5 Iconic Songs from the 2009 and 2010s That Are Like National Anthems of the Korean Music Industry, Non-K-Popers Definitely Know!

Kapanlagi.com - Listening to K-Pop songs from the 2010s indeed brings nostalgia. Especially with many iconic songs that have become popular internationally. These songs are not only popular among K-Popers, but also many non-K-Popers who know these songs because they are played repeatedly in various events and public places.

Even these songs are often used for mass dances or what is called flashmobs. This is also supported by the distinctive movements brought by the songs. Although they were once popular, most of these girl groups and boy groups have disbanded and been replaced by new groups.

These songs are considered to have played a role in introducing the Korean music industry to the international scene. Do you still remember these songs? Let's reminisce while listening to girl group and boy group songs released in the 2010s!

1. PSY – Gangnam Style

PSY Gangnam Style (credit:youtube/officialpsy)

This is sung by the talented rapper PSY. The distinctive horse-riding dance has become popular in various countries and is used for group dances or large-scale flashmobs.

This song has topped the Gaon Chart since its release and has become the most-watched K-Pop MV on YouTube. Gangnam Style is a term used by South Koreans to describe their lifestyle in the Gangnam district. The MV for Gangnam Style also features various Korean artists that have captured the public's attention.

2. T-Ara – Roly Poly

T-Ara Roly Poly (credit:youtube/1theK)

Roly Poly is a single released by the girl group T-Ara in 2011. The song portrays a schoolgirl concept from the 1970s. With a fun and catchy melody, Roly Poly exploded in the market and was enjoyed by people from various backgrounds.

Roly Poly also dominated various music charts and became the most listened to and downloaded song on the Melon digital music sales site. The song also has a choreography that is easy for fans to remember. This made Roly Poly a highly popular song in 2011.

3. Super Junior – Sorry Sorry

Super Junior Sorry Sorry (credit:youtube/SMTOWN)

Sorry Sorry, one of Super Junior's hit singles. The song, released in 2009, was a success and the SORRY SORRY album became the best-selling album in Korea in 2009, in South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, China, and the Philippines. This song became Super Junior's most successful song on the charts and won 10 awards during its promotion period.

Sorry Sorry has an iconic style, with the hand apologizing while spinning. With its electro-funk and dance genre, this song captured the attention of both K-Pop and non-K-Pop fans. Sorry Sorry also served as Super Junior's full comeback song after their activities outside the group. Super Junior is still active to this day with 10 members.

4. Girls Generation – Gee

Girls Generation Gee (credit:youtube/SMTOWN)

Gee is a song by Girls Generation that was released in 2009. Since its release, the song Gee has broken various records such as reaching number 1 on various music charts, breaking the record of KBS Music Bank as the song that stayed at number 1 for the longest time for 9 weeks, and its music video holds the record for the most popular K-Pop MV with over 70,000 views as of April 2012.

The song Gee is included in the album Girls Generation which is also titled GEE. This song became a hit and won 11 prestigious awards, including Song of the Year at the 7th Korean Music Awards. The MV for the song Gee tells the story of the members of Girls Generation who are mannequins in a store and they have a crush on the store owner who takes care of them well.

5. 2NE1 – I am the Best

2NE1 I am the Best (credit:youtube/2NE1)

The most popular song by 2NE1 is I AM THE BEST with a total of 71 million listens on Spotify. This iconic song by 2NE1 has very distinctive lyrics, "Naega Jeil Jal Naga". It was released on June 24, 2011, as part of their second mini album.

The song I Am The Best delivers a message of self-love and always looking forward. It aims to motivate teenagers to never give up in the face of failure. Achieving success in the market, 2NE1 won the Mnet Asian Music Award for this song.

After reading the list above, I'm sure you're feeling nostalgic with the music and unique dance moves of that song, right? Time flies, and now the Korean music industry is growing even more. Among those who are currently on hiatus, who do you hope will make a comeback? 

Written By: Salma Tsabita Wiradara

(kpl/mag)