Every now and then, there is always that one or two K-Pop songs that become an anthem amongst fans. Regardless of the year, generation, genre, or even the group that releases them, the love for these songs transcends all limitations as till date, their popularity is unending and whenever they come on, they always evoke such a roar of appreciation and glee from fans that is truly mesmerizing and goosebumps worthy.
These global hit songs could also be regarded as the signature songs of K-Pop as their impact has no doubt shaped the culture and sound of the genre, and also garnered much popularity and love towards their owners as well.
With so many hit songs falling into this category, here are our picks of the top 10 K-Pop songs with their own fandoms.
1. EXO - 'Growl'
When we talk about "quality songs that transcend eras" this term could readily be affixed to EXO. Perhaps we would be right in saying that after the South Korean national anthem, the next tune that is sung with so much reverence and glee by her citizens is EXO's 'Growl'. Released in 2013, 'Growl' is known for its beautiful melodies, catchy chorus line, and an addictive rhythm that makes everyone wants to do its choreography immediately after the song starts. Till date, 'Growl' serves as not just one of EXO's greatest songs but K-Pop in general as everyone still readily listens and performs to it today.
2. Girls' Generation - 'The Boys'
We can rightly say that Girls' Generation are one of the K-Pop groups that have helped influenced and shaped the sound and culture of the genre today. And unequivocally they stand out as an icons of the industry, with a discography filled with excellent chart-topping and record-breaking songs to back up this claim. One of these songs, one that despite how long ago it was released, till date many still vibe and get their kick out of it is 'The Boys'. Released in 2011, with his hard-hitting instrumentals, chantlike and melodic verses, and a chorus that is simply too addictive, this electro-pop rock song is one that today, is still sung and performed with delight by everyone.
3. SHINee - 'Ring Ding Dong'
We believe it could be scientifically proven that whenever the chorus of this song is played in a crowded space, there is always going to be one or more persons who would get up and deliver its iconic choreography which would in turn create a ripple effect as the rest of the crowd would either dance or cheer along. Released in 2009, as if its groovy rhythm is not enough, combined with its beautiful melodies and refreshingly cool vibe, this is one of the K-Pop songs that easily cuts across generations, eras, and fan bases and still pulls in a wave of admiration from global fans today.
4. 2PM - 'My House'
2PM's longevity and continued relevance as one of the top K-Pop groups today is in clear reverence to their incredible discography filled with songs and performance that continues to leave a notable impact in the industry regardless of the time or era they were released. One of the songs that stands out as not just one of their best but an anthem in K-Pop today is 'My House'. Released in 2015, from its suggestive lyrics to its beautiful melodies and a chorus that many can sing in their sleep, 'My House' still stands as one of the all-time favorite songs amongst K-Pop fans today.
5. SUPER JUNIOR - 'Sorry, Sorry'
We can aptly predict that if this song were released today, it would be a chart-topping hit track that would create a new wave of sound that global fans will enjoy. Released in 2009, 'Sorry. Sorry' is one of the songs that every generation of K-Pop idols and fans know, not just its lyrics but its iconic dance moves as well. Then or now, 'Sorry, Sorry' is clearly a song that regardless of its time of release would always elicit a wave of love and support from its global fans.
6. iKON - 'LOVE SCENARIO'
Perhaps in many years to come, when then older K-Pop fans are asked to pick that one K-Pop song that defines the essence and power of the genre, one of the songs you'd hear more than others is iKON's 'LOVE SCENARIO'. Released in 2018, this euphonic song doesn't just create a wholesome feeling in its listeners, but for iKON as well, it presented them as a group who would continue to shift creative boundaries and introduce a new era of a sound and style of music that would inspire other artists and fans alike.
7. SEVENTEEN - 'VERY NICE'
"What is this feeling? Very Nice". This lyric beautifully encapsulates the reaction that many fans would always have whenever they listen to a SEVENTEEN song. But over time, we have affixed a more elevated level of respect and admiration for their works as it is not just "Very Nice" but "Excellent". When it comes to songs that have their own fandom, SEVENTEEN's entire discography falls under this category as they always release timeless bops that everyone can thoroughly enjoy. But picking just one song, 'VERY NICE' is that iconic song that every K-Pop fan would readily listen to with so much joy and excitement, anytime and any day.
8. BTS - 'Idol'
With over 1.2 billion streams on YouTube alone, it is safe to say that 'Idol' remains one of K-Pop's best songs and one that readily fits into the theme of this article. BTS are known for having an invaluable discography filled with bops that will remain iconic for eons to come. However, even though they continue to release record-breaking songs that gain both critical and commercial successes, 'Idol' continues to be a top crowd favorite as it is that one song that global fans readily associate BTS and K-Pop with.
9. GOT7 - 'Girls Girls Girls'
When your debut song released over 9 years ago is still sung from start to finish by many K-Pop fans, you know your impact as a group or artist is truly invaluable. Clearly right from their debut, GOT7 were destined to release iconic bops that would not just garner them due popularity but also the K-Pop genre as well. This groovy tune is not just your average bop but one that holds a very sentimental value as it served as the song that marked the debut of one of the best boy groups in K-Pop's history.
10. TWICE - 'TT'
We can aptly name countless of TWICE's hit songs that fall under this category, in fact, they are simply too many to count as perhaps their entire discography deserves to be mentioned in this listicle. "Timeless bops that have their own fandoms" is a term that should be used as the opener of a TWICE documentary or story as it is a fitting statement that describes their works. However, to pick just one, we would say that the love for 'TT' continues to reign supreme. It is a catchy and melodic tune that fans will always sing and perform along to.
Which of these songs is your favorite? Let us know in the comments section below.