Happy Wednesday K-pop fans. Today is our monthly look back at the K-pop classics that were topping the charts back in November of 2003. When I was looking back at some of the movies and shows that were popular back then, I was shocked. Not because everything was so old but because to me, everything seemed so recent (time flies by fast)! For instance, movies like 'Matrix Revolutions' and 'Elf' (one of the really underrated comedies by the way) were the top box office draws, Beyonce and Sean Paul were collaborating for "Baby Boy", and TV shows 'The West Wing' (my favorite drama show ever) and 'Friends' were dominating the airwaves.
For some younger or newer fans to K-pop, today's article is a good opportunity to discover and listen to some songs or artists they might not have known about. But for the older veteran K-pop fans, it's a trip down memory lane and the songs we listened to growing up. So without further ado, here are the Top 10 Songs from 10 Years Ago.
BoA - "Double"
I have to admit that I didn't recognize the title of the song at first but after listening to it, the sound was vintage BoA. The song was a single released in late 2003 which was riding the success of her 3rd album 'Atlantis Princess'.
Loveholic - "A Doll's Dream"
Loveholic was a Korean indie band that made it to the mainstream back in 2003 with the release of this song. It's probably a tune you've heard before but just didn't know where it came from. The original trio of Kang Hyun Min, Lee Jae Hak, and Jisun performed until 2007 when singer Jisun left the group. The two remaining members are still performing under the Loveholic name and are probably best known for their inclusion in the soundtracks of many popular K-dramas such as 'Boys Over Flowers' and 'Coffee Prince'.
Lee Soo Young - "Still Bite My Lips"
2003 really was the year of Lee Soo Young who had a number of hits with her unique, melancholy voice.
Lexy - "Novice"
What ever happened to Lexy? The sexy singer was a part of the early YG Family and released her first album called 'Lexury' back in 2003. This song (which featured Psy) was the huge hit but other tracks included the likes of Danny and Teddy of 1TYM, Jinu from the legendary Jinusean, and other YG artists and producers. Last I heard, she left YG in 2006 or 2007 and did release a new album but I didn't really hear much about it. Either way, this is truly a classic song and one that I still listen to this day.
Rain - "How to Avoid the Sun"
I will admit that this is one of my favorite J.Y. Park produced songs and is probably best known for not only helping to launch Rain into superstar status but as one of the songs that comedian Stephen Colbert used to challenge Rain in the now famous dance-off that helped expose Rain to a whole new audience in the U.S.
Bada - "Music"
"Music" was the title track from Bada's first solo album after the break-up of original idol group S.E.S. It combined Bada's powerful vocals with a pop sound that was reminiscent of the S.E.S sound but still distinctly her own. Bada is still going strong in the music world both as a musical actress and her many recent appearances on shows like 'Immortal Song 2'.
Sung Si Kyung - "Endure..."
Sung Si Kyung is the master of the ballad and "Endure" from his 3rd album is one of his classics. It's a very slow, quiet song and good to listen to on a rainy day or late at night. It's just got that type of sound.
Group S - "I Swear"
One of the most famous "project" groups comprising of Kangta, Shin Hye Sung, and Lee Ji Hoon. They make their return to this list with the ever popular "I Swear". I said last month that I'd rather see these guys reunite than many other actual groups from back in the day and I do hope it'll happen someday.
Wheesung - "The Day We Meet Again"
For my money, this is my in my top 2 favorite Wheesung's songs and definitely one that many K-pop fans will recognize to this day. His fans are probably happy that the crooner is back singing after his military service and was seen with friend K.Will on the show 'Immortal Classics 2' a few weeks ago. It's great to have him back and I think we're all excited to see his comeback.
Brown Eyed Soul - "Did We Really Love"
This song was on last month's list as well but held on strong to remain one of the biggest songs of the later part of 2003. The group did release a single recently but I think fans are waiting for a big return from the quartet and hopefully, one will be on the way soon.
There you have the big hits from back in November of 2003. Feel free to add any that I missed and hopefully some of these are new songs to you. Happy listening!
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