Iconic Second-Gen K-pop songs
K-pop was defined as a genre during its second generation. Often called the ‘golden age’ of K-pop, songs from this era have rooted themselves into the fabric of the current industry.
Second generation icons, SHINee. Image: SHINee Official Facebook.
Riding on the Hallyu Wave that was established in the 1990s, K-pop grew from its initial sound and style more and more, eventually evolving into a new era which we now call the ‘second generation.’
Korean entertainment companies firmly established the idol training programmes they created during the first generation and added new elements which are now staples of the genre.
The two major developments for K-pop that originated in the second generation were lightsticks and album inclusions. Thanks to the second generation, we can now go to a K-pop concert and see a sea of group-specific lightsticks and we can open an album and hope to pull our bias’ photocard.
VIPs made BIGBANG one of the biggest groups of the era. Image: BIGBANG Official Facebook.
We also can’t ignore how the second generation established the idea of concepts and dramatically switching up a group’s style in between comebacks. Groups and entertainment companies became more experimental and incorporated more electropop elements.
The second generation began where the first generation left off in the early 2000s and ended in the early 2010s. It’s hard to say exactly when generations begin and end, but many people agree the second generation ended around 2011/2013.
Here are some of the most iconic tracks of the era.
“Abracadabra” by Brown Eyed Girls (2009)
Brown Eyed Girls, a group which was not created by one of the ‘Big Three’ Korean entertainment companies of the time (YG, SM, and JYP), were able to release one of the most famous songs of the second generation.
The lethal combination of the punchy electronic beat and the simple hip sway dance move solidified this song in the history books.
“LIES” by BIGBANG (2007)
Written and composed by BIGBANG’s leader G-Dragon, “LIES” is one of BIGBANG’s most critically acclaimed songs.
Preceding their renowned EDM hits like “Fantastic Baby” and “Bang Bang Bang”, this song solidified the group as both a staple and innovator of the genre. It’s impossible not to sing along to the iconic hook: “I'm so sorry, but I love you.”
“Tell Me” by Wonder Girls (2007)
This song was one of K-pop’s first viral hits, as people quickly learned the choreography and made dance covers.
It’s easy to see why it’s so popular; the bouncy and smooth moves are simple but addictive. The catchy chorus also helped it to win Song of the Year at the 2007 Melon Music Awards.
“Fiction” by Beast (2011)
BEAST, now known as Highlight, released their first studio album Fiction and Fact in 2011.
The title track “Fiction” is an absolute classic second generation boy group song. The soulful vocals, lovesick lyrics, punchy rap, and fun choreography mean this song has stood the test of time.
“Gee” by Girls’ Generation (2009)
One of the most famous K-pop songs ever, “Gee” helped bring K-pop to listeners around the world, further building on the Hallyu Wave.
It’s an upbeat, bubblegum, electropop song all about first love. It’s sweet, catchy, and uplifting — the perfect combination for one of the most popular second generation songs.
“Love Like This” by SS501 (2009)
Although they’re not a household name for newer K-pop fans, SS501 were one of the best-selling boy groups of the second generation.
“Love Like This” is fast-paced and catchy, everything you would expect from a great early 2010s K-pop song. Of course, no second generation boy group music video is complete without the eyeliner!
“Bo Peep Bo Peep” by T-ARA (2009)
The queens of electronic dance-pop, T-ARA were a staple of the Korean music charts in the early 2010s.
“Bo Peep Bo Peep” is one of their hits that has endured to this day. So many idols have covered this song since its release, as it’s an absolute K-pop classic thanks to the repetitive chorus and simple choreography.
“I’ll Be Back” by 2PM (2010)
2PM were absolute juggernauts during K-pop’s second generation. They earned the nickname ‘beast idols’ because of their intense masculine and acrobatic performances.
The flips showcased at the end of “I’ll Be Back” show off the members’ athleticism really well. And the song is also really catchy, of course.
“Electric Shock” by f(x) (2012)
One of the most fun songs of the second generation, “Electric Shock” embodies a lot of what makes this era of K-pop great.
The music video has bright colours, eye-catching choreography, and the song is super addictive and vibrant. It has stood the test of time and, like the other songs on this list, people still love it today.
“Mr. Simple” by SUPER JUNIOR (2011)
While T-ARA and f(x) had the most iconic electronic girl group songs, SUPER JUNIOR definitely wins the contest for the most iconic electronic boy group songs.
The best example of this is “Mr. Simple”. It’s quirky, lively, memorable, and has such eye-catching choreography. It’s easy to see why it’s one of the group’s most popular songs.
“FIRE” by 2NE1 (2010)
2NE1’s debut song remains one of their most famous to this day. The thumping beat and catchy hook make this song timeless. The reggae and hip hop-inspired elements helped to build the foundations for what we know as the ‘girl crush’ concept today.
With 2NE1’s reunion tour coming up, it’s so fun to reminisce and see how far the group has come since their debut!
“Lucifer” by SHINee (2010)
My personal favourite song on this list, “Lucifer” is a unique track which I always recall when I think of the second generation.
It combines all the best trends of the era. The vocals are so impressive it’s hard to imagine any other group than SHINee pulling it off. You can’t forget the choreography either, with its sharp tutting and charismatic moves. It really does embody this era of K-pop.
Let us know your favourite second generation K-pop songs in the comments below!
Edited by Gabii Rayner.