[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 (41–50)
CRZYHAECHAN
Haechan, who enjoys immense popularity as a main vocalist across multiple NCT units.
This is the title track from his first solo album, “TASTE,” released in September 2025.
It’s an R&B dance number marked by a funky rhythm and guitar, themed around the tension of romantic push-and-pull, and it showcases Haechan’s expressive vocals to the fullest.
You can sense a mature allure that’s distinct from the expressions he shows within the group.
The release marked a brilliant start to his solo career, earning first-place trophies on music shows.
It’s a perfect listen for nights when you want to sink into a sophisticated, urban mood.
The day we foughtBolbbalgan4
A female duo that has been gaining popularity since 2017, especially among young women.
Their debut song, sung with a high, gentle voice like that of a young girl, portrays the pure feelings of first love.
By the way, the group’s name in Japanese means “pubescent girls with red cheeks,” which is quite adorable.
CHEEKYEL7Z UP
EL7Z UP, a girl group formed through the survival audition program “QUEENDOM PUZZLE,” released this title track from their debut mini-album ‘7+UP’ in September 2023.
The group’s name is pronounced ‘Elle’s Up.’ With a lineup of elite members, the song delivers consistently high quality and undeniable coolness.
While it has a hip-hop flavor, its catchy chorus evokes classic K-pop vibes.
It also incorporates repetitive phrases that reflect current trends and give it an addictive feel, making you want to hit repeat.
PerADYA
ADYA’s debut track brims with anticipation and hope for adventures yet to come.
This song by the five-member Korean girl group celebrates self-affirmation and freedom.
Released in May 2023, it carries a positive message about valuing your true self.
The high-quality production by Lim Young Woong and choreography involving all members drew attention.
The rap section in the chorus is especially striking, with a rhythmic drive that makes you want to move.
Emphasizing the importance of believing in yourself, this piece may be perfect for anyone ready to take a new step forward.
WonderlandGugudan
A nine-member group that includes former I.O.I member Kim Sejeong, who enjoyed top-tier popularity, along with two other members who were already well-known.
The group name, Gugudan, means “multiplication tables,” which surprised many idol fans and drew a lot of attention.
It’s a classic idol song with a mermaid concept.
SO BADSTAYC
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.
Plot TwistAtHeart
A jaw-dropping, fresh-feeling dance track with breakneck twists and turns.
It’s the title song of Plot Twist, the debut EP by AtHeart, who debuted under Titan Content, a company founded by former SM Entertainment executives, slated for release in August 2025.
True to its theme of defying expectations, it expresses a powerful resolve to shatter the mask of being a “good girl.” The arrangement keeps revealing new textures—Afrobeats, amapiano, and more—like a story’s plot twist you can’t get enough of.
In Japan, it’s featured in Meiji’s SAVAS Shape & Beauty commercials.
Put it on when you want to break out of a monotonous routine and discover a new you—it’s sure to give you courage.
Selected by Billboard as this month’s K-pop Rookie, the song is making waves worldwide.
BLUEMADEIN S
MADEIN S, the first sub-unit to launch from MADEIN—which brings together former Kep1er member Mashiro and other talents from audition shows—consists solely of Japanese members and has been drawing high expectations in both Japan and Korea.
Their unit debut track blends Afrobeats and disco into a pleasantly resonant sound.
The work portrays the fragility of youth and shifting emotions through the theme of “blue,” with a mysterious chord progression that lends a touch of wistfulness.
The members themselves took part in writing and composing, reflecting their deep connection to the song.
Released in August 2025 as the title track of the digital single “Made in Blue,” it’s a song you’ll want to play when you’re in the slightly sentimental mood that comes at summer’s end.
Forbidden Midnight (Real ver.)iii
iii, a group gaining attention for having “crossed the boundary” from AI to reality.
This track is the title song included on their debut single album RE:AL iii, set for release in August 2025.
It’s also noteworthy that the number, originally unveiled as a pre-debut track in November 2023, has been reworked with the current members.
As the title Forbidden Midnight suggests, the lyrics thrillingly portray uncontrollable emotions that spill out during secret hours.
The synth-pop sound crafted by K-pop hitmaker Ryan Jhun blends perfectly with the group’s expressively nuanced vocal work.
Its cool yet faintly wistful vibe also matches the mood of wandering through the city at night.
I’m Just MeCrazAngel
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?