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[K-POP] A Special Feature on Korean Artists’ Debut Songs: Iconic Tracks That Marked Their Start
When discussing the allure of K-pop, the artists’ dazzling debut songs are indispensable.
These tracks embody their musical identity and hopes for the future, carrying a special meaning as they color their first encounter with fans.
They also mark the moment when the hard work and dreams built up since trainee days come to fruition, and sometimes you can sense the origins of later mega-hits.
In this article, we’ll look back at the debut works of various artists active in the K-pop scene and introduce the hidden charms within each song.
As we compare them with their current activities, please enjoy tracing the trajectory of their growth.
[K-POP] A Special on Korean Artists’ Debut Songs! Iconic Tracks That Marked Their Start (1–10)
Like OOH-AHHTwice
TWICE is said to be the most popular girl group both in their home country and in Japan.
Their debut song is a very catchy track that sings about a teenage girl’s feelings as she looks forward with excitement, wondering what kind of wonderful man will appear before her.
MagneticILLIT
ILLIT has been in the spotlight since their debut track.
In March 2024, they released their first mini album, “SUPER REAL ME,” and with its title track, they brought a fresh breeze to the K-pop scene.
Composed of members from Korea and Japan, the group is brimming with charm.
The lyrics, themed around a powerful gravitational pull, depict the push and pull of romance.
Produced by Bang Si-hyuk, this release portrays the rich imagination and everyday lives of teenage girls.
With members whose diverse personalities shine and music full of dynamism, it’s a magnetic song that draws listeners in.
SHEESHBABYMONSTER
This is the lead track released from the girl group BABYMONSTER’s 1st mini album “BABYMONS7ER,” a group shocking the world with overwhelming performance.
Calling themselves “monsters,” the lyrics vividly conjure an image of unshakable confidence, as if they’re controlling every listener in the palm of their hand.
The majestic sound—fusing baroque-style piano with dark hip-hop beats—perfectly matches their regal presence as reigning queens.
The impact is clear from the MV surpassing 10 million views in just eight hours after release.
Listen to it before a major challenge, and you’re sure to get off to the best possible start!
ELEVENive
This song brilliantly captures the exhilaration of the moment you fall in love, when the world starts to sparkle like a kaleidoscope.
It opens with an exotic melody, settles down briefly, then explodes with emotion in the chorus—a truly breathtaking structure.
The lyrics vividly evoke a confident girl who discovers her own charm and captivates the one she loves.
Released in December 2021 as the title track of the single album “ELEVEN,” this debut song took first place on a music show just one week after debut and ultimately won 13 trophies.
If you want to relive that invincible feeling of being completely absorbed in something, listening to this track might just send your mood soaring.
FEARLESSLE SSERAFIM
This is the landmark debut release from LE SSERAFIM, a girl group whose name is an anagram of “IM FEARLESS.” It portrays a strong will to move forward fearlessly—unfazed by others’ gazes and accepting even one’s scars as part of oneself.
The restrained sound and addictive bassline coolly underscore their unshakable resolve.
Their debut EP, FEARLESS—titled after this track—sold over 170,000 copies on its release day in May 2022.
It’s sure to give a powerful push to anyone who wants to stay true to themselves without being swayed by others’ opinions!
No More DreamBTS
Hugely popular around the world right now, BTS (Bangtan Boys) even performed at the Billboard Music Awards in the United States.
This song, with a stronger hip-hop flavor than BTS’s current style, is a message song that powerfully challenges uncertain youth to pursue their dreams.
District 9Stray Kids
“This isn’t where you belong.” It’s a fierce, powerful work that smashes that kind of one-sided judgment and declares a territory that’s ours alone.
It’s the landmark debut released by the boy group Stray Kids.
Written and composed by the members themselves, it condenses their origins: resisting society’s frameworks and affirming their own chaotic feelings even as nobodies.
The track was included on their debut album “I am NOT,” released in March 2018, and later became the title of their world tour.
When you feel yourself getting swept up by the voices around you, listening to this song might give you the courage to hold your head high, say “I’m fine being myself,” and take a step forward with your friends.