far in 2015.

Paul: PALOALTO "Good Times (Ft. Babylon)"

The song is great but the visuals in the MV are even better. Directed byKang Seung Won, this MV utilizes drones to capture some awesome scenes of Korea's second city "Busan." From the futuristic skyline and Haeundae Beach to Gwangan Bridge, this MV has great imagery and is my favorite MV from the first half of 2015. 

Annie: MAMAMOO "Um Oh Ah Yeh"

Not only is the song fun and addictive but also the MV is hilarious. I could watch it again and again - although I have to admit I'm on the fence about their "fun" portrayal of what's clearly sexual harassment going both ways (Hwa Saas a man toSolaras a woman, and Solar as a woman toMoon Byulwhom she thinks is a man).  Still, the bright colors, their fun dynamic, the gorgeous aesthetics, and entertaining storyline make this one of the most notable MVs of the first half of 2015 for me.

Eric: Junsu "Flower"

Best MV is not hard. Amid all the similar (and sometimes incoherent) videos out there, Junsu's "Flower" stands above them all. As an unrepentant lover of sci-fi and fantasy, the MV caught my eye more than the rest -- the mutants forced to live in the wastes vs the nobles in the opulent mansion. Bright colors, cool special effects, interesting costumes, and unique imagery give punch to an already epic effort by Junsu andTablo. The symbolism in the video is too deep to go into here, but suffice it to say the intricate setting is a wonderful place to lose yourself -- at least for the duration of the song.

Yuna: BoA "Kiss My Lips"

BoA was, is, and forever will be my favorite K-pop idol. That being said, I'm probably biased when I say that this is the best video of 2015. However, you can't deny the perfectly seamless flow between BoA's maturity and elegance as well as the dark, sexy imagery in the video. Just watching it will make you feel a thousand times more sophisticated!

Jenny: BTS "I NEED U (Original Version)"

To be honest, I think the '19+' version was a little overhyped. When the 19+ version came out I was pretty disappointed because.. well, it wasn't really 19+? The only part that was problematic wasV's stabbing, which... could have been the only thing edited out of the one that was released. In any case, I still love it a lot because it's the first Korean MV that's not a dancing MV from them. All of them did beautifully in it, and I especially love the sorrow behind it that unfolds into something happier in the end.

Elisa: Seventeen "Adore U"

Seventeen's "Adore U" music video has a lot to offer, and though it might possibly be a smidgen off at times, it does what's most important - keep my attention. The intermingling of dynamic choreography shots and special effects was done well. It made me wonder who handled the CG.

Annie S: BTS "Dope"

Do I even need to explain why this MV is so good? First off, I'm a sucker for 'one-take' MVs, but BTS takes it one step further with different sets and backgrounds even with one-take. And when you add in how good they look in all of their different career uniforms plus their swag and charisma, you've got yourself a winning MV.

Jessica: Sunggyu "Kontrol"

It has an indie cinematic appeal, especially because it's filmed with an old school film camera. The transitions are at times abrupt and seemingly stop-motion, but it adds character. The MV is sentimental and emotional, just like the track. Lastly, 4 minutes of Sunggyu? Yes, please!

Jennifer: Big Bang "Bae Bae"

"Bae Bae" was amusing to watch to say the least. Besides all the not-so-subtle innuendos, I thoroughly enjoyed the MV's overall production; everything from the set to the props, costumes, and hairstyles were so outrageously kitschy that I naturally got to wondering, was that the desired outcome or had Big Bang members gone completely loony? I decided against the latter becauseT.O.Pjust looks like he's enjoying himself way too much. And there's just no wayGDwas forced into that oversized yellow raincoat; in fact, he probably begged the director to let him wear it. Whatever the story behind the MV, it's clever, it's artful, it's ridiculous, but most of all, it's a beautifully made MV that will either leave you chortling or confused. 

Carol: EXO "Call Me Baby"

Yes, this video had nothing to do with those epic teasers EXO were releasing, but it wasn't a let down at all. Although it took a completely different turn from the whole theatrical feel of their mysterious, brooding teasers, I actually love how it turned out and think the video is the best fit for a song like "Call Me Baby". EXO excel at performance and keeping things simple to highlight that really helps show what sets this group apart. Even despite all the drama and legal issues going on, they came back strong and reminded fans just why they fell in love with the group in the first place, which is exactly what these boys needed to do after a tough year.