The music is just one component that goes into defining K-pop. High-concept music videos, intricate styling, and impressive choreography are what make K-pop special. The genre is weird and wonderful with its own conventions and subversions, incorporating genres from all over the world while still maintaining its Korean je ne sais quois.

The whole "who paved the way?" argument is tired, we know. Without intention to cause a fan war, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best K-pop songs out there to showcase how varied the genre really is. These songs have been chosen based on a combination of streams and the impact of the song or artist on the genre as a whole. 

More K-pop groups are touring the world than ever before, and the UK and Europe are becoming increasingly more common destinations. Right now you can get VIP tickets for Stray Kids and ENHYPEN with Seat Unique!

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No. 10: ‘Gangnam Style’ – PSY

It may seem like the obvious choice, but when talking about the most influential K-pop songs of all time, you can’t miss out ‘Gangnam Style.’ Released in 2012, it was the perfect storm of catchy and kooky, with a music video to match that caused global virality on a scale no one had seen before. 

The choreography and the few English lyrics in the song like “ay, sexy lady” were heard around the world, leading the music video to be the first YouTube video to reach one billion views. PSY was already incredibly popular in South Korea before ‘Gangnam Style,’ but the song made him a true national treasure.

No. 9: 'Catallena' – Orange Caramel

'Catallena' is the number one song fans cite when lamenting about how K-pop isn't 'fun' anymore. The strange yet comical music video shows Orange Caramel as mermaids turned into sushi, their candy-sweet vocals sounding over an inexplicably Punjabi folk sample.

Probably the biggest lasting legacy of the song originated in the dance practise, however. Between the introductory violin stabs, Raina, Lizzy, and Nana in turn shout out "Ha!" which is a live performance must for any group covering the song ever since.

No. 8: ‘Abracadabra’ – Brown Eyed Girls

We’re taking it all the way back to 2009 for this one, a true throwback that continues to make fans nostalgic for the second generation of K-pop. This was when the genre was just starting to get worldwide attention, and the tropes of K-pop we know and love today were being defined. 

Brown Eyed Girls were pioneers of the ‘Girl Crush’ concept, modelling themselves as sexy, bad girls when many girl groups at the time were doing cute concepts. ‘Abracadabra,’ with its electronic beat and sensual choreography, is the catalyst for the debut of so many girl groups with mature concepts in the modern day.

No. 7: ‘Sticker’ – NCT 127

'Sticker' is truly the Marmite of K-pop – you either love its jarring traditional Korean flute sample, or absolutely despise it. The song has become somewhat of a meme in the K-pop fan community, the mixture of flute, piano, heavy bass, and surprisingly difficult vocals have given it a 'so bad its good' reputation.

NCT and its subunit NCT 127 are known for their ‘neo’ music, a unique genre they coined for their noisy, hip-hop and R&B-inspired sound. The props have to go to producer Dem Jointz though, whose recognisable "INCOMING!" producer tag defines the noise subgenre of K-pop.

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No. 6: ‘OMG’ – NewJeans

NewJeans only exploded onto the scene in 2022, immediately taking the general public of South Korea and international fans by storm. Their fresh, Y2K concept made them leaders of the fourth generation of K-pop, and started trends within the girl group space.

‘OMG’ was part of their first comeback and proved the group’s staying power immediately. Unfortunately, legal battles with ADOR Entertainment have left the future of the group uncertain, as the girls have terminated their contracts. For now, NewJeans remains immortal in their bubble of Y2K nostalgia, a group with masses of potential that may have just got away.

No. 5: 'Sherlock (Clue + Note)' – SHINee

SHINee helped define the tropes of K-pop’s second generation, armed with bowlcuts, skinny jeans, and so much talent they are frequently cited as inspiration for newly debuted idols now. 'Sherlock' is a combination of two songs ('Clue' and 'Note') that show off the members' intricate dance skills and killer vocals.

SHINee as a group represent the longevity of K-pop. They debuted in 2008 when youngest member Taemin was only 14, and the members are still active as idols now. Through hardship and loss, their experimental style has been able to adapt to the ever-changing trends of the genre.

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No. 4: ‘Candy’ – H.O.T.

The origin of modern K-pop, ‘Candy’ was first released in 1996 on H.O.T.’s debut album. International fans were basically nonexistant, but the incorporation of Western genres like New Jack Swing and hip-hop appealed to the Korean youth and created a formula guaranteed to explode.

‘Candy’ has gained its legacy thanks in part to a popular cover done by NCT DREAM in 2022 for the group’s Christmas-themed mini album. T.O.P. are often credited with starting the K-pop boy band craze, with their cute and upbeat melodies (despite the actual lyrics of the song – look them up!).

No. 3: ‘How You Like That’ – BLACKPINK

Any of BLACKPINK's hits could have been chosen for this list, as their short but impactful discography has garnered staggering numbers of streams since their debut in 2016. The music video for 'How You Like That' alone reached one billion views, and it was the first song by a K-pop girl group to reach one billion listens on Spotify.

It's audacious, even obnoxious, with brassy brags over an electro earworm hook. The trap beat fits seamlessly in with the rest of BLACKPINK's songs, creating a distinctive sound for the group that has followed the members into their solo endeavours.

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No. 2: ‘Boy With Luv’ – BTS ft. Halsey

‘Boy With Luv’ was released in 2019, when BTS were truly at the height of their popularity. The run of albums they had leading up to Map of the Soul: Persona were so successful they skyrocketed to worldwide stardom, and now practically everyone has heard of the boy group. 

The song features Halsey, a Western feature which was rare at the time in K-pop and was definitely pioneered by BTS. The upbeat, hopeful melody and ‘funk pop’ sound oozes positivity, and it’s hard not to sing along to the catchy hook.

No. 1: ‘Gee’ – Girls’ Generation

‘Gee’ is true bubblegum pop, and helped to shape the sound of K-pop music for a generation to come. It has to be number one on this list, the impact of both ‘Gee’ and Girls’ Generation as a group are foundational to the genre, a favourite of the steadily growing international fandom at the time.

‘Gee’ helped spark the very start of the Hallyu Wave in 2009, the music video being the first by a girl group to reach 100 million views. The song and it’s Japanese counterpart did incredibly well on the charts, going on to win many end-of-year awards in South Korea. ‘Gee’s legacy continues on today, making it fundamental listening for any K-pop fan.

Get K-pop Tickets

There are some exciting K-pop tours happening in the UK in 2025, including powerhouse groups Stray Kids at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and BLACKPINK at Wembley Stadium! At Seat Unique you can get official VIP tickets to watch your favourite K-pop acts in ultimate style.

VIP tickets will get you premium seating for the best views of the stage, and more amazing perks like access to exclusive lounges, complimentary food and drinks, and fast-track entry into the venue.

Browse our available K-pop VIP tickets and register your interest for the groups you’d like to see tour the UK next!

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