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

Stay With UN.TOP

엔탑(N.TOP) ‘Stay With U’ MV

N.TOP, a boy group that debuted in August 2025 to great anticipation.

The lead track from their debut mini-album “WE:DISCONNECT” is a refreshingly cool pop-rock number.

Their appeal lies in a self-expressive style where the members handle everything from songwriting to choreography, and this release was also led by leader Seunghyun.

While it serves as the prologue to a grand concept of “disconnection,” the song conveys a single-minded desire to stay with someone precious.

The harmony woven by energetic guitar sounds and youthful vocals is enough to set your heart ablaze.

It’s a cheering, motivational track you’ll want to hear when taking a new step or when you want to feel the bond with your friends.

Now or NeverEJel

이젤(EJel) ‘Now or Never’ M/V

A debut number by singer-songwriter Lee Jell, who placed third on Sing Again 3.

It’s included on the digital single album “A N E W,” released in October 2024.

This powerful pop ballad centers on the passion and determination to keep striving toward one’s dreams.

Emotionally charged, it features a catchy melody line and a striking dance beat.

The music video portrays someone running relentlessly toward their goals, making a strong visual impact as well.

It’s a song that gives courage to anyone ready to take a new step forward.

Bomb Bomb BombMYTRO

[진심누나 (LOVESTRUCK SISTERS) Episode 5] 마이트로 (MYTRO) – 밤밤밤 (Bomb Bomb Bomb) MV

With a fresh fusion of trot and K-pop, the five-member group MYTRO is shaking up the Korean music scene.

Co-produced by SM Entertainment and TV Chosun, they first unveiled this track on the variety show “My Neighbor Trot: The Birth of MYTRO,” expressing the power and passion of love.

Its trot sound infused with Latin rhythms brims with innovative charm that defies convention.

This song stands out with its youthful, high-energy performance and lyrics that carefully portray the feelings of being in love.

Perfect for hyping things up at karaoke with friends or for a quick mood boost.

WISH (Korean Ver.)NCT WISH

NCT WISH 엔시티 위시 ‘WISH (Korean Ver.)’ MV

This is the debut single by NCT WISH, a six-member boy group from South Korea.

Set to a refreshing melody, it portrays young people charging toward their dreams.

The powerful message—“The future is in my hands”—really stands out.

Released in February 2024, the song swept the charts in both Japan and South Korea, achieving the remarkable feat of 370,000 pre-orders.

If you need the courage to dive into a new environment, this track is sure to lift your spirits.

It’s a perfect song for anyone who wants to keep moving forward.

BIRDPSY

PSY – 새(BIRD) M/V

The renowned singer and producer behind the famous “Gangnam Style,” a veteran with over 20 years in the industry.

One of his charms is his razor-sharp dance moves, which you wouldn’t expect from his appearance.

While his recent songs are often catchy and addictive, his debut track was an unmistakably memorable rap song.

NU SHOESTOZ

TOZ (티오지) ‘NU SHOES’ Official MV

This is the debut song by TOZ, a K-pop group made up of Japanese members who debuted in May 2024.

It features a lively pop sound and an uplifting message, expressing the moment of putting on new shoes and setting off on your own path.

The music video is set on a school campus, with a memorable dance scene on a basketball court.

The song is included on their first mini-album, “TO my new friends,” which contains five tracks in total.

It’s a perfect song for anyone starting a new chapter in life, and is recommended for those who want to soak in a youthful, positive vibe.

FREAKYUQI

우기(YUQI) – ‘FREAK’ Official Music Video

This song blends alluring pop with horror and carries a message of self-affirmation.

Chinese-born Yuqi, also known as a member of (G)I-DLE, released it in April 2024 as the title track of her first solo mini-album “YUQ1.” The music video—featuring motifs inspired by horror movie characters—also drew attention.

With lyrics that unleash one’s true self and an addictive beat, it’s a fitting work to mark her solo debut.

It’s a track that gives you the courage to recognize and embrace your individuality.

Highly recommended for anyone in the midst of self-discovery.

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.