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

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?

WonderlandGugudan

gugudan(구구단) – Wonderland Music Video

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.

RendezvousAHOF

AHOF(아홉) ‘그곳에서 다시 만나기로 해 (Rendezvous)’ Official MV

AHOF is a multinational boy group born from the survival show “UNIVERSE LEAGUE,” bringing a fresh breeze to the K-pop scene.

The title track of their debut EP “Who We Are” is making waves with its exhilarating pop-rock sound, highlighted by prominent guitars and drums.

The lyrics, drawn from the members’ own experiences, capture raw emotions as they strive to overcome the tension and anxiety of chasing their dreams—pulling you right in.

Their incredible momentum is evident from the astonishing feat of winning three music show trophies in less than two weeks since their July 2025 debut.

If you’re ready to take on a new challenge, this song will give you a powerful push.

Ride the invigorating band sound and take your first step toward your dreams!