[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.
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[K-POP] Special Feature on Korean Artists’ Debut Songs! Iconic Tracks That Marked Their Start (11–20)
WaveWaySAY MY NAME
SAY MY NAME’s debut song is a hopeful track about overcoming days that rise and fall like waves.
Its kitschy sound and refreshing melody stand out, with a distinctive sine-wave tone adding color throughout the piece.
The lyrics capture the feeling of riding the waves and pushing through while having fun.
Released in October 2024, the song drew attention, with its music video surpassing 10 million views.
It’s a bright, forward-looking track perfectly suited to launch the group led by former IZ*ONE member Hitomi Honda.
BOOMBAYAHBLACKPINK
BLACKPINK’s landmark debut that took the world by storm.
Released on the single album “SQUARE ONE” in August 2016, this track fuses energetic EDM sounds with hip-hop, delivering an overwhelming impact that grabs listeners from the first second! The powerful beat and unforgettable, catchy melody are truly their signature.
With a confident performance, they embody the allure of the girl-crush concept.
The fact that the music video surpassed 1 billion views on YouTube in October 2020 speaks volumes about its popularity.
It’s a perfect pick-me-up that gives you a boost whenever you need it!
CROWNTOMORROW X TOGETHER
It’s the brilliant debut song of TOMORROW X TOGETHER, embodying their group name, “different you and I gathering under one dream.” The differences from others and the complexes faced in adolescence are expressed through the unique metaphor of “horns growing from one’s head.” Meeting friends transforms those horns into a shining “crown,” a story of self-affirmation that resonates over glittering synth-pop.
Debuting in March 2019 with the mini-album The Dream Chapter: STAR and achieving a triple crown on music shows, their remarkable feat heralded the beginning of their legend.
If you’re struggling with your individuality or feeling lonely, listening to this will surely give you warm courage.
FAMOUSALLDAY PROJECT
ALLDAY PROJECT is a co-ed Korean group that brings together five members with unusual backgrounds, including a chaebol heiress and a world-class dancer.
This is the title track from their debut album, FAMOUS, released in June 2025.
Its urban, hip-hop-based sound and brimming confidence make it instantly addictive.
It feels like a declaration of their resolve to “stay true to themselves no matter what,” forged through overcoming many trials—and just listening somehow gives you strength.
Within only ten days of debut, this song won first place on a music show and became emblematic of the group.
If you listen to it when you’re anxious before a big challenge, it’ll lift your spirits and make you think, “A bright future is definitely waiting!”
WE BELONG TOGETHERBIGBANG
This song portrays a powerful bond between lovers, one that makes you believe, “We’re destined to be together.” Marking the dazzling debut of the powerhouse group BIGBANG, it’s a mid-tempo track where R&B and hip-hop blend seamlessly.
The raps by G-DRAGON and T.O.P create a deft groove, over which sweet, bittersweet vocals celebrate the couple’s eternal love.
Their pure feelings—trusting one another and holding each other close—come through vividly.
Included on their debut single album “BIGBANG,” released in August 2006, the track also features a noteworthy guest appearance by Park Bom, who later rose to fame with 2NE1.
How about playing it as background music for a night spent with someone special, reaffirming your bond together?
CongratulationsDAY6
There are moments when the word “congratulations” sounds the most cruel, aren’t there? The debut release from DAY6, South Korea’s powerhouse pop-rock band, is a searing breakup song that sends a sarcasm-laced blessing to an ex who’s found new happiness.
The live band sound crafted by the members themselves intertwines perfectly with lyrics that waver between bravado and true feelings.
Released in September 2015 as the lead track from their mini-album “The Day,” it reached No.
2 on the Billboard World Albums chart.
If you’re hurting from an unforgettable love, this might be the perfect song to let yourself sink into pure melancholy for a while.
Seven (feat. Latto)Jung Kook
This is the solo debut track released in July 2023 by Jungkook, the youngest member of the hugely popular BTS.
It has an R&B flavor with a very smooth, familiar tempo.
Since its release, it has become a global hit, topping Billboard’s Global chart for the longest run in 2023 and continuing to place high on the main Hot 100 chart as well.
It’s a love song that declares unwavering devotion—there’s not a hint of hesitation.
The music video, which also features Han So-hee, famous for dramas like “Nevertheless,” has a mysterious touch that invites multiple interpretations.
Jungkook’s sweet, fluid vocal work further enhances the song’s passion and addictiveness.
DiscordQWER
QWER is a girls’ band produced by popular YouTuber Kim Gae-ran and featuring former NMB48 member Lee Si-yeon.
This song is the title track of their debut single, released in October 2023.
The edgy guitar rhythm is seriously cool! It’s a rock tune that sings of their resolve to boldly play even dissonance in their own way.
You’ll be captivated by the ensemble where rich momentum, a breezy beat, and cute vocals intertwine.
It brims with that raw, initial impulse and hints at the band’s future brilliance—it really makes your heart race.
EnergiticWanna One
The 11 boys selected from among 101 contestants on the idol audition program PRODUCE 101 Season 2, which sparked a huge craze worldwide.
Their debut song was chosen by pre-release voting from two candidates, winning by an overwhelming margin.
It’s a refreshing, fresh track that’s perfect for a summer release.
DALLA DALLAITZY
A track released as ITZY’s debut single in February 2019 by the group drawing attention as artists who express self-love and individuality.
It features energetic EDM sounds and lyrics that portray the strength to stay true to oneself.
Included on their 1st single ‘IT’z Different,’ its music video surpassed 14 million views within 24 hours of release, setting the then-highest record for a debut group.
On the music show M Countdown, they took first place just nine days after debut.
With powerful dance performances and an addictive melody, this song is perfect for those who want to value their own individuality or experience the fresh appeal of K-pop.