Welcome to K-World: 10 Exemplary Songs to Start You Off (Part 01)

10. EVERGLOW's single "LA DI DA" (2020) is an ode to the 80s sound that has been revamped for the modern era. The group's unapologetic attitude and resilience shines through in the song, making it a standout hit. The retro-inspired sound of the single has helped to popularize the 80s aesthetic once again, proving the enduring appeal of the decade's music. The song's catchy beats, paired with the group's powerful vocals, make for an unforgettable listening experience. "LA DI DA" demonstrates EVERGLOW's skill in taking inspiration from the past and making it relevant for today's audiences.


09. ITZY is a girl group known for their vibrant and playful style, embodying the teenage crush aesthetic. Their hit single "Wannabe" (2020) has become a global sensation, taking over social media with its iconic shoulder dance choreography. The song showcases the group's confidence and energy, making it a favorite among fans of all ages. The catchy beats and empowering lyrics of "Wannabe" make it an infectious and unforgettable listening experience. Overall, ITZY's music and performances are a perfect blend of playfulness and confidence, making them the epitome of the teen crush concept.


08. At the close of 2019, Red Velvet, a South Korean girl group, released their single "Psycho" which quickly became their most successful single to date. The song unknowingly tapped into the collective consciousness of the world, resonating with people in a powerful way. With the ongoing pandemic, skyrocketing mental health issues, global warming, and ever-shifting, unreliable relationships, it's become increasingly difficult for many people to find peace of mind. "Psycho" reflects this reality in a way that many can relate to, making it an anthem for the times we are living in. The song's catchy beats and emotive lyrics make it an unforgettable listening experience that continues to resonate with people around the world.


07. BLACKPINK, a South Korean girl group, made history in 2018 with their single "DDU-DU DDU-DU" as the first K-pop group to reach 1 billion YouTube views. The song's captivating visuals and the members' unshakable confidence helped to propel the group to new heights of success. The concept of "girl crush" was also a major factor in the song's success, as it resonated with listeners around the world and made BLACKPINK a household name. The song's catchy beats and empowering lyrics, paired with the group's dynamic performances, make for an unforgettable listening experience that continues to be popular among fans worldwide. "DDU-DU DDU-DU" was a breakthrough hit for BLACKPINK, it helped to establish the group as a leading force in the K-pop industry.


06. "Spring Day" by BTS (2017) is a song that has had a lasting impact on the music industry. The emotionally charged song about loss and grief has been the group's longest-charting single on Korea's Melon chart, and is one of their most successful hits, second only to "Dynamite". The song has resonated with listeners around the world, providing a powerful and moving soundtrack to their lives. The melancholic melody and emotive lyrics of "Spring Day" make it an unforgettable listening experience that continues to resonate with people around the world. Overall, the song's success is a testament to BTS's ability to create music that connects with people on a deep emotional level, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its powerful and moving message.


05. The release of Girls Generation's single "Gee" in 2009 had a seismic impact on the South Korean music scene. The song propelled the group to become the nation's premier girl group and sparked the beginning of their international fandom. The catchy beats and infectious chorus of "Gee" made it an instant hit, and it's considered as one of the most iconic K-pop songs of all time. Im Yoon-ah, in particular, became a breakout star thanks to her beauty and her charismatic performances in the song's music video and live performances. "Gee" was a game-changer for Girls Generation, it made them one of the biggest and most influential girl groups in South Korea and solidified their place in K-pop history.


04. The release of PSY's "Gangnam Style" in 2012 marked a major milestone in the history of K-pop music. The song and its accompanying music video, featuring PSY's humorous horse dance, became an instant viral sensation, garnering millions of views on YouTube and making it the first K-pop song that most Indians heard. It also became the first YouTube video to reach 1 billion views, with people around the world recreating the iconic dance. Even after a decade, the infectious beat of "Gangnam Style" continues to be popular among music lovers, and its cultural impact can still be felt today. The song's global success put K-pop music on the map, and cemented PSY's status as a worldwide phenomenon.


03. As the world was captivated by the infectious beats of "Gangnam Style" in 2012, K-pop fans were also enthralled by BIGBANG's ambitious new sound, "Fantastic" which was a fusion of EDM and hip-hop. This track was a game-changer for the genre, and it quickly became a fan favorite. The song's catchy beats and innovative sound set it apart from other K-pop releases at the time, and it helped to establish BIGBANG as one of the most influential and successful K-pop groups of all time. The song was a commercial success, and it was well received by critics and audiences alike. The song's success helped to pave the way for other K-pop groups to experiment with different sounds and styles and also helped to set a new standard for K-pop music.


02. Lee Hyori's 2006 single "Straight Up" is one of her most memorable and catchy songs. The song's slinky verses perfectly complement the instrumental's insistent funk bounce and breezy, celebratory hook, creating a nostalgic throwback to the late-90s that is executed flawlessly. The song's melody is highly addictive, and its upbeat tempo makes it impossible not to dance and sing along. Although Lee Hyori has released other striking and bombastic music, "Straight Up" is considered one of her best hits, it's an infectious track that continues to be popular among fans of all ages. The song's success helped to establish Lee Hyori as one of the most influential and successful female solo artists in South Korea and solidified her place in K-pop history.



01. IU's 2010 single "Good Day" had a lasting impact on the South Korean music scene. The song showcases IU's captivating songwriting and artistry, which demonstrate why she is one of South Korea's most beloved stars. Her high notes in the song are spellbinding and mesmerizing, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. The song's catchy melody, paired with IU's emotive vocals, make it an unforgettable listening experience. "Good Day" was a commercial success and it helped establish IU as a leading force in the K-pop industry. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to IU's ability to create music that resonates with people on a deep emotional level. "Good Day" is considered one of IU's most iconic and successful releases.

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