Top 20 Iconic K Pop Songs
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 20 Iconic K-Pop Songs. For this list, we’ll be looking at the most innovative, memorable, and/or quality tracks in the genre. Did we forget your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
#20: “Candy” (1996)
H.O.T.
Setting the tone for mid-90s music in South Korea, H.O.T. are an integral and influential act in K-pop history. Their embrace of pop sounds paved the way for other similar groups to follow. Developing mainstream production elements, this act provided a crucial puzzle piece for the development of the larger style. The bubblegum hit “Candy” is an unabashed statement that has a bouncy and hypnotic beat. Assembled by professionals, the release also set the stage for the birth of idols. The five members became sought after personalities that helped cultivate an industry of dedicated followers.
#19: “Up & Down” (2014)
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Exid
Powered by an alluring cocktail of beats, Exid have never sounded better than on “Up & Down.” The experimental sound centers around a recurring trumpet noise that lures listeners back for more, and lends an inviting hook with unorthodox influences. It was included on both their second EP and the debut album “Trouble,” introducing the band to a larger audience. Even with a slight delay in appreciation, listeners eventually came around to the song months after its initial release thanks to a viral fancam, and the track ended up reaching the top of South Korean charts. The group’s performance was undeniable once people decided to give them a chance.
#18: “Electric Shock” (2012)
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f(x)
Don’t just take it from us, take it from the fact that “Electric Shock” received over half a million downloads in a single week. This one’s iconic alright. Combining electronic and pop wonder, this exciting production contains all the marks of a classic from f(x). For years after its release, the tune continued to garner large amounts of views on YouTube. Their popularity has clearly left a mark on the industry because millions of listeners kept coming back to this electro masterpiece through other newer releases too. This was definitely a turning point for the girl group as not only the song, but the entire EP actually made it to the top of the Gaon Charts.
#17: “Call Me Baby” (2015)
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Exo
For this mid-2010s release, Exo once again shows that they have what it takes to reach a massive audience. “Call Me Baby” even took hold in Canada, the US, and the UK along with, of course, South Korea. It’s easy to understand why after you hear the song. A single off of their second album “Exodus,” this pop track features a chorus that feels right at home with the best songwriting of the era. It’s also in debt to previous K-pop and even American boy bands from the last century. Mixing old and new influences, the group made the most of a clever beat with a release that captivated millions.
#16: “Catallena” (2014)
Orange Caramel
Known for their stylish concepts, Orange Caramel brings an elaborate mix of pop influences to this single. “Catallena” has a hook that isn’t easily forgotten in the best possible way. This is partly due to the use of a Punjabi folk song sample, which provides a welcome change to the typical sounds of K-pop. The track embraces other European and American styles as well, to round out its unique production. Combine the girl group’s work with a truly striking and unforgettable music video, and you have your classic recipe for success.
#15: “Sherlock (Clue + Note)” (2012)
SHINee
You get two tracks for the price of one in “Sherlock (Clue + Note). If for no other reason, this combination presents an epic vision that’s rarely seen in the usual K-pop scene. SHINee effectively performs each section with their trademark talents. Dubbed a “hybrid remix,” the group’s single features creative references to detective stories such as the number’s titular sleuth. The high caliber of this pop presentation comes through in every passing line and beat. Taking chances and pushing boundaries, it’s a bright spot in a catalog of sharpness and innovativeness that captures commercial praise.
#14: “Ringa Linga” (2013)
Taeyang
From his time in Big Bang to his solo efforts, Taeyang has enjoyed immense popularity for his varied output. “Ringa Linga” comes from his second album “Rise” and features a co-writing credit from the talented G-Dragon. Building off a strong foundation, the artist gives his all to an EDM track full of big swings. The inclusion of hip hop verses gives listeners a look into the singer’s strong performance style. It’s the kind of music to elevate any evening at the club or night out and easily climbed the ranks on the US World Digital Song Sales. Throw in a few cool music videos and you have another iconic release for the performer.
#13: “No. 1” (2002)
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BoA
In what could be considered her most important song, BoA performs a piece full of memorable phrases. The young artist was more than ready to set a new standard for female solo artists at the time. In fact, she’s considered to be one of the top faces of the genre and her command of the early 2000s scene earned her the title “Queen of K-pop.” This release brings together her star power and ability to elevate any material. Being just sixteen years old at the time makes the success even more impressive. Her studio album of the same name was actually the fourth best-seller of the year. The Daesang-winning track took the idol and Korean music to another popular high point, making her “No. 1” indeed.
#12: “Sorry, Sorry” (2009)
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Super Junior
This funky track has all the pop and dance parts you could hope for in a K-pop song. Creating a global sensation in the process, “Sorry, Sorry” stands as a pivotal moment in the history of Super Junior and the larger genre. The densely-packed single highlights the thirteen members in a groovy production. Known as the major players in the Hallyu Wave, the act was arguably never better than on this popular release, which propelled them to the top of cultural favor. Several artists have covered it in tribute, making it obvious that it’s become much more than a commercial property.
#11: “Nobody” (2008)
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Wonder Girls
Courtesy of JYP Entertainment, “Nobody” finds the Wonder Girls in a groundbreaking mood. The throwback song harkens back to ‘60s-style numbers while also progressing the sounds of K-pop. In keeping with that retro idea, the music video follows suit by putting the band in a presentation that salutes the likes of Motown. It’s much more than visuals as the group members sing their heads off. With all the right musical and stylistic elements, the track eventually created a major bridge between east and west, and made an unprecedented splash on the US Billboard Hot 100 too. Signaling its mainstream popularity in the country, K-pop at this point was no longer a niche genre for some Americans.
