A Decade Later: Here's The 10+ K-Pop Songs That Topped The Charts In 2013

As K-Pop’s third generation of talented artists began to emerge in 2013, many of the first- and second-generation stars still dominated the top of the music charts. Many of the songs are still enjoyed a decade later, proving their lasting impact on K-Pop.

Check out the top K-Pop songs from each month on the 2013 Gaon Monthly Digital Chart!

1. Girls’ Generation

Girls’ Generation’s “I Got A Boy” concept photo | *SM Entertainment*

Topping the January music chart with over 10 million streams was Girls’ Generation‘s revolutionary hit, “I Got A Boy.” The genre-bending track saw the group try a completely new sound, and it left a lasting impression.

In 2019, it was named a “song that defined the decade” by Billboard.

2. SISTAR19

SISTAR subgroup, SISTAR19’s Hyolyn (left) and Bora (right) | *Starship Entertainment*

After releasing their hit song “Ma Boy” in 2011, SISTAR‘s sub-group SISTAR19 followed their debut success with another hit single, “Gone Not Around Any Longer.”

The song topped February’s music chart with over 11.5 million streams.

3. Davichi

Davichi’s Kang Minkyung (left) and Lee Haeri (right) | *Core Contents Media*

In March, the OST queens Davichi released their medium-tempo ballad “Turtle” and topped the charts with their incredible vocals and light and upbeat song for spring.

“Turtle” was streamed over 10.2 million times.

4. PSY

Brown Eyed Girls’ Ga In and PSY in the “Gentleman” MV | *YG Entertainment*

Following the mega-success of his song “Gangnam Style,” which topped charts worldwide, PSY again embraced his entertaining, catchy, and comedic style for his 2013 hit, “Gentleman.”

Like his famous “Gangnam Style” co-star HyunA, PSY enlisted Brown Eyed Girls‘ Ga In to star in his music video with him.

The song was streamed over 14 million times and was the best-performing single of 2013.

5. 4MINUTE

4MINUTE during their “What’s Your Name” era | *CUBE Entertainment*

4MINUTE returned with their signature style, releasing “What’s Your Name?” which quickly became stuck in fans’ heads.

The fun, dance-ready song topped the May charts with over 14.5 million streams.

6. SISTAR

(From left to right) SISTAR’s Soyu, Bora, Hyolyn, and Dasom | *Starship Entertainment*

The “summer queens” SISTAR returned with another summer hit with a Moulin Rouge theme, “Give It To Me.”

The song showcased their incredible vocals, and the choreography had fans quickly dancing along.

The song topped the June charts with over 11.3 million streams.

7. Dynamic Duo (feat. UV’s Muzie)

Dynamic Duo’s Choiza (left) and Gaeko (right) | *Amoeba Culture*

Veteran hip-hop duo, Dynamic Duo, released their seventh album with a star-studded list of featured artists.

For their track “BAAAM” they partnered with UV‘s Muzie and together they topped the July charts with over 13.2 million streams.

8. San E

Rapper San E left JYP Entertainment in 2013 to join Brand New Music. Under his new label, he released his new album ‘Not’ Based On A True Story.

“Story Of Someone I Know” was San E’s first number-one hit on the Gaon Digital Charts, with over 13.1 million streams in August.

9. Yoon Mirae

Legendary veteran rapper and singer Yoon Mirae (also known as Tasha) released “Touch Love” for the Master’s Sun OST in 2013.

The emotional pop ballad had over 15.5 million streams in September.

10. IU

IU released her theatrical hit “The Red Shoes” following the success of her 2012 song “Peach.”

The upbeat, jazzy song had over 13.7 million streams, topping October’s charts.

11. Jung Hyung Don & BIGBANG’s G-Dragon

Comedian and entertainer Jung Hyung Don, and BIGBANG‘s G-Dragon partnered up to release “Going To Try” for MBC‘s 2013 Infinity Challenge Freedom Road Music Festival.

The song was a success, topping November’s charts with over 13.4 million streams.