[K-POP] A Special Feature on Korean Artists’ Debut Songs: Iconic Tracks That Marked Their Start

I don’t KnowA Pink

[MV] Apink(에이핑크) _ I don’t Know(몰라요)

Apink is the group that brought a refreshing breeze with a pure and innocent concept to the K-pop scene, where a sexy image had been mainstream.

This song was released in April 2011 as the lead track from their debut mini album, “Seven Springs of Apink.” It portrays the frustrations of unrequited love—repeatedly trying to get the attention of someone you like, only to go unnoticed—expressed through delicate vocals.

Despite its sweet-and-sour theme, the dramatic sound with brilliantly resonant strings leaves a strong impression.

The music video also drew attention for featuring BEAST’s Lee Gikwang.

It’s the perfect song for when you want to recall those sweet, tingling feelings at the start of love.

InsaneBTOB

BTOB – 비밀(Insane) Official Music Video

This song expresses the madness and pain brought on by passionate love through a dramatic sound.

It’s the memorable debut work of the powerhouse vocal group BTOB, showcasing an impression filled with raw, early-stage impulse that differs from their later reputation as masters of ballads.

The track portrays a protagonist suffering so deeply for love that they can hardly stay sane, and you can clearly imagine the piano and violin stoking that intense emotion.

With members participating in the lyrics, the song was included on their debut EP “Born to Beat,” released in March 2012, and reached No.

3 on the weekly charts.

On nights when you feel overwhelmed by uncontrollable emotions, listening to this track might stir your heart with their youthful energy.

ATHLETIC GIRLH1-KEY

H1-KEY(하이키) ‘ATHLETIC GIRL’ M/V

H1-KEY is a girl group with the concept “Bold, confident beauty.” This work marks their memorable debut.

Set to a three-dimensional hip-hop sound, it portrays a disciplined drive to hone one’s inner strength.

Like athletes training both mind and body, you can feel their single-minded passion toward their goals! It’s brimming with an energetic appeal that makes you sit up straighter just by listening.

The track is included on their first single, “ATHLETIC GIRL,” released in January 2022.

Perfect for workouts, and an unbeatable way to kick off a morning when you’re starting something new.

ShhhKISS OF LIFE

KISS OF LIFE (키스오브라이프) ‘쉿 (Shhh)’ Official Music Video

This is the debut work of KISS OF LIFE, a group that includes alumni of survival shows and renowned composers.

It feels like a powerful declaration of intent to shut out the surrounding noise and captivate the world with their own talent! Many of you probably remember the cinematic, story-driven direction that connects from the solo MVs as well.

Released in July 2023 as the lead track from their debut mini-album “KISS OF LIFE,” the song saw the members themselves participate in its creation, leaving a striking impression thanks to its high level of polish.

It’s a reliable track that gives you a strong push forward when you want the power to trust your path and charge ahead.

SO BADSTAYC

STAYC(스테이씨) ‘SO BAD’ MV

This is the debut release from STAYC, a group produced by hitmaker Black Eyed Pilseung.

It features a thrilling blend of electropop and drum’n’bass, with irresistibly catchy melodies that stick in your head after just one listen.

The song vividly portrays the honest, if awkward, emotions of a teenager hopelessly in love.

Released in November 2020 as the lead track from the single album “Star To A Young Culture,” it sold over 10,000 copies in its first week.

A key highlight is each member’s distinctive vocal color; the parts that showcase their rich lower tones, in particular, display a level of polish that hardly seems like a debut.

It’s perfect for nights when you want to revel in the feeling of being utterly smitten with someone.

In BloomZEROBASEONE

ZEROBASEONE (제로베이스원) ‘In Bloom’ MV

ZEROBASEONE, the boy group that took flight from the audition program BOYS PLANET.

This track is their debut piece that vividly colored their beginning—going from 0 to 1.

Fusing the exhilarating drive of drum and bass with synth lines reminiscent of timeless classics, it captures the very essence of youth: tender yet powerful.

No matter what ending awaits, we’ll bloom with everything we’ve got for you—such single-minded resolve comes through.

The album it’s included on, YOUTH IN THE SHADE, became a million seller, and this song was also performed at a fan event in Japan.

It’s a cheer song that gently gives you a push when your heart is full of both anxiety and hope before a new challenge.

I’m Just MeCrazAngel

CrazAngel (크레이즈엔젤) ‘I’m Just Me’ Official MV

This is the debut single from the highly anticipated rookie group, Craze Angel.

Dubbed a “hexagonal all-rounder girls’ group,” their track ‘I’m Just Me’ is a powerful self-affirmation anthem that boldly declares, “I’ll live true to myself,” undistracted by others’ gazes.

Crafted by a veteran composer, its Y2K sound feels nostalgic yet fresh, and utterly addictive.

The lyrics seem to speak gently yet firmly to anyone who feels they’re losing themselves in a constricting society: “Whoever you are, you are still you.” The group’s duality—‘crazy’ and ‘angel,’ the origin of their name—overlaps with the message of embracing your whole self, giving listeners a gentle push forward, don’t you think?