12 K-Pop Bops We Can’t Believe Are Turning 10 Years Old
Looking back on the past decade, we have been blessed with a handful of great music by our favorite idols. Back when the genre was still fresh in the international scene, many hits that were released at the time helped K-pop to become one of the most listened-to musical styles.
None of this would’ve happened if it weren’t for the amazing lineup of K-pop’s second generation, which not only gave new exposure to K-pop but also introduced new concepts and rules of their own to the batch.
Old but gold, here are 12 songs that are turning 10 years old this 2019!
1. Girls’ Generation – “Gee”
10 years ago, “Gee” was crowned “Song of the Decade” by Melon, and this song lived to tell the tale! This chart-topping and award-winning hit really kickstarted Girls’ Generation’s career, as they remain one of the most popular girl groups to this day.
2. Super Junior – “Sorry, Sorry”
Super Junior has unapologetically lured a lot of fans into the K-pop world, and seeing this breathtaking lineup of members, we perfectly understand why! We’re simply grateful for being rewarded with one of the group’s most legendary releases.
3. 2PM – “Again & Again”
Here is yet again another major hit from 2009! With “Again & Again,” the 2PM members, who were just rookies back then, rose to stardom! Thanks to this song, the group grabbed their very first win on a music show and won Song of the Year at the 2009 KBS Song Festival.
4. Wonder Girls – “Nobody” (English version)
Nobody thought this song could get any more amazing, but these wonderful ladies proved us wrong! After its previous release back in 2008, the song came back to life a year later and served as the group’s U.S. debut song, being entirely in English.
5. 2NE1 – “I Don’t Care”
The way 2NE1 took the K-pop world by storm is unprecedented. Within the same year of their debut, the song dominated online and offline charts, making the girls’ name stand steadily in the music industry. Due to its commercial success, several versions and remixes of “I Don’t Care” were eventually released.
6. FTISLAND – “I Hope”
On top of being an instant first-place win after only 13 days of its release, “I Hope” is a beautiful masterpiece and simply one of FTISLAND’s best tracks to date.
7. Brown Eyed Girls – “Abracadabra”
Fierce and fiery, the scenery behind “Abracadabra” marked a notable switch of this group’s concept. Granted, the new style received generously positive feedback. Their key point choreography, the “Arrogant dance,” was so famous that PSY paid copyright fees to include it in his “Gentleman” music video.
8. KARA – “Mister”
Another catchy song and choreography that will stay stuck in your head against your will is KARA’s “Mister.” Not only was it well received in Korea, but it literally invaded Japan’s Karaoke rooms as the most popular tune to be sung. It also originally served as their Japanese debut song.
9. G-Dragon – “Heartbreaker”
G-Dragon made more hearts than break them as he launched his solo career, much to his fans’ delight. Serving as the lead single of his first album, “Heartbreaker” made a significant impact as it sold over 3 million digital downloads in just 2009.
10. 4Minute – “Hot Issue”
Girl groups were a hot issue back in 2009, and 4Minute was no exception. Serving as their debut single, “Hot Issue” was a huge success, which allowed the rising ladies to show the K-pop scene what they’re truly made of.
11. SHINee – “Ring Ding Dong”
This song needs absolutely no introduction since every K-pop fan, both old and new, know it by heart. “Ring Ding Dong” is but one of many hits that were brought to us by SHINee throughout the years. Funnily so, its compelling chorus is so addictive that the song was the most banned before college entrance exams in South Korea.
12. T-ara – “Bo Peep Bo Peep”
Judged by critics as the group’s potential first hit, T-ara promoted “Bo Peep Bo Peep” during their comeback. Just as predicted, the title track led them to fame and helped the girls secure their spot in the market both in Korea and in Japan.
Which oldie is your favorite? Did it make the list? Let us know in the comments below!
Esmee L. is a Moroccan lively dreamer, writer, and Hallyu enthusiast.
