30 Songs For People Who Want To Get Into K-pop

Korean pop--abbreviated to K-pop--is currently in a global heyday. While it has been popular in Korea, Asia, and Asian diaspora populations, Western countries only started truly paying attention when Gangnam Style by Psy became a phenomenon in 2013. That same year a group comprised of 7 young men debuted at a small company. In about 5 years, this group, BTS, would be the face of the Hallyu wave.

In my personal experience, I was first introduced to K-pop in 2010/11. I was 13 and in eighth grade when a friend showed me Korean boy band Shinee. I was attracted to their colorful music videos and trendy style. The music wasn't bad either.

Still, I remained on the periphery of K-pop for the next seven years. I'd heard of Big Bang and had spent a few hours watching Hyuna videos. I was aware of Girl's Generation and somehow knew of Super Junior. In 2017, like so many in the Western world, BTS would officially pull me into the world of K-pop.

Many people find K-pop unapproachable, too kitschy, and even childish. However, K-pop is much broader than those on the outside believe. K-pop can be kitschy sometimes and language barriers can make it unapproachable. And, like pop everywhere, some groups and concepts are marketed toward children.

However, many assumptions people make about K-pop are rooted in xenophobia or racist stereotypes. Of course, they may not be purposely doing this, but refusing to turn on subtitles on a YouTube video or dismissing androgynous fashion is more harmful than it seems.

Additionally, several K-pop songs are originally written in English or other languages. A global effort has made K-pop the powerhouse it is today. In fact, one of the biggest and most iconic K-pop songs of all time, Lucifer by Shinee, was written by an 18-year-old Bebe Rexha.

With that said, many people are open to K-pop, but can find it overwhelming to approach which is absolutely fair. Most of us get pulled in by a specific group or idol. Since K-pop's popularity has grown, more idols and groups have made music that appeals more to a Western audience. While they do not have an obligation to do this, these songs can serve as great introductions to K-pop. Some K-pop songs are also naturally more approachable than others.

So, whether you or a friend is interested in the world of K-pop, here are some great places to start.

#1: Anti-Romantic by TXT

An addictive melody, unique concept, and amazing vocals.

#2: Kiss & Make Up by Dua Lipa & Blackpink

This one is pushing it since this song is on Dua Lipa's album and was written by her, but this is one of my favorite K-pop collabs and it is severely underrated.

#3: Fancy by Twice

A classic. Cute, but not too cute. Sexy, but not too sexy.

#4: LMLY by Jackson Wang

Fun, 80s vibes, and a music video inspired by the golden age of Hong Kong cinema.

#5: Bonnie & Clyde by Yuqi

A very underrated solo debut. Yuqi's husky vocals are perfect for this song and it is completely in English, but the song itself still carries an edge not commonly seen in Western music.

#6: Hate that... by Key & Taeyeon

A gorgeous ballad and collaboration by two long time friends, Shinee's Key and Girls' Generation's Taeyeon.

#7: Rosario by Epik High

For those who enjoy rap or hip hop more.

#8: Money by Lisa

Another English song that probably wouldn't be popular if it wasn't K-pop. It's a fun and upbeat song.

#9: Tie A Cherry by CL

CL is underappreciated in the industry after 2NE1 disbanded. She can rap, sing, and writes her songs. She's hardworking and definitely deserves to be more popular in Korea and abroad.

#10: Hype Boy by NewJeans

THE song of 2022. It may have been by a rookie group, but this song will go down in K-pop history.

#11: Maniac by Stray Kids

For those that say K-pop boy bands sound like girls. Though, seriously, there's enough English to understand the song with solid, engaging production.

#12: Unforgiven by Le Sserafim ft. Nile Rodgers

An addictive melody with a unique concept.

#13: Bad Boy by Red Velvet

This song was everywhere in 2018-2019. It's still a good song though and I bet most K-pop aficionados have it on their playlist.

#14: Daechwita by Agust D

Suga of BTS--under his alter ego, Agust D--releases bonafide rap tracks with high quality lyrics and concepts.

#15: Next Level by aespa

Technically a remake of a song off one of the Fast & Furious albums, this song has a catchy hook and futuristic feel.

#16: Forever Young by Blackpink

For those who like experimental dance music.

#17: Boy With Luv by BTS ft. Halsey

Somewhat self-explanatory.

#18: God's Menu by Stray Kids

Another modern K-pop classic. May be a bit too much to start out with, but also very experimental and stands out in the genre.

#19: In The Morning by Itzy

May seem gimmicky until they realize it's about the game mafia.

#20: Bomb Bomb by KARD

Kard in general has many more international fans than Korean fans. EDM and dance music that is addictive and a rare co-ed group.

#21: Zoom by Jessi

Another great hybrid song that I think could easily be heard on Western radio stations if it weren't for the language barrier.

#22: Typa Girl by Blackpink

Fully English girl power anthem.

#23: Hello Bitches by CL

Another song I knew before getting into K-pop. This was every edgy teenage K-pop fan's favorite song.

#24: Babe by Hyuna

This is a good introduction to Hyuna and is generally a great song.

#25: Sorry Sorry by Super Junior

A song I somehow knew before I got into K-pop but have no idea how.

#26: Replay by Shinee

Objectively the best debut song in K-pop.

#27: Touch my body by SISTAR

An extremely catchy chorus and memorable choreography.

#28: I Am The Best by 2NE1

The original girl power song.

#29: Just Right by GOT7

Yes, some may find this one childish, but that's the POINT. Also, its adorable.

#30: Best of Me by BTS

Ending on the song that officially got me into K-pop. Produced by the Chainsmokers, this song is an infectious dance track that shows off everything that makes BTS BTS.