K-pop is currently regarded as a multi-billion dollar industry and is globally popular across generations and cultures. The huge success of K-pop is largely driven by cross-border fans inspired by their idols and music.
It can be said that originating from highly conceptual songs along with the harmonious combination of visuals and perfect performances, K-pop's melody completely captures the hearts of the auďïệnce. That's also why there are a lot of K-pop songs that are considered as hymns and whenever the tune is played, people will remember what the name of the song is.
Recently, Rolling Stone has announced the top 10 greatest songs in kσrєαn pop history. The list consists of songs selected through large-scale public and expert discussions and surveys. Let's see what the most glorious songs are below:
Rolling Stone contributor Michelle Hyun Kim along with a group of journalists and music critics both in kσrєα and the United States who have stuďïệd K-pop for many years built a poll and heated discussion on the songs that are considered the best in K-pop history. After surveying and researching, the research team finally came up with a list of the most loved and most iconic songs of Kpop.
These songs go beyond the strict definition of K-pop as a ḧïẗ business to tell the broader history of kσrєαn pop music. They are songs that are said to be the most representative of kσrєα's popular music, distilling the purest and most interesting aspects that make the public love forever.
Here are the top 10 greatest songs in the history of K-Pop. Surely no one is not familiar with the lyrics and meloďïệs of these iconic songs:
10. Wonder Girls, ‘Tell Me’ (2007)
Referring to Kpop legends, it is impossible not to mention the girls of Wonder Girls. They almost paved the way for K-pop to move into wider markets with their α∂∂ι¢тινє ḧïẗ "Tell Me".
It was one of K-pop's first modern "hook songs," and one of the first to ignite dancesport through YouTube at the early time. Tell Me's distinctive feature is the easy-to-learn choreography on a flashy rhythm, mixed with nostalgia and the future. Meanwhile, Wonder Girls shined with fresh femininity attracting the auďïệnce's attention.
09. Seo Taiji and Boys, ‘I Know’ (1992)
On April 11, 1992, Seo Taiji and Boys released what is considered by many to be the first recognizable modern K-pop song, "I Know". The song completely captivated young people across the globe with a completely euphoric reaction to the mix of New Jack Swing, rock, hip-hop and rap in the song — alongside the group's adept b-boying performance. “I Know” awakened auďïệnces accustomed to traditional trot and pop music, changing the fabric of the kσrєαn music industry forever.
08. 2NE1, ‘I Am the Best’ (2011)
2NE1 was originally a unique and unique girl group among Kpop groups at that time. They further set a new standard in the K-pop industry with the release of "I Am The Best" in 2011.
With an instantly recognizable electronic beat, the song begins with leader CL's iconic rallying cry, "Naega jeil jal naga" ("I'm the best"). Even those who do not know kσrєαn when hearing those words are forced to get excited and immerse in the excitement of the song as soon as that signal is sounded.
07. BIGBANG, 'Haru Haru' (2008)
It can be said that, with Haru Haru (Day By Day), BIGBANG found its musical identity by turning the jαpαnese deep house into a high-stakes R&B drama. The combination of TOP or G-Dragon's sullen anger with Daesung's vocals in the high-pitched chorus as if they were breaking an emotional d@m.
BIGBANG's love song completely captured the emotions of thousands of young fans around the world. It's not an exaggeration to say that Haru Haru is one of the songs that made the group's name as well as the 2nd generation of Kpop.
06. Blackpink, 'DDU-DU DDU-DU' (2018)
One of the top Kpop stars in the world today must call the name BLACKPINK. YG's girl group has completely left a strong mark in the hearts of Kpop fans since their debut with the music full of personality of the 4 girls.
But perhaps most impressive is their signature song, 2018 single, “DDU-DU DDU-DU,” bursting with confident “girl crush” energy. Each member's charms are on display: Jennie's rapping is emotional, Lisa's performance with a wink and smirk, Rose's unique vocal timbre shines through, and Jisoo's quiet confidence balances it all.
There is no objection to the fact that “DDU-DU DDU-DU” was chosen as one of the greatest songs in K-pop history.
05. Cho Yong Pil, ‘Short Hair’ (1980)
“Short Hair” is a revolutionary song in kσrєαn pop music that offers listeners an escape from the pentatonic melancholy of trot music. This is also the song that marks Cho Young Pil's successful comeback after a series of unnecessary scandals, setting the stage for his long-term popularity.
04. BTS, 'Spring Day' (2017)
A timeless meditation on friendship, sadness, and regret, “Spring Day” is a prime example of BTS’s unique ability to synthesize complex emotions into universal pop songs. BTS' 2017 ballad evokes strong feelings of l0ss, memory, and hope for the future.
This song is even widely known as a tribute to the mostly teenage pαѕѕengers who dr0wned in the Sewol f3rry d1saster in 2014, “Spring Day” is a powerful work of art created from deep desolation and solace. BTS's Spring Hymn transcends time, always making listeners emotional every time its melody is played.
Although it has been released for more than 6 years, this song still regularly reaches the top stream and searches on Melon as well as international music charts. It shows why Spring Day is one of the 10 best Kpop songs of all time
03. IU, ‘Good Day’ (2010)
IU steadily gained recognition after kicking off her career in 2008, but was still finding her musical footing at the start of the 2010s. Then came 2010’s “Good Day.” Upon first listen, it’s a bouncy, sweet tune, bolstered with orchestral instrumentation and synths.
“Good Day” glides along key changes and soars with the momentum of confessed love — ḧïẗting a three-note jump in IU’s voice so singularly spectacular that it instantaneously launched her into the realm of legendary kσrєαn singers.
02. H.O.T., ‘Candy’ (1996)
“Candy,” from We Hate All Kinds of Violence, the debut LP by SM’s H.O.T. (Highfive of Teenagers), set the bar for every K-pop boy band’s sugary-sweet summertime earworms to come. Considered one of the first idol groups and credited with establishing the popularity of boy bands, H.O.T were early progenitors of Hallyu and featured some of the best-known voices in the early years of K-pop. A perfect playful match for the group’s rainbow clown suits and oversized mittens, “Candy” is effervescent and enduring, a jubilant clαѕѕic.
01. Girls’ Generation, ‘Gee’ (2009)
“Gee” is not a “first love” narrative, as Girls’ Generation’s Tiffany promises in the song’s introduction, but it is a testament to how love — and all its indescribable ecstasy — can be conveyed through pop music. This fun and cute ḧïẗ makes the auďïệnce remember forever with repetitive syllables, fast tempo as an expression of joy expressed by onomatopoeia.
This song brought a bold K-pop vibe and started the way for kσrєαn pop music to become popular and penetrate other countries in Asia. Although born nearly 15 years ago, through many generations of music listeners, it seems that no one is unaware of this legendary song.
