10 iconic summer K-pop comebacks
We break down some of the most iconic summer comebacks in K-pop history.
“Red Flavor” is a fan-favourite summer track from girl-group Red Velvet. Credits: Wikimedia
What first comes to mind when someone asks you what the most iconic summer comeback is? Is it a song by Red Velvet, the summer queens, or maybe a track by their predecessors, Sistar? The summer season is one of the most popular times for a group to make their return to the music scene; with schools on break, and the weather putting people in a good mood, everyone is in search for the perfect soundtrack to match their summer plans.
10. “Red Flavor” by Red Velvet
This is possibly THE summer song. The catchy dance moves had Reveluvs and non-fans alike dancing whenever this track came on. Its preppy beat and dynamic climax to the chorus made sure that this song was going round in everyone’s heads months after its release. Even after 5 years, “Red Flavor” remains unmatched in encapsulating the vibes of summer.
9. “View” by SHINee
SHINee are known for being able to adapt to any concept that is thrown at them. This deep house track is perfect for poolside listening with its refreshing bassline and synth piano sounds. Taemin’s smooth vocals match the instrumentals so well that it can transport you to a sunny day even in the height of winter.
8. “Holiday” by Girls’ Generation
Released to commemorate their tenth anniversary, “Holiday” by pop icons Girls’ Generation is the ideal song to celebrate a long break after working hard all year round. Blasting this track will make it feel like you are in the middle of a glamorous party with the girls. Hyoyeon’s rap verse is the most memorable section of the song thanks to her unique vocal colour.
7. “Very Nice” by Seventeen
If you ask any K-pop fan to name a song by Seventeen, they will most likely reply with “Very Nice”. Even though, surprisingly, this track never gained any music show wins, you could not escape this song for weeks after its release. To this day, carats and Seventeen alike treasure this song by partying to it on repeat at concerts!
6. “Shake It” by Sistar
Before Red Velvet, Sistar were the summer queens of K-Pop. “Shake It” is just one of the many upbeat pop songs that the group released, but is definitely the most iconic. The jazzy soundscape makes for a snappy listen that matches well with the summer pool party vibes. Even if you aren’t usually a fan of Sistar’s music, you are guaranteed to enjoy “Shake It” in the summer.
5. “Hot Sauce” by NCT Dream
This comeback was the definition of iconic. As the group's first full length album paired with the return of member Mark, fans were excited to see the variety of genres that would be tackled in the 10 new tracks. Jeno’s deep voice before the chorus breakdown of lead single “Hot Sauce” matched with the instantly recognisable choreography helped the track spread across the internet. Also a special shoutout to Renjun’s hairstyle during this era.
4. “Rollin” by Brave Girls
Nothing is more iconic than a track that was originally released in 2017 becoming incredibly popular 4 years later. Thanks to the viral video of the group performing at military barracks, the girls were able to promote the song again and even gain their first music show win! Now it would be extremely difficult to find a K-Pop fan that hadn’t heard of this timeless summer track.
3. “Ko Ko Bop” by EXO
Whilst this song was originally quite divisive within the world of K-pop due to its intense drop in the chorus, it can be agreed that the release was legendary. Baekhyun’s opening line makes the song immediately identifiable and allows the track to be a staple in almost every fan’s summer playlist. Even b-side, “The Eve”, gained its fair share of attention during promotions for the album.
2. “Nonstop” by Oh My Girl
Their cute concept and bubbly performance with a little boost from their exposure on survival show, Queendom, helped to make “Nonstop” an immediate summer staple. It was even played in the popular K-Drama It’s Okay to Not be Okay. However, the b-side “Dolphin” acquired its own fan base thanks to member Arin and TXT’s Soobin special stage performance that allowed it to reach icon status.
1. “Boy with Luv” by BTS feat. Halsey
This bubblegum pop track is the perfect sweetener for a hot summer's day. Whilst many western artists can often feel out of place on K-Pop tracks, Halsey seems to blend seamlessly into the group’s vocal colour adding a delightful twist to their usual dynamic. The track gained a huge 21 music show wins helping to further confirm its success.
These are only a few iconic comebacks with hundreds of other songs that were tailor-made for summer being released over the years. What have been some of your most iconic summer comebacks by your favourite K-Pop groups? Is there one track that somehow crops up on your summer playlist year after year?
