Top 5 Most Iconic K-Pop Tracks From 2nd Generation

The 2nd generation of K-pop artists are said to be part of the golden age which contributed to the current success of the K-pop industry. With catchy tunes, dance moves, and groundbreaking concepts, this set of songs will forever be remembered by many for contributing to the culture of K-pop. The following list features five legendary songs from the 2nd generation of K-pop.

1. Ring Ding Dong - SHINee (2009)

This song was released on October 14th, 2009 by the boy band SHINee. This song is also called the catchiest song in K-pop history by netizens. This song got famous because it got banned in South Korea during exam season because it was too catchy and students were not able to study because of this song. This song still remains relevant as the intro phrase of the song "babyyy" is a very popular meme.

2. I Am The Best - 2NE1 (2011)

This song was released on 24th June 2011 by the girl group 2NE1. With this song, 2NE1 revolutionized the girl-crush concept. Many 3rd and 4th generation artists have also re-created this song at award shows and other stages. This song became one of the most famous K-pop songs across the globe.

3. Bang Bang Bang - BIGBANG (2015)

This song was released on 1st June 2015 by the boy band BIGBANG. This song is one of BIGBANG's biggest and most successful hits. Just after its release, it became top on the music charts both in South Korea and internationally. The song is still played at K-pop events, award shows, and concerts today. It perfectly captures BIGBANG's larger-than-life style and remains one of the most influential party anthems in K-pop history.

4. Sorry Sorry - Super Junior (2009)

This song was released on 9th March 2009 by the boy band Super Junior. This is one of those songs whose choreography got more famous than the lyrics. The hand-rubbing dance became a global sensation and even non-K-pop fans know this choreography. "Sorry Sorry" was one of the first K-pop songs to gain huge popularity across Asia.

5. 10 Minutes - Lee Hyori (2003)

This song was released on 13th August 2003 by the solo artist Lee Hyori. This song sparked what many media outlets called the "Hyori Syndrome," with her influence extending beyond music into fashion, beauty, and advertising. This song broke the "being white" taboo for female artists as Lee Hyori herself is not shown excessively fair in the music video. 10 Minutes remains one of the most legendary solo releases in K-pop history. Its impact can still be seen as this song often comes into trend from time to time. More than two decades later, it is frequently referenced as one of the songs that helped define modern K-pop.