K-Pop Icons: The One Absolute Song That Boosted Their Popularity

In the vibrant world of K-Pop, many groups have faced the challenge of rising to fame. One absolute song can make a profound difference, propelling a K-Pop girlband or boyband to monumental success. From the initial debuts to breakthrough hits, several K-Pop groups owe their rise in popularity to one pivotal song. Let's explore a few of these iconic tracks that have defined their journeys and brought them recognition both within and beyond the Korean fandom.

TWICE

One example is TWICE's song strong“TT”/strong. This track quickly became a breakthrough hit, showcasing the group's unique style andCoords to the wider audience. While TWICE initially gained traction with their debut song, em"Cheer Up"/em, it was em"TT"/em that solidified their status as a prominent K-Pop act, earning them numerous fan adorations and critical acclaim.

TWICE - TT

TT was a turning point for TWICE, launching them into the limelight and setting the stage for their subsequent success. This ballad proved to be their first big hit, breaking into the mainstream charts and gaining a dedicated fanbase. The song's emotive lyrics and memorable melody made it an instant favorite, helping to cement TWICE's position in the K-Pop landscape.

Red Velvet

For Red Velvet, the pivotal song that triggered their ascent was em“Bad Boy”/em. This track not only highlighted the group's vocal prowess but also showcased their versatility as dancers. The catchy beat and sultry tone of em"Bad Boy"/em quickly captured audiences’ hearts, making Red Velvet stand out in a crowded industry. The song's success on music shows and social media platforms significantly boosted their popularity, turning them into one of the biggest acts in K-Pop.

GFRIEND - NAVILLERA

GFRIEND's em“NAVILLERA”/em was another game-changer for the group. This song's fusion of indie and alternative rock elements with K-Pop created a unique listening experience that resonated with fans. Its standout performance on music shows and the viral nature of its music video drove GFRIEND's surge in popularity, turning them into a significant K-Pop name and showcasing their artistic direction.

One Absolute Song for Each Group

The journey to superstardom for K-Pop groups is often marked by one absolute song. Here is a list of such tracks that defined the rise of prominent groups in the industry:

BOY GROUPS

BTS - strong“DNA”/strong EXO - strong“GROWL”/strong GOT7 - strong“HARD CARRY”/strong SUPER JUNIOR - strong“SORRY SORRY”/strong SHINEE - strong“RING DING DONG”/strong BIGBANG - strong“BANG BANG BANG”/strong WINNER - strong“REALLY REALLY”/strong IKON - strong“LOVE SCENARIO”/strong STRAY KIDS - strong“MY PACE”/strong DAY6 - strong“SHOOT ME”/strong SEVENTEEN - strong“DON’T WANNA CRY”/strong

GIRL GROUPS

GIRLS' GENERATION - strong“GEE”/strong BLACKPINK - Nearly all of their songs TWICE - strong“TT”/strong RED VELVET - strong“BAD BOY”/strong EXID - strong“UP AND DOWN”/strong CLC - strong“NO” / em“BLACK DRESS”/em/strong MOMOLAND - strong“BBOOM BBOOM”/strong GFRIEND - strong“NAVILLERA” / em“ME GUSTAS TU”/em/strong LOVELYZ - strong“AH CHOO”/strong WJSN - strong“SAVE ME SAVE YOU”/strong APINK - strong“MR. CHU”/strong

Notable Mentions

While the list above highlights key songs, there are several other notable mentions that have significantly impacted a group's popularity:

BTS - I NEED U

strong“I NEED U”/strong was a more pop-oriented debut track for BTS. While it earned the group their first win on a music show, it wasn't just a debut hit. This song helped them gain initial fan attention but their true breakthrough came with em“DNA”/em and em“Blood Sweat Tears”/em.

EXID - UP DOWN

Following their debut with em“Up Down”/em, EXID's popularity spiked after a mesmerizing fancam of member Hani went viral on social media. This led to a surge in fanbase and critical acclaim.

MOMOLAND - Bboom Bboom

With strong“Bboom Bboom”/strong, MOMOLAND achieved a significant milestone. This song gained massive popularity, not just in South Korea but also in the Philippines, making it one of their most viewed music videos to date.

Observations and Analysis

From the analysis, it's evident that a powerful debut song can be a turning point for a K-Pop group. These songs not only break into the charts but also drive the group towards their first wins and wider recognition. Moreover, viral content and social media engagements play a crucial role in amplifying a group’s popularity, as seen with EXID and MOMOLAND. The journey of each group is unique, but these significant songs have indeed marked pivotal moments in their careers.