Today, February 23, 2024, legendary K-pop producer and composer Shinsadong Tiger passed away. To remember his legacy, let us take a look back at some of his greatest hits.
1. T-ARA - 'Bo Peep Bo Peep'
T-ARA released "Bo Peep Bo Peep" on November 27, 2009. Shinsadong Tiger helped produce and write the lyrics for this iconic hit.
The song is one of the most popular K-pop songs in history, with Rolling Stone placing it at number 45 on its list of "100 Greatest Songs in the History of Korean Pop Music." The song won five music show trophies and was even referenced in the K-drama "The King 2 Hearts."
2. 4Minute - 'Hot Issue'
4Minute released "Hot Issue" on August 31, 2009. The song was produced and written by Shinsadong Tiger.
Though it was not the title song of the album, "Hot Issue" became a hit in South Korea. The song boasts 4Minute's self-confidence, showing that everything about them, from head to toe, is a "hot issue."
3. BEAST - 'Fiction'
BEAST released "Fiction" on May 17, 2011. Shinsadong Tiger participated in the production, composition, and songwriting for the track.
The song was one of two title tracks from their album, "Fiction and Fact." "Fact" was well-loved in South Korea, and won the "Song of the Year" award at the 2011 KBS Music Festival.
4. HyunA - 'Bubble Pop!'
HyunA released "Bubble Pop!" on July 5, 2011. The song was written by Shinsadong Tiger and Choi Kyu Sung.
The song was well-loved when it was released, and remains one of K-pop's biggest songs. In 2011, Edge Media named it the best K-pop song of the year. In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked "Bubble Pop!" at number 26 on its list of "100 Greatest Songs in the History of Korean Pop Music."
5. MOMOLAND - 'Bboom Bboom'
MOMOLAND released "Bboom Bboom" in January 3, 2018. Shinsadong Tiger is credited as one of the song's composers and lyricists.
"Bboom Bboom" is credited as MOMOLAND's breakout song, entering the charts at number 48 and peaking at number two. The song was included in several year-end "Best K-pop Songs" lists, with people loving how fun and catchy the track is. The song would end up being the blueprint for further MOMOLAND releases.
6. EXID - 'Up & Down'
EXID released "Up & Down" on August 27, 2014. Shinsadong Tiger is one of the songwriters and producers of the hit song.
Initially, "Up & Down" faced poor reception and did not chart at its release. However, following a viral fan cam of Hanni performing the song, "Up & Down" saw a reverse run on the charts. Now, it is considered one of the greatest K-pop songs of the 2010s!
7. Trouble Maker - 'Trouble Maker'
Trouble Maker made their debut on December 1, 2011 with the self-titled title track "Trouble Maker." Shinsadong Tiger is cited as one of the songwriters and producers of the track.
"Trouble Maker" was an instant hit, and several celebrities covered the song. Parodies of the song were (and still remain) rampant on TV shows, award shows, and other artists' concerts, showing how big an impression "Trouble Maker" made on the K-pop industry.
8. T-ARA - 'Sexy Love'
T-ARA released "Sexy Love" on August 15, 2012. Shinsadong Tiger is one of the songwriters and producers of the song.
Upon release, "Sexy Love" peaked in the top five of the Korean music charts. The song also saw massive success in Japan, with the girl group releasing a Japanese version of the song on September 4, 2012. "Sexy Love" marks T-ARA's first release without Hwayoung.
9. Ailee - 'U&I'
Ailee released "U&I" on July 12, 2013. Shinsadong Tiger is credited as one of the songwriters and producers for the track.
Upon release, "U&I" was a commercial success, peaking at number two on the Gaon Digital Chart. During the 2013 MAMA Awards, Ailee won "Best Vocal Performance - Female" for the song and was also nominated for "Song of the Year."
10. WJSN - 'Secret'
WJSN released "Secret" on August 17, 2016. Shinsadong Tiger helped produce and compose the song.
The song "Secret" served as the title track of WJSN's second mini-album, "The Secret" A Chinese version of the song was also included in the EP. This comeback serves as WJSN's first album with thirteen members, with the addition of Yeonjung earlier that year.
Rest in peace, Shinsadong Tiger.
KpopStarz Owns This
Written by Alexa Lopez
