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

Like OOH-AHHTwice

TWICE “Like OOH-AHH(OOH-AHH하게)” M/V

TWICE is said to be the most popular girl group both in their home country and in Japan.

Their debut song is a very catchy track that sings about a teenage girl’s feelings as she looks forward with excitement, wondering what kind of wonderful man will appear before her.

MagneticILLIT

ILLIT (아일릿) ‘Magnetic’ Official MV

ILLIT has been in the spotlight since their debut track.

In March 2024, they released their first mini album, “SUPER REAL ME,” and with its title track, they brought a fresh breeze to the K-pop scene.

Composed of members from Korea and Japan, the group is brimming with charm.

The lyrics, themed around a powerful gravitational pull, depict the push and pull of romance.

Produced by Bang Si-hyuk, this release portrays the rich imagination and everyday lives of teenage girls.

With members whose diverse personalities shine and music full of dynamism, it’s a magnetic song that draws listeners in.

No More DreamBTS

[MV] BTS(방탄소년단) _ No More Dream (Dance ver.)

Hugely popular around the world right now, BTS (Bangtan Boys) even performed at the Billboard Music Awards in the United States.

This song, with a stronger hip-hop flavor than BTS’s current style, is a message song that powerfully challenges uncertain youth to pursue their dreams.

SHEESHBABYMONSTER

BABYMONSTER – ‘SHEESH’ M/V

This is the lead track released from the girl group BABYMONSTER’s 1st mini album “BABYMONS7ER,” a group shocking the world with overwhelming performance.

Calling themselves “monsters,” the lyrics vividly conjure an image of unshakable confidence, as if they’re controlling every listener in the palm of their hand.

The majestic sound—fusing baroque-style piano with dark hip-hop beats—perfectly matches their regal presence as reigning queens.

The impact is clear from the MV surpassing 10 million views in just eight hours after release.

Listen to it before a major challenge, and you’re sure to get off to the best possible start!

FEARLESSLE SSERAFIM

LE SSERAFIM FEARLESS OFFICIAL M/V

This is the landmark debut release from LE SSERAFIM, a girl group whose name is an anagram of “IM FEARLESS.” It portrays a strong will to move forward fearlessly—unfazed by others’ gazes and accepting even one’s scars as part of oneself.

The restrained sound and addictive bassline coolly underscore their unshakable resolve.

Their debut EP, FEARLESS—titled after this track—sold over 170,000 copies on its release day in May 2022.

It’s sure to give a powerful push to anyone who wants to stay true to themselves without being swayed by others’ opinions!

ELEVENive

IVE 아이브 ‘ELEVEN’ MV

This song brilliantly captures the exhilaration of the moment you fall in love, when the world starts to sparkle like a kaleidoscope.

It opens with an exotic melody, settles down briefly, then explodes with emotion in the chorus—a truly breathtaking structure.

The lyrics vividly evoke a confident girl who discovers her own charm and captivates the one she loves.

Released in December 2021 as the title track of the single album “ELEVEN,” this debut song took first place on a music show just one week after debut and ultimately won 13 trophies.

If you want to relive that invincible feeling of being completely absorbed in something, listening to this track might just send your mood soaring.

HEARTRISNiziU

NiziU(니쥬) “HEARTRIS” M/V

NiziU is a girl group that delivers a unique sound blending elements of J-POP and K-POP.

Their lead track “HEARTRIS” from the single “Press Play,” released as their Korean debut in 2023, takes its title from a combination of “heart” and a famous puzzle game’s name.

J.Y.

Park also participated in writing the lyrics.

With synth tones that create a pop-inspired soundscape and the group’s irresistibly cute vocals, the song is sure to stick with you.

It’s dance music that paints a glamorous scene, conveying the thrill of a new encounter.

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District 9Stray Kids

Stray Kids “District 9” M/V

“This isn’t where you belong.” It’s a fierce, powerful work that smashes that kind of one-sided judgment and declares a territory that’s ours alone.

It’s the landmark debut released by the boy group Stray Kids.

Written and composed by the members themselves, it condenses their origins: resisting society’s frameworks and affirming their own chaotic feelings even as nobodies.

The track was included on their debut album “I am NOT,” released in March 2018, and later became the title of their world tour.

When you feel yourself getting swept up by the voices around you, listening to this song might give you the courage to hold your head high, say “I’m fine being myself,” and take a step forward with your friends.

Get A GuitarRIIZE

RIIZE 라이즈 ‘Get A Guitar’ MV

RIIZE is a Korean boy group that debuted in 2023 under SM Entertainment.

This song, which marked their brilliant start, is a dance-pop track where retro synths and funky guitar create a comfortable groove.

Overflowing with positive energy, it vividly conjures the image of boys with guitars in hand, chasing their musical dreams alongside their friends.

The track is the title song of their single album “Get a Guitar,” which became a million-seller in its first week.

They also performed it on the Japanese music media program THE FIRST TAKE.

It’s the perfect song to boost your mood or when you’re taking a new step forward—sure to give you that exciting push you need!

Black Mambaaespa

aespa 에스파 ‘Black Mamba’ MV

Aespa’s landmark debut single champions an innovative concept where the virtual world intersects with reality.

Its electronic sound, driven by a roaring, powerful bass, pairs with a storyline about confronting an unknown enemy that disrupts the connection with their avatars—perfectly matching the image of an epic universe just beginning.

Simply listening pulls you into a thrilling world.

Released in November 2020, the track made major waves, with the music video surpassing 100 million views in about 51 days.

If you love futuristic sounds or need a boost when you’re gearing up to take on a challenge, this song will make you feel that extra push.