As time passes, the K-pop industry has continued to evolve, embracing new trends and styles. Some K-pop debuts are immediately hit as soon as they are released and remain popular even years later. The classics from a decade ago, however, will always hold a special place in their hearts. They not only defined an era but also helped to shape the industry of what it is today. Here is a list of K-pop debut songs that have aged wonderfully.
1. Congratulations- DAY6
Day6 is a K-Pop rock brand under JYP Entertainment. They debuted on 7th September 2015. The group had six members: Young K, Dowoon, Sungjin, Jae, Junhyeok, and Wonpil. Congratulations is the song with which they debuted, as the lead track of the band’s mini-album The Day. It was ranked No.2 on the Billboard’s World Album Chart
2. Movie Star- CIX
CIX is a Korean boy band formed in 2019 by C9 Entertainment. It has five members: Seunghun, Yonghee, BX, Hyunsuk, and Bae Jin-Young. On 23rd July 2019, they debuted with their first EP, Hello Chapter 1: Hello Stranger. They also released their lead single Movie Star on the same date. Their album was a commercial success having sold 70,000 copies in just two months.
3. Into The New World- Girls Generation
Girls Generation, also called SNSD, is a K-pop group under SM Entertainment. Into the New World is the debut single of their group, written by Kim Jeong-bae and composed by Kenzie. It was digitally released on 3rd August 2007 and three days later as a physical single. Even though it was moderately successful upon its initial release, the music critics have noted it as an iconic song representing solidarity.
4. Like Ooh-Ahh- TWICE
Twice is a K-pop girl group that was formed under JYP Entertainment. The nine members in the group are: Jeongyeon, Sana, Mina, Chaeyoung, Nayeon, Tzuyu, Dahyun, Jihyo, and Momo. In 2015, it was formed by Sixteen, a television program. Like Ooh-Ahh is their debut single released on 20t October 2015. It was the lead single of their extended debut play, The Story Begins. The song was composed and written by Sam Lewis and Black Eyed Pilseung.
5. Pirate King- ATEEZ
Ateez is a Korean group formed by KQ Entertainment. It has eight members: Seonghwa, Yeosang, Mingi, Jongho, Hongjoong, Yunho, San, and Wooyoung. Pirate King is the second track and also the first title track of their debut album Treasure, Ep 1: All to Zero. It is an impressive song with some addictive hooks that are reminiscent of a strong boat song and trap sound.
6. Dalla Dalla- ITZY
Itzy is a girl band formed by JYP Entertainment, which debuted on 12th February 2019. It has Lia, Chaeryeong, Ryujin, Yuna, and Yeji. Dalla Dalla is their debut single. It was composed and written by Galactika, a music production group, and is a fusion track with elements of hip op, house, EDM, and electropop. The song revolves around the themes of empowerment, individuality, and self-confidence.
7. Given-Taken- ENHYPEN
ENHYPEN is a Korean boy group formed by Belift Lab. It has seven members: Jay, Sunghoon, Jungwoon, Heeseung, Ni-ki, Jake, and Sunoo. On 30th November 2020, they debuted with the EP Border: Day One. Their lead single was released, accompanied by a live showcase. On 4th December, they made their live debut performing this song.
8. Replay- SHINee
Shinee is a boy group formed in 2008 by SM Entertainment. Initially, the group had five members: Jonghyun, Minho, Key, Taemin, and Onew. The group's impact in the country has earned them several accolades and they are also called Princes of K-pop. Replay is their debut single that was recorded for the extended play. It was released on 22nd May 2008. It is a contemporary R&B song that was composed by The Heavyweights. The song is from the perspective of a young man in love with an older woman.
9. The 7th Sense- NCT U
Neo Culture Technology, NCT, is a Korean band managed and formed by SM Entertainment. The 7th Sense is the debut single of NCT U, which is the first sub-unit of NCT. On 16th April 2016 it was digitally released. It was described as a future bass genre based on hip-hop grooves filled with dreamy vocals, rap, and heavy bass sounds.
10. MAMA- EXO
Exo is a Korean band formed in 2011 by SM Entertainment. It has nine members: Suho, Baekhyun, Chanyeol, Kai, Xiumin, Lay, Chen, D.O., and Sehun. They are known for releasing music and extensively performing in Mandarin, Korean, and Japanese. Mama is a song released as their debut single and the title track of Mama, their debut EP. It was digitally released on 8th April 2012.
