The early 2010s marked an era where K-pop was highly experimental โ both sonically and conceptually. One of the most defining assets of this era was the generous amount of idol interactions it granted. Collaborations between idol groups, such as Girlsโ Generation and 2PMโs โCabi Songโ and bold bantering on variety programs like Strong Heart, are a rarity nowadays. As a result, second generation K-pop fans grew familiar with various groups, making every variety program and music show a highly anticipated event. I, among many seasoned fans, bore witness to K-popโs growth into the phenomenon it is today. Reminiscing on the second generation of K-pop, here are 10 iconic releases that veteran and new K-pop fans must revisit.
Girlsโ Generation – โI GOT A BOYโ (2013)
You canโt leave out Girlsโ Generationโs campy hit, โI GOT A BOY,โ when discussing the most iconic hits of the early 2010s. Released on the first day of 2013, โI GOT A BOYโ kicked off the new year with a sound far ahead of its time. The songโs eclectic sound structure โ fusing elements of pop, dubstep, and R&B โ still makes for a fresh listen a decade later. Although โI GOT A BOYโ was met with mixed reviews during its release, the songโs distinctive musical structure would set the precedent for experimental releases like aespaโs โNext Level.โ It is no surprise that these unique musical elements, coupled with high-energy choreography in colorful streetwear, made for one of K-popโs representative songs.
INFINITE – โThe Chaserโ (2012)
Beginning as a small company miracle, INFINITE proved time and time again that their capabilities are endless. Crowned in lists by Billboard, Rolling Stone, and Pitchfork among many, INFINITEโs โThe Chaserโ remains as one of K-popโs most praised releases. Fusing 80s synthpop with an endlessly accelerating build-up, the song stands against the test of time while evoking an otherworldly sense of nostalgia. INFINITE declare, โProtect her, so she wonโt forget me / I will go till the end to the place where my person isโ as they plead for their loverโs return. INFINITEโs dynamic performance and Sweetuneโs genius producing make for a lethal combination that will have you chasing after another listen.
Girlโs Day – โTwinkle Twinkleโ (2011)
Although best known for their sultry sensations like โExpectationโ and โSomething,โ Girlโs Day are experts at executing the cute concept. Girlโs Dayโs third release, โTwinkle Twinkle,โ is a bright and bubbly love letter to their rocky relationship. Adorning smiles and frolicking in frilly school uniforms, the girls sing, โIโm scared our loving relationship is going to grow apart.โ The juxtaposing image of the solemn lyrics and aegyo-filled performance reminds us of a beloved, by-gone era where eccentric concepts were the norm. With its endless charms, โTwinkle Twinkleโ remains an irresistible relic of the second generation.
BEAST – โFICTIONโ (2011)
From just the introductory sound of a pencil against paper, veteran K-pop fans can recognize the classic that is BEASTโs โFICTION.โ Inspired by a true story that shook the entertainment industry, Shinsadong Tiger composed BEASTโs award-winning hit. In a beautiful blend of emotional vocal belts and intense rap verses, BEASTโs talents are the perfect vehicle to convey this tragic tale of ill-fated love. โFICTIONโ canโt be discussed without mentioning the chorusโ shuffling choreography โ praised as one of the most quintessential moves in K-pop. The track garnered newfound appreciation from fourth-generation listeners thanks to (G)-IDLEโs MINNIE, ITZYโs Ryujin, STAYCโs Isa, and LEE CHAE YEONโs cover for SBSโs 2021 Gayo Daejeon. Beginning anew as HIGHLIGHT, the members continue to perform this legendary track and fittingly rewrite their own history.
IU – โGood Dayโ (2011)
Are you really a longtime K-pop fan if you havenโt attempted IUโs three-octave high note from โGood Day?โ This 2011 release would solidify IUโs title as the โNation’s Little Sister,โ a title rightfully deserved as she earnestly confesses โI like you, oppa, what do I do?โ in this song. Portraying an innocent young love while pulling off a string of difficult vocal notes is no easy feat, yet IU is completely in her element. IUโs stellar acting abilities also are on full display in each of her live stages, as her interactions with her dancers are reminiscent of a romantic musical. Though IU would go on to release sensation after sensation, there is something so nostalgic about โGood Dayโ that never fails to make listeners emotional.
