55

1

Original Content
Posted by Rika-go 26 days ago 6,111

Iconic Hit Songs by K-pop's First-Generation

AKP STAFF

Before K-pop became the global sensation we know today, the groundwork was laid by the first-generation K-pop artists from the late 1980s to early 2000s. This era of K-pop was marked by iconic rivalries among groups, catchy melodies, choreographed performances, visually appealing aesthetics, and iconic hits.

Here are some of the timeless first-generation hits that defined the sound of that era.


COME BACK HOME – SEO TAIJI AND BOYS

“Come Back Home” by Seo Taiji and Boys is one of the most iconic first-generation hits. They are often credited as the originators of modern K-pop. With "Comeback Home," they introduced the "Gangsta Rap" style to Korea in the mid-1990s. Check yout YG's founder Yang Hyun Suk with his smooth moves in the video.

Bonus Seo Taiji and Boys MV:


CANDY – H.O.T.

The legendary SM boy group, H.O.T. brought youthful energy and boyish charm to the forefront with their timeless hit "Candy.”


DREAMS COME TRUE – S.E.S.

S.E.S., the popular SM girl group, perfectly encapsulated the group's elegant and feminine image with their hit track “Dreams Come True.”


PERFECT MAN – SHINHWA

One of the longest-running K-pop groups, SHINHWA, solidified their status as a leading first-generation K-pop act with their timeless hit “Perfect Man.”


To My Boyfriend – FIN.K.L

Fin.K.L dominated the era of the first-generation of K-pop with hits like “To My Boyfriend,” which expressed the innocence and excitement of first love.


COMING OF AGE CEREMONY – PARK JI YOON

Park Ji Yoon’s iconic anthem “Coming of age ceremony” captivated the listeners with its beats and groundbreaking choreography.


LIES – g.o.d

“Lies,” the iconic hit by g.o.d left a lasting impact with its lyrics and the member’s soulful harmonies that brought the emotions to life.


COUPLE – SECHSKIES

SECHSKIES hit track “Couple” is an emotional anthem for couples in love, and it remains a fan favorite till date.


INVITATION – UHM JUNG HWA

“Invitation" by the popular first-generation soloist Uhm Jung Hwa is one of the most iconic songs of her career, solidifying her status as the OG K-pop’s diva.


NO. 1 – BoA

In an industry dominated by groups, BoA rose as one of the first-generation successful female soloists. Her iconic hit “No.1” propelled her to become a superstar in the Japanese market.


DON’T LEAVE ME – J.Y. PARK

"Don't Leave Me" by J.Y. Park, popularly known as JYP, showcased his talent not just as a producer but also as a singer and performer.


10 MINUTES – LEE HYORI

Lee Hyori launched her solo career with the iconic track “10 Minutes.” Her charismatic delivery and undeniable stage presence made the song an instant hit.


AS I TOLD YOU – KIM SUNG JAE

Kim Sung Jae's solo hit “As I Told You” became iconic for its catchy beats, strong vocals, and stylish choreography.


I REALLY LIKE YOU – JEWELRY

"I Really Like You" by Jewelry is a vibrant pop track that hooked the listeners instantly with its catchy melodies and showcased the group's playful charm.


HOT – 1TYM

"HOT" by YG Entertainment's first-generation boy group 1TYM is an electrifying hip-hop track that captures the group's signature blend of rap and R&B.

JINUSEAN - TELL ME

"Tell Me" is a hit song by Jinusean, another first-generation YG Entertainment duo. Look at how young Uhm Jung Hwa looks!

HYUN JIN YOUNG - YOU INSIDE MY UNCLEAR MEMORY

Many people like to point to Seo Taiji and Boys as the origin of K-pop but I think it's Hyun Jin Young. He debuted two years before Seo Taiji and Boys and had some hits like "You Inside My Unclear Memory." Trivia Fact: As he debuted in 1990, did you know that Hyun Jin Young was SM Entertainment's very first artist?

LEE SEUNG CHUL - WANDERING

Lee Seung Chul is a legendary artist now but before his legendary status he was dropping gems like "Wandering" back in the late 80s and early 90s.

DEUX - TURN AROUND LOOK AT ME

You think K-pop choreography involves a lot of movement now but check out how Deux danced 31 years ago, back in 1993. These are true work outs! RIP Kim Sung Jae.



SHIM SHIN - ONE AND ONLY YOU

One of the earliest heartthrobs in Korean music. His song "One and Only You" will forever be a classic.


LEE HUN WOO - DREAM


Lee Hyun Woo had it all. The looks, the talent, and a hit song in "Dream."

These hits are more than just catchy tunes; they represent the early spirit of K-pop. Tell us about your favorite first-generation hits.

  1. BoA
  2. Fin.K.L
  3. Lee Hyori
  4. g.o.d
  5. H.O.T
  6. Jewelry
  7. J.Y. Park
  8. Park Ji Yoon
  9. Sechskies
  10. Seo Taiji and Boys
  11. S.E.S
  12. Shinhwa
  13. Uhm Jung Hwa
  14. 1TYM
  15. FIRST-GENERATION K-POP HITS
  16. LEGENDARY HITS
6,111 Share 98% Upvoted

allkpop in your Inbox

THE TOP 10 STORIES DELIVERED DAILY
F.T. Island, Minhwan, LABOUM, Yulhee
Kian84
BLACKPINK, Jennie
Kim Jae Young, Lee Kyu Han, misc., Park Shin Hye
Lee Byung Hun, misc.
Younha
Park Shin Hye
Red Velvet, Irene
NCT, Doyoung
F.T. Island, Minhwan, LABOUM, Yulhee
Red Velvet, Irene
Park Shin Hye
Kian84
F.T. Island, Minhwan, LABOUM, Yulhee
Minhwan, Yulhee
New Message

SEND