Ten Songs That Any K-Pop Hater Needs to Hear
Written by Tiana Woodard
Photo courtesy of What the K-Pop
When you hear the words “K-Pop,” what comes to mind? If PSY’s addictive “Gangnam Style” is the only thing you can think of, I have great news for you: K-Pop is more diverse than you think, especially when its artists take charge of the creative process. Don’t believe me yet? If you’re a K-Pop skeptic, consider the following 10 times famous K-Pop artists shattered our musical stereotypes:
1. "You Were Beautiful" - Day6
For this hit, don’t expect any stereotypical boy band choreography to accompany it. Instead, you’ll see the five, charming men of Day6 in a rock band setup, melting fans’ hearts with this nostalgic love song. Rhythmic guitar strums and a soft drum beat drive this track to its powerful chorus instead of electronic handclaps or heavy bass drops, something that makes Day6 stand out from K-Pop’s highly technical, electronic beats.
2. “Veni Vidi Vici” (feat. DJ Wegun) - Zico
As leader of boy band Block B, rapper Zico is well-known for his ability to maintain success in both the K-Pop and underground hip-hop scenes. His 2015 album Gallery serves as one of these successful crossovers. With DJ Wegun’s dexterous record scratching backing him, Zico uses “Veni Vidi Vici” to shamelessly boast about his achievements, despite his young age.
3. “Be Calm” - Hwasa
Since their 2014 debut, girl group MAMAMOO has been hailed by critics for their funky, vocally adept contributions to the K-Pop genre. In MAMAMOO sub-vocalist Hwasa’s solo, “Be Calm,” she steps back from the group’s retro vibe while upholding their singing reputation. The slow guitar melody with Hwasa’s husky yet delicate vocals make this song a literal breath of fresh air.
4. “724148” - Agust D
Many fans know Min Yoongi not as Agust D but as Suga, one of the three eyeliner-wearing, aegyo-wielding idol rappers of BTS. But in his self-titled 2016 mixtape, Min Yoongi trades his Suga persona for Agust D, reminding listeners of his humble beginnings in the underground rap scene. “724148” is one of these reminders, cleverly using bass strums and DJ scratch effects to signal transitions on his lyrical journey from his hometown to Seoul.
5. “Zero” - Agust D
With romantically cliche lyrics such as “On days like this, you are my everything,” this solo from Baek Yerin, member of K-Pop duo 15&, deserves a place in the OST, or original soundtrack, of a major Korean drama. The song’s minimalist piano, electric guitar and string harmony give Baek’s gentle vibrato full spotlight but also nudge her forward to a subtle, but powerful ending.
6. “Refuge” - PSY
The next song is by an artist who’s solidified all non-Kpop listeners’ stereotype of this broad genre: PSY. “Refuge” is a complete about face from his viral hit “Gangnam Style.” PSY uses nostalgic blues guitar and drums to convey that he only uses his strong, happy-go-lucky image to mask the pain he endures underneath.
7. “X” (feat. Lee Hi) - Code Kunst
Lee Hi’s cherub cheeks and short stature all scream bubbly, girly K-pop idol, but much of her work showcases her abilities as a mature, vocal powerhouse. On rapper and producer Code Kunst’s “X,” Lee Hi displays her potential as a hip-hop artist. Starting with a soft, rattling buzz and ending with a mesh of voices, ringing synths, and rhythmic drums, “X’s” instrumentals grow in layers but never overpower Lee’s soulful delivery.
8. “Mommae" (몸매) (feat. Ugly Duck) - Jay Park
Having escaped the lyrical confines of K-Pop by leaving Korean boyband 2PM back in 2010, Jay Park’s single “Mommae” is one of many examples where the former idol explores a subject frowned on by the K-pop industry. Park and Ugly Duck’s raunchy euphemisms ride the song’s repetitive trap hip-hop sequence from start to finish, delivering a message that the Korean government deemed too explicit for television.
9. “Intro: Singularity” - BTS
Released as the intro to BTS’ LOVE YOURSELF轉 'Tear,’, this mellow R&B track highlights Kim Taehyung, one of the boy band’s four vocalists. Kim’s deep vocals, the piano, and the bass all feed off of the song’s constant, reverberating synth bass, bringing “Intro: Singularity” to a powerful, startling finish.
10. “Let Me Out” - Jonghyun
In “Let Me Out,” SHINee main vocalist Kim Jonghyun mixes technical, electronic elements of the K-Pop sound with the softer, classical undertones of the traditional Korean ballad. A peaceful piano melody constantly switches places with heavy, distorted strings, echoing the emotional rollercoaster Jonghyun rides throughout the piece. The song’s dark nature had already generated conversation upon release, but Kim’s suicide in late 2017 give the ballad’s lyrics more clarity: “Someone please hold me, I’m exhausted from this world / Someone please wipe me, I’m drenched with tears / Someone please notice my struggles first / Please acknowledge the poor me / Please help me.”