KARA – โLupinโ (2010)
2010 was a highly competitive year for K-pop, with groups vying to dominate the new decade. โLupinโ shared a strong declaration as KARA fearlessly entered this new era, โClimb towards the top / Take on the world.โ KARAโs fresh, girl-next-door image from their previous release โWannaโ would turn a complete 180 with this comeback. KARAโs dramatic concept change was inspired by the fictional character Arsรจne Lupin, who was a master of transformation. Confidently strutting across the stage and hitting sharp isolations, the girlsโ new dark look was loved by the public. The songโs plan to seize the world acts as a prophecy, as KARA would break records and celebrate a successful 15-year reunion with their long-awaited comeback, โWHEN I MOVE.โ
SHINee – โSherlockโ (2012)
โSHINeeโs backโ certainly belongs in the K-pop hall of fame for legendary taglines. MINHO whispers this phrase in โSherlockโ as the instrumental builds into a crescendo, and we witness one of K-popโs most creative releases. The genius behind โSherlockโ lies in multiple factors, one of them being that the song itself is a hybrid remix of two tracks โ โClueโ and โNote.โ Merging the most striking moments of each track, the final product compares seizing oneโs heart to uncovering a mystery. Tony Testaโs choreography (rumored to be one of the most expensive in K-pop history) is the finishing touch to this thrilling detective case that we continue to revisit. Fifteen years into their dazzling career, their shine is yet to be dulled as they recently released their impactful eighth studio album, โHARD.โ
After School – โBANG!โ (2010)
Masters of concepts and the standard of synchronization, After Schoolโs performing prowess is best described by this netizen comment: โIf other girl groups are just armies, they are a special force.โ โBANG!โ is a feast for all senses, as the girls dominate the stage with their overflowing charisma. With an intense drumline opening and knife-sharp choreography, this marching band concept is one of many innovative performances that the girl group boasts. It is difficult to define a singular standout moment with Jung Ahโs โkung kung kungโ killing part, Bekahโs english rap, and Rainaโs impeccable high notes. Featuring lyrics like โWe are, oh After School up / All of you moveโ and โOnly thing you have is being pretty,โ After School warned their competitors that they are a force to be reckoned with.
B.A.P – โONE SHOTโ (2013)
Who remembers when K-pop acts would release full-on cinematic masterpieces for music videos? In this riveting music video, B.A.Pโs โONE SHOTโ effortlessly glues viewers to their screen with its action-packed plot and thrilling performance. Omitting spoilers, โONE SHOTโ tells a captivating tale of friendship and betrayal with a dramatic plot twist. Amid the intense acting scenes, the members demonstrate that they are not lacking in a single department. From hard-hitting rap verses, to impressive vocal skills, to a difficult choreography consisting of push-ups and jumps, B.A.P prove that they live up to their title of โBest, Absolute, Perfect.โ
2NE1 – โIT HURTSโ (2010)
Priding themselves in numerous party anthems and globally-loved dance tracks, 2NE1 would set the standard for future generations of K-pop. Though solemn and serious is not the concept one would attribute to 2NE1โs image, โIT HURTSโ demonstrates 2NE1โs strong versatility. This emotional, R&B ballad was released in their critically acclaimed debut studio anthem, To Anyone, slowing down the pace from tracks like โCanโt Nobodyโ and โGo Away.โ The girls grieve over their partnerโs newfound relationship, as they sing, โYou’ll probably repeat those promises you made to me with herโ and โAm I no longer in your heart now?โ Slow, heart wrenching ballads are hard to come by in this new generation, making this song hit even harder than ever as BLACKJACKS yearn for a full 2NE1 reunion.
Looking to diversify your K-pop playlist even more? Check out some viral K-pop B-sides from 2022 here!
