Journey Back in Time: Iconic K-Pop Songs From Each Generation

Join the Daebak Company as we unravel each generation's most iconic K-Pop songs. 

If you’re a super K-Pop fan, look out for songs you may be familiar with, and for Non- K-Pop fans, you might also learn something new. 

Plus, don’t forget to check out our K-Pop merch that can be delivered to your doorstep! 

The first generation of K-Pop, initiated in 1992 by Seo Taiji and Boys, introduced a groundbreaking combination of traditional Korean music with hip-hop, rap, and rock.
 

 Departing from the upbeat pop prevalent at the time, their politically charged songs set a new tone. Other groups like H.O.T., S.E.S., and Fin.K.L. further diversified the landscape, focusing on ballads and love songs for a predominantly young, female audience.

Originally released in 1996, this 2022 remaster reminds fans where NCT Dreams ‘Candy’ came from. 

This song &M/V got 1996 MTV MUSIC VIDEO Asian Viewer's Choice Awards, the first time K-Pop was awarded by MTV.

This remaster exists to remind fans who the beginners of the Hallyu wave were. 

This is by far the true original song for K-Pop that paved the way. 

This sub-gen was where the Hallyu wave and the term, K-Pop, started.

This era of K-Pop came with more experimental groups such as BoA, Shinhwa, and Click-B. It was at this time that K-Pop diffused into other parts of East Asia, like China and Japan as well. 

At age 16 BoA released this song breaking into the spotlight, incredible soloist even to this day.

In 2003, the second generation of K-Pop commenced with the debut of TVXQ and Super Junior, marking the rise of idols—artists extensively trained in singing, dancing, and performing. 

Influenced by the Korean Wave, this era featured iconic groups like Girls' Generation, BIGBANG, and Wonder Girls, who are all known for their catchy beats, synchronized dance routines, and elaborate music videos. 

Achieving global recognition, these idols toured extensively, contributing to the widespread popularity of K-Pop beyond Asia.

‘Gee’ by Girls Generation is a classic amongst fans, an oldie but a goldie. 

While many international listeners were hyping up Gangnam Style, avid stans were playing this banger. 

During this time, dancing and singing abilities were expected more from fans. Iconic groups such as SHINee, 2PM, INFINITE, f(x), 2NE1, Miss A, and SISTAR debuted. With the recent creation of YouTube, Korean idols gained lots of international fans in early 2010. 

Nothing is as iconic as this dance from SHINee. 

MIss A was one of a kind!

The third generation of K-pop, which began in 2012 with EXO and BTS, was when the industry gained the most international prestige. 

This era introduced more complex themes, exploring subjects like mental health and social issues yet continued to make fun and unforgettable songs.

This generation is highlighted by groups such as BLACKPINK, TWICE, SEVENTEEN, and Red Velvet. But to be honest, there are so many amazing K-Pop groups in this generation that it’s hard to choose the best.

With 15 million views within a week, EXO shocked fans during the time of the release of this iconic song. 

It's hard not to fancy this song, pun intended!

Before K-dramas were a big thing, K-Pop fans imagined themselves in BTS' Boy in Luv music video. 

Both multi K-Pop stans and BLINKS around the world were waiting for this comeback, it broke records for most viewed in 24-hours just after being released.

This sub-generation was led a lot by PRODUCE 101 around 2016 which garnered a lot of attention from overseas and increasingly brought more international fans. Groups like SEVENTEEN, MONSTA X, SF9, iKON, and DAY6 debuted during this iconic era. 

Doing noraebang (Korean Karaoke) to this song hits different. 

Wonho may be scared of heights, but he certaintly is not scared to show off!

The fourth generation of K-pop, begun in 2019 with ITZY and TXT, which brought further diversification to the industry, featuring new groups exploring various music styles alongside the rise of solo artists. 

Notable groups from this generation include Stray Kids, ATEEZ, ENHYPEN, (G)I-DLE, and NCT. 

Fourth-generation K-Pop has adopted a multilingual approach and has invested in its fans by having a strong social media presence and appearance in variety shows. 

With this song, Stray Kids got their first win! 

This song shocked K-Pop fans with the crazy and sexy choreography. 

Back when G(I)-DLE was 6 members, this song is everything, the lyrics, choreography, cinematography-amazing!

Perhaps you're feeling nostalgic by now. If you are, head over to Daebak Company and see the amazing merch from your favorite K-Pop artist. 

From socially conscious music in the first generation to global success in the third, and the evolving landscape of the fourth, K-Pop continues to captivate audiences worldwide through a strong social media presence and multilingual songs! It truly deserves to be called a journey back in time.