10 iconic old-school K-pop songs
If you’re a new fan of K-Pop, we recommend these classic bops to understand the roots and foundation of this eclectic genre.
Image: 2NE1 Official Facebook. YG Entertainment.
“MIROTIC” — TVXQ!
The title track from TVXQ!’s most successful album ever, “MIROTIC” has been covered endlessly by other groups and it’s easy to see why.
With a catchy hook, thumping beat and dynamic choreography, this track firmly put TVXQ! in the history books. Billboard even named it as one of the ‘greatest boy band songs of all time.’
It was the last Korean album that included members Jaejoong, Yoochun and Junsu, but it cemented an unforgettable legacy in K-Pop for all the members.
“Hush” — miss A
From miss A’s second (and last) studio album, “Hush” was a massive hit. The members’ charismatic performance enhances the song’s addictive quality.
It’s hard not to sing along to ‘Kiss, kiss, kiss baby, hush, hush, hush baby’. The choreography is mesmerising and shows off the members’ seductive charms really well. It’s definitely one to add to your playlist!
“Rainism” — RAIN
This is arguably Rain’s most iconic song and what most K-pop fans know him for. It’s hard to find a boy group that hasn’t covered this classic hit!
You can’t think of Rain without thinking about his sunglasses and shuffle dance moves from the music video. Rain established himself as an icon and made sure he stayed in the history books for releasing one of the most popular male solo songs in K-pop ever.
“NOBODY” — Wonder Girls
“Nobody” made history by being the first song by a Korean artist on the US Billboard Hot 100 back in 2009. Wonder Girls also released an English version of the song which they also performed live on ‘The Wendy Williams Show.’
It's easy to see why the song did so well, the addictive choreography and dance-pop beat make it a classic. Fun fact: it was featured in the movie Penguins of Madagascar (2014).
“HARU HARU” — BIGBANG
When thinking of the immense popularity of K-pop, as an older K-pop fan, it’s difficult not to bring BIGBANG to mind. They cemented K-Pop on YouTube and showed how fun and experimental the genre can be.
“HARU HARU” is one of their most iconic and most popular songs. The booming bass, harmonic melodies and deep-tone rap combined to create a blueprint that many boy groups have used in all the years since its release.
“I GOT A BOY” — Girls’ Generation
“I GOT A BOY”’s bright and colourful music video and bubblegum electro-pop beat make it an instantly memorable song. When non-K-pop fans think of what the genre is about, this song epitomises it best, and for good reason, because “I GOT A BOY” is eccentric but legendary.
All the genres blended into one song gives it a very unique sound that really makes Girls’ Generation stand out as one of the most iconic girl groups in K-pop.
“Replay” — SHINee
This song is arguably the most iconic debut song in K-pop. SHINee demonstrated all of their best talents and charms with “Replay”.
The member’s vocal harmonies are a particular standout of this contemporary RnB hit. It’s fresh and sweet without being overly cheesy.
Covering “Replay” is also a rite of passage for boy groups who want to show off their all-rounded skills. But this song established SHINee as one of SM’s most influential groups – who are still promoting to this day 16 years later.
“I AM THE BEST” — 2NE1
When you think about girl power and the ‘girl crush’ concept, “I AM THE BEST” is the song most older K-pop fans will think of. It pioneered this concept.
“I AM THE BEST” is 2NE1’s most recognisable song and Microsoft even picked it to play on one of its advertisements in 2014. A track that encourages us to be confident in ourselves, it’s hard not to think about girl power and female empowerment when you hear the iconic beat.
“SORRY, SORRY” — SUPER JUNIOR
No classic K-Pop song is as well known as “Sorry Sorry.” The iconic dance has been copied all over the world.
The funky bass and relatively simple choreography mean it’s a really fun song to practise in your bedroom. K-pop groups from LOONA to SEVENTEEN have covered it, cementing it as a song for the ages.
“Ma Boy” — SISTAR19
“Ma Boy” might not be the first song that pops into your head when you think of K-pop, but this track should not be brushed aside.
This song combined SISTAR members’ Hyolyn and Bora’s strong vocals with a bumping beat and a hit was made. We also cannot forget the iconic body-roll move in the chorus that is impossible to avoid copying. It’s super catchy, so it has all the elements to make it the perfect K-Pop song.
Let us know which iconic old-school K-pop song is your favourite in the comments below.
Edited by Chelsea Cheetham.