Making a name for yourself in the K-pop industry is difficult, especially when you hail from a lesser known company. That's why when K-pop groups make their debut, they have to enter the entertainment industry with a bang to remain memorable among fans.
While some groups aren't as lucky, there are some who have released debut songs that remained iconic through the years.
With that, check out these 15 iconic debut songs by K-pop boy groups in no particular order!
1. SHINee - 'Replay'
SHINee made their debut on May 22, 2008 with the release of their song "Replay," as part of their debut mini album of the same name. Upon the song's release, "Replay" became a hit with the older females due to the song's line "Noona, you are so pretty."
Not long after, SHINee's styling in the music video became a trend, and was dubbed as the "SHINee Trend."
2. EXO - 'MAMA'
On April 7, 2012, SM Entertainment's boy group EXO made their debut with the single "MAMA," which was released in both Korean and Mandarin, and was performed by the group's sub-units EXO-K and EXO-M, respectively.
"MAMA" went on to become iconic for its Gregorian chant, and the introduction of each of the members' "superpowers."
3. BTS - 'No More Dream'
BTS made their debut on June 12, 2013 with their "2 Cool 4 Skool" album, featuring the track "No More Dream." While the song didn't receive widespread success initially, it later became an iconic debut song by the group when they started seeing popularity in 2015.
Nine years later, the song is still well-loved by fans, with BTS performing the song during their concerts from time to time!
4. MONSTA X - 'Trespass'
After appearing on the survival program "NO.MERCY," MONSTA X made their debut under Starship Entertainment with their first mini album "Trespass," featuring a title track of the same name. The song saw immense success for its hip-hop genre and the members' powerful performance.
5. iKON - 'My Type'
One of iKON's most memorable songs was their debut track "My Type," released on December 24, 2015. Written by Bobby and former iKON member B.I, "My Type" became a song heard almost everywhere!
The song even garnered over 1.3 billion searches on Weibo, and became the 34th best-selling song in 2015 according to Gaon Chart.
6. SEVENTEEN - 'Adore U'
SEVENTEEN debuted on May 26, 2015 with their song "Adore U," and subsequently achieved both domestic and international fame.
Despite having thirteen members in its lineup, the group was able to have one of the iconic debut tracks where they showcased their impeccable synchronization and songwriting skills.
7. NCT 127 - 'Fire Truck'
The song that was definitely stuck in our heads for days!
NCT 127 debuted on July 7, 2016 with their hit song "Fire Truck" as part of their mini album "NCT #127."
Not only did "Fire Truck" showcase the intricate dance choreography of the song, but it also gave some addicting beats that became a fan-favorite.
8. ASTRO - 'Hide & Seek'
While most boy groups debut with a more hip-hop vibe, ASTRO showcased a charming and fun song during their debut on February 23, 2016 with "Hide & Seek."
With the song's chorus, "Hide & Seek" was able to secure ASTRO a spot as one of the best new K-Pop groups in 2016.
9. NCT DREAM - 'Chewing Gum'
Another NCT sub-unit that gave us an iconic debut song is NCT DREAM and their track "Chewing Gum."
Not only did the song gain a lot of attention for its addicting song, but it also brought the hype for hoverboards to a whole new level when the members performed their entire choreography while riding it!
10. NCT U - '7th Sense'
NCT is just riddled with iconic debut songs! When its sub-unit NCT U made their debut on April 9, 2016, the group released the track. "7th Sense."
And whether you realize it or not, you may have heard the song, which is popular for its line "Open your eyes."
11. Wanna One - 'Energetic'
Following the second season of the Mnet survival show "Produce 101," they debuted the project boy group Wanna One on August 7, 2017 under Swing Entertainment and CJ E&M.
When they debuted, Wanna One dropped the track "Energetic," which garnered global popularity. Despite the group already disbanded, the song still remains well-loved to this day!
12. ATEEZ - 'Pirate King'
ATEEZ debuted with the song "Pirate King" on October 24, 2018 as part of their album "Treasure EP.1: All to Zero." Despite the group coming from a small company, ATEEZ received a lot of love for their highly-addicting debut song, and went on to become one of the top performing fourth generation boy groups!
13. TXT - 'Crown'
On March 4, 2019, TXT debuted with the track "Crown" as part of their "Still Dreaming" album.
The song garnered a lot of attention for not only its addicting beats and melody, but also for its high-energy choreography. Due to its popularity, "Crown" became iconic among fans and non-fans!
14. SuperM - 'Jopping'
While SuperM is already iconic on its own, considering that its members are composed of EXO, SHINee, and NCT members, their debut track "Jopping" was well-received for its heavy eletro-pop sounds which earned them a spot as one of the best K-Pop tracks in 2019.
15. ENHYPEN - 'Given-Taken'
While most K-Pop songs include rap verses, ENHYPEN proved they can be iconic and release a hit song when they made their debut with "Given-Taken." The song not only showed off each of the members' vocals, but also proved why they are one of the top rookie groups!
Which debut song do you think is iconic?
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Written by Robyn Joan
