K-Pop Turns 30 This Year — Here’s A Look At The Biggest Hits In The Music Genre’s History
Did you know that the modern era of K-Pop can be traced back to roots that began all the way in 1992? Seo Taiji and Boys are considered to be the pioneers of the K-Pop industry, and they released their first song, “I Know”, 30 years ago this year! In order to celebrate the three decades of the K-Pop genre, here’s a look back at the 10 biggest K-Pop hits from different artists every five years since the music genre was started in 1992.
5 Years Ago (2017)
10. “Really Really” by WINNER
Released on April 4, this music video currently has 174 million views!
9. “Palette” by IU
Released on April 21, this music video currently has 178 million views!
8. “Never Ever” by GOT7
Released on March 12, this music video currently has 194 million views!
7. “Peek-A-Boo” by Red Velvet
Released on November 17, this music video currently has 219 million views!
6. “Don’t Wanna Cry” by SEVENTEEN
Released on May 22, this music video currently has 222 million views!
5. “New Face” by PSY
Released on May 10, this music video currently has 260 million views!
4. “Ko Ko Bop” by EXO
Released on July 18, this music video currently has 328 million views!
3. “Likey” by TWICE
Released on October 30, this music video currently has 555 million views!
2. “As If It’s Your Last” by BLACKPINK
Released on June 22, this music video currently has 1.13 billion views!
1. “DNA” by BTS
Released on September 18, this music video currently has 1.41 billion views!
10 Years Ago (2012)
10. “Twinkle” by Girls’ Generation-TTS
Released on April 30, this music video currently has 93 million views!
9. “MAMA” by EXO-K
Released on April 7, this music video currently has 96 million views!
8. “I Will Show You” by Ailee
Released on October 15, this music video currently has 97 million views!
7. “That XX” by G-Dragon
Released on August 31, this music video currently has 99 million views!
6. “Ice Cream” by HyunA
Released on October 21, this music video currently has 113 million views!
5. “Face” by NU’EST
Released on March 14, this music video currently has 124 million views!
4. “Alone” by SISTAR
Released on April 11, this music video currently has 128 million views!
3. “Electric Shock” by f(x)
Released on June 11, this music video currently has 136 million views!
2. “Fantastic Baby” by BIGBANG
Released on March 6, this music video currently has 501 million views!
1. “Gangnam Style” by PSY
Released on July 15, this music video currently has 4.33 billion views!
15 Years Ago (2007)
Note: Some of these music videos came out after 2007, though the songs themselves did get released 15 years ago!
10. “Coward” by SS501
Released on May 14, 2019, this music video currently has 128k views!
9. “Break It” by KARA
Released on May 22, 2019, this music video currently has 135k views!
8. “8:45 Heaven” by Drunken Tiger
Released on December 23, 2015, this music video currently has 619k views!
7. “Password 486” by Younha
Released on July 13, 2011, this music video currently has 1.22 million views!
6. “Wonder Boy” by Super Junior
Released on March 27, 2010, this music video currently has 1.34 million views!
5. “Fan” by Epik High
Released on May 24, 2011, this music video currently has 1.72 million views!
4. “Love Sick” by FTISLAND
Released on August 22, 2010, this music video currently has 5.84 million views!
3. “Tell Me” by Wonder Girls
Released on January 28, 2008, this music video currently has 18 million views!
2. “Into the New World” by Girls’ Generation
Released on June 2, 2011, this music video currently has 55 million views!
1. “Lies” by BIGBANG
Released on October 2, 2008, this music video currently has 69 million views!
20 Years ago (2002)
Note: As YouTube didn’t exist at this time, these are just 10 of the biggest albums of 2002 by release date! The same goes for the lists following this one as well.
10. Ssa2 by PSY
Released on January 1.
9. Choose My Life-U by S.E.S
Released on February 14.
8. Eternity by Fin.K.L
Released on March 8.
7. Suddenly by J-Walk
Released on March 21.
6. Perfect Man by Shinhwa
Released on March 29.
5. No. 1 by BoA
Released on April 14.
4. Bad Guy by Rain
Released on May 13.
3. Tell Me Baby by Isak N Jiyeon
Released on September 3.
2. Why Be Normal? by YG Family
Released on October 24.
1. Love Story by jtL
Released on December 16.
25 Years Ago (1997)
10. Jinusean by Jinusean
Released on March 1.
9. Deux Forever by Deux
Released on March 26.
8. Solidate by Solid
Released on April 24.
7. School Anthem by Sechskies
Released on May 14.
6. Turbo Summer Remix by Turbo
Released on June 24.
5. Wolf and Sheep by H.O.T
Released on July 5.
4. EQUALIZEHER by Baby V.O.X
Released on July 10.
3. Summer Jingle Bell by J.Y. Park
Released on September 1.
2. New Radiancy Group by NRG
Released on October 28.
1. I’m Your Girl by S.E.S
Released on November 1.
30 Years Ago (1992)
There were so few releases in the first year of K-Pop!
2. “I Know” by Seo Taiji and Boys
Released on March 23.
1. “Why Do You” by Chuli & Miae
Released sometime in 1992.