#10: “Growl” (2013)
Exo
Accruing a strong fan base off of this song, Exo rose to stardom with their elite-level talent. “Growl” creates an R&B sound all its own and allows the members to infuse pop into the performance. With fantastic choreography, the music video also summed up their multifaceted abilities. The overall success of the song ensured that it appeared on charts such as Billboard’s Korea K-Pop Hot 100. Perhaps the true mark of its commercial and cultural impact came with its impression on audiences in North Korea. Considered a modern classic in many circles, this enduring single is still an undisputed heavyweight.
#9: “Ring Ding Dong” (2009)
SHINee
Not every single K-pop song is a lyrical masterpiece. The lyrics of “Ring Ding Dong” fall into familiar territory when talking about love, but reach an entertaining peak with the chorus. You can’t help but sing along with it by the end. SHINee leans into the track’s fun grooves with complete professionalism. It’s even been suggested that their work is so memorable that it’s a notable distraction to South Korean students. Whether or not that’s the case, the release captured the hearts of audiences in the home country and elsewhere. The band even saw early success in the United States as K-pop was beginning to gain ground around the world.
#8: “Mirotic” (2008)
TVXQ
This highly-acclaimed track from TVXQ marks one of the group’s strongest outings. Sharing the title of their fourth album, “Mirotic” was greeted with immediate success from both South Korean and Japanese audiences. The ensemble really shines on their final hit as a five-piece band; however, the original lyrics were considered explicit for their sexual connotations, which would later prompt a clean version to be recorded. Still, this didn’t stop it from being extremely popular with audiences. Full of proud pop elements, this single represents another high point for male groups in the late 2000s. Critics and audiences seem to agree that it’s a near-perfect example of everything there is to love about K-pop.
#7: “I Am the Best” (2011)
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2NE1
Throwing subtlety out the window, 2NE1 ascended the K-pop ladder with their own brand of empowering music. Their girl-power style created a different corner of the sandbox for the already-huge genre. With a full-throttle video, “I Am the Best” finds the members in glorious outfits, swinging around some surprisingly stylish weapons. The mix of electro house and hip hop also suits the group, while still keeping up an inviting sound for all kinds of audiences. It was a breakthrough for the 2NEI, in part profiting from the newfound global support for South Korean culture. 2NEI also brought about a spotlight to the “girl crush” movement.
#6: “Bubble Pop!” (2011)
Hyuna
Among the catchiest songs in a genre full of them, “Bubble Pop!” displays the talents of Hyuna as well as any other number. Her solo career exploded with this release in the early 2010s. Taking bubblegum to a whole new level, this pop tune has a chorus that’s a certifiable winner. There’s also an added dance element that helps get listeners moving. Becoming a viral hit on YouTube, the video was the first to pass 100 million views for a solo female K-pop performer. It will forever be a summer anthem that proves there’s an international audience for great music regardless of language barriers.
#5: “I Know” (1992)
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Seo Taiji & Boys
While you could argue about the exact point that K-pop came into being, many people credit this song with starting the movement. The single formed a template for future artists in the South Korean music industry. Mixing elements of pop and hip hop, Seo Taiji & Boys were ahead of their time with this track. It borrows elements from late ‘80s and early ‘90s genres, such as new jack swing and even includes some rocking guitars to round out the eclectic sound. As one of the first of its kind, this piece sets the tone for the many more successful releases to follow.
#4: “Gangnam Style” (2012)
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PSY
Bringing K-pop to a global audience, PSY created one of the most recognizable hits in the genre. “Gangnam Style” was a viral sensation for its wild video and remarkable hook. Not only did he cement himself in popular culture, but the artist also galloped his way into history with an accompanying dance. “Gangnam Style” eventually had a record-breaking run on YouTube with over a billion views. It was also a game-changer in terms of transcending any niche audiences by becoming a household entity for people who had no idea about K-pop or its typical sounds. This over-the-top creation is endlessly entertaining and still talked about to this day.
#3: “Blood Sweat & Tears” (2016)
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BTS
In the 2010s, BTS arrived on the scene as a ready-made band with hip hop and pop prowess. It was songs like “Blood Sweat & Tears” that helped introduce them as the next great K-pop act. From their second album, the single explores the sometimes-visceral and complicated experience of being in a relationship. This particular track also explores sounds from the moombahton style. Separating it from other K-pop efforts, the production completely owns its unique mixture of influences and, with it, BTS revealed themselves as bonafide superstars willing to push themselves into greatness. Within several years, they continued their climb to the top of their genre with works like “Dynamite”.
#2: “Gee” (2009)
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Girls’ Generation
Brimming with pop perfection, “Gee” set a new standard for girl groups in K-pop. Girls’ Generation’s nine members make their mark across an engaging production. Full of electropop majesty, this song sings the praises of being in love. It wasn’t the act’s last brush with success either; just the opposite – it set them on a course for international stardom. This track helped bring about renewed attention to K-pop in the late 2000s, signaling the global breakthrough for the genre in the 2010s. Girls’ Generation also helped to shape the next wave of female ensembles with their extensive lineup, all of whom created a strong impression.
#1: “Fantastic Baby” (2012)
BigBang
There’s a reason that BigBang are considered the “Kings of K-pop.” With the release “Fantastic Baby,” the band reached yet another level of success. Their innovative track incorporates various pop influences into an EDM single that’s pure excitement. The double-platinum hit sold millions and became one of the best-selling songs in the group’s home country. Critics have also been kind to this release and its place in the genre’s history. Many cite it as a crowning achievement for the act and 2010s music as a whole, bringing together high-production values and infectious hooks into a momentous result.
