It's hard to believe but in today's K-pop world, at the age of 26, BoA is a seasoned veteran. She debuted at the tender age of thirteen (at that age I was trying to figure out how my locker worked in middle school) when many of today's idol stars weren't even born. During her career BoA has become more than just a singer and has morphed into an icon, creating the template for international expansion and becoming one of the most recognized names in Asian music.

While everyone knows of the Queen of K-pop today, there was a time when she was just getting started in the music world and trying to make a name for herself. The song that helped propel her to the top was the very first track of her 2nd Korean album, "No. 1". In my opinion, this is still her most popular song and the hit that defines her career up to this point. The song title was prophetic as "No. 1" became a number 1 song on the music charts back in May of 2002 and stayed there for three consecutive weeks, but believe me, the effects of the song lingered much longer. I know I've mentioned this before but, I was in Korea in 2002 for the World Cup. I notice that in Seoul, when a song is really popular, you literally hear it all over the city because stores will play it on their outdoor sound systems trying to attract customers. "No. 1" was literally being played from the rooftops as all of Korea was under BoA's spell and it was my personal anthem that summer. 

Today, BoA is still as influential as always, releasing new music, still promoting in Japan, and of course representing SM Entertainment on the very popular show 'Kpop Star'. She is an icon, a leader, and while she started out as a young tween, she is now an inspiration and role model for many of today's K-pop artists who are performing her songs... that's quite a legacy if you ask me.

(Starts at 3:47...or just watch the whole thing)