7 K-Pop Songs From Before It Became A Thing

The Early Days of K-Pop

From the 1990s to the early 2000s, K-pop was still finding its footing. Groups like Seo Taiji and Boys, H.O.T, and S.E.S. were among the first to gain widespread recognition, blending genres and pushing the boundaries of Korean music.

7 K-Pop Songs From Before It Became A Thing

Here’s a look at 7 unforgettable K-pop tracks from before it "became a thing" -the trailblazers, the cult classics, and the songs that paved the way for a global takeover.

1.H.O.T – “Candy” (1996)

Regarded as the first K-pop idol group in the modern sense, H.O.T’s infectious “Candy” was a cultural reset. The bubblegum-pop melody, quirky choreography, and stylised fashion captured the imagination of teenagers across Korea. SM Entertainment crafted a blueprint here: group branding, fan clubs, merchandise,it all began with H.O.T. “Candy” didn’t just deliver earworms; it built an entire fan culture.

2.Seo Taiji and Boys – “Nan Arayo (I Know)” (1992)

Seo Taiji and Boys are often regarded as the architects of modern K-pop. “Nan Arayo” was a seismic moment in Korean music history, fusing Western-style rap, pop-rock, and hip-hop into a single track. At a time when trot dominated the airwaves, this song felt radical. Its rebellious lyrics and experimental beat made it a hit with younger audiences and ushered in a new era. Without this song, K-pop as we know it might not exist.

3.S.E.S – “I’m Your Girl” (1997)

The original queens of K-pop, S.E.S was SM Entertainment’s answer to H.O.T’s boy-band frenzy. Their debut single “I’m Your Girl” was soft, melodic, and brimming with girlish charm. With its smooth harmonies and sweet rap verses, it proved girl groups could be just as powerful in shaping pop culture. The track became a karaoke staple and remains a nostalgic anthem for first-generation K-pop fans.

4. g.o.d – “One Candle” (1999)

Unlike many contemporaries, g.o.d focused on storytelling and heart-tugging ballads. “One Candle” was a poignant track that resonated deeply with listeners thanks to its warm melody and hopeful lyrics. It showcased a more mature side of K-pop,one less about visuals and more about vocals and sincerity. g.o.d were everyman idols, and this track reflected their emotionally resonant appeal.

5. BoA – “No.1” (2002)

BoA was the first Korean soloist to crack Japan’s Oricon charts,and she did it in style. Her hit “No.1” was energetic, sleek, and irresistibly catchy. More importantly, it showed that K-pop could travel. BoA’s trilingual skills, powerhouse dancing, and polished vocals made her a one-woman phenomenon across Asia, earning her the title “Queen of K-pop” long before global fandoms had their say.

6. TVXQ – “Hug” (2004)

TVXQ’s debut single “Hug” was a soft ballad wrapped in idol sweetness. Though the group would later become known for dramatic pop anthems and sharp choreography, “Hug” introduced them with a more romantic, youthful charm. It was a perfect representation of early-2000s K-pop aesthetics,turtlenecks, windswept hairstyles, and tender lyrics delivered with sincere falsettos.

7. Wonder Girls – “Tell Me” (2007)

One of the last viral hits before K-pop’s explosion onto the global stage, “Tell Me” by Wonder Girls brought retro flair to mainstream K-pop. Its addictive hook, retro concept, and instantly recognisable choreography sparked a nationwide dance craze in South Korea. The song topped charts and inspired parodies everywhere,an early taste of the social media power that K-pop would later harness globally.

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