There's this one 'Calvin and Hobbes' panel that shows the pair during Calvin's summer vacation. The strip documents the best friends waking up, going outside, climbing trees, playing Calvinball, hitting Susie Derkins with a water balloon, chasing fireflies, and more. But after a full day of playing, before going to bed Calvin laments, "Summer days are supposed to be longer, but they sure seem short to me."

Today marks the official start of summer, and what better way to enjoy the longer days than to listen to a few old-school summer K-pop hits that reached number 1 on the charts. I tried to avoid songs and groups we've already covered- here's hoping you enjoy the tunes from the years gone by with something cool to drink and a shady place to sit.

1995: "Eve's Warning", Park Mi Kyung

One of the original divas of K-pop, Park Mi Kyung debuted in 1994 as a dance singer and brought with her a fresh energy and sound that captivated fans. She was already a big name by the time "Eve's Warning" was released in 1995, but this song helped put her over the edge as a bona fide superstar. I was visiting Korea when this song was released and can still remember the jungle sounds, super-catchy melody, and the easy-to-learn hand motions to the dance that takes me back to one of the most fun summer vacations I've ever had.

1996: "Ggoong Dari Shabara", Clon

Members Koo Joon Yup (DJ Koo) and Kang Won Rae were well-known back dancers before joining forces and forming CLON in the mid 1990's. They went onto become one of the most popular dance groups of their day and it was their debut single that went onto become their most popular song. The words of the title don't have any real meaning other than to encourage listeners to go ahead and scream if you feel the need to relieve some stress and enjoy the warm summer nights. Unfortunately, a motorcycle accident left Kang Won Rae paralyzed, but that has dampened the impact their music has brought to many a K-pop fan.

1997: "Again", Lim Chang Jung

These days K-pop fans may not even know who Lim-Chang-Jung is, but he was and really still is one of Korea's best all-around entertainers. Debuting as an actor in 1990, he made his singing debut in 1995 but it was this 1997 ballad that was his first major hit. Staying at number 1 for five weeks, Lim Chang Jung would become a major K-pop force becoming the King of Ballads. I know most summer songs are fun and up-tempo but sometimes you need to slow it down, you know? On a side note, Lim Chang Jung was also in some great movies as well and I recommend the 1997 classic 'Beat', if you can find it.

1998: "Why Are You Calling", Diva

Following Roo'Ra's original disbandment in 1997, member Chae Rina joined rapper Vicki and singer Jinny to form the trio Diva. The girls released their debut album in 1997 which included their hit single "Yes", which they were able to follow up with their first number 1 song "Why Are You Calling" in 1998. The lovely ladies would go onto release more hits and went through a few members changes, but this is my favorite song from the group and always on the ole iPod.

1999: "Get Up", Baby V.O.X.

It's been awhile since we've talked about the lovely ladies of Baby V.O.X (Voices Of eXpression), but as K-pop fans know, they were one of the original girl groups and it's always good to listen to their music from time to time. It was their third album with the single "Get Up" that would introduce the K-pop world to a young Yoon Eun Hye and launch her career into K-pop stardom. Another fun song with an easy to remember dance that reminds me of the summer sessions in college and help me beat the heat during those long drives at night back home.

2000: "Bruise", Kim Hyun Jung

This is the second appearance of Kim Hyun Jung on one of these lists, but I just couldn't leave off one of her most famous songs which just happens to be one of my favorites. The long-legged dance siren captured the summer spirit in this hit from her third album, and it should be part of any summer rotation.

2001: "Waves", UN

UN, which is an acronym for United N-generation, comprised members Choi Jung Won and Kim Jeong Hoon. The duo made their debut 2000 and would become a very successful and popular idol group. Their hit song "Waves" was released with their second album and encapsulates the sounds of summer. This song is one of those that makes me want to grab a cold drink with an umbrella in it.

2002: "We're A Good Match", Sung Si Kyung

Known for his silky smooth and soft-as-feathers voice, Sung Si Kyung began his career in 2001 and became the crowned prince of ballads. But the song "We're A Good Match" from his second album 'Melodie D Amour' had more of an upbeat, pop feel to it showing that he could do more than just sing weepy love songs. Nowadays you can find him on the popular show '1N2D', but he'll always be known as a singer with one of the most distinctive voices in K-pop. Oh, and yes, that is actress Goo Hye Sun in the music video.

Honorable Mentions

1995: "From My Imagination", Noise


1996: "Twist King", Turbo


1997: "Woman of the Beach", Cool (I had to include it)


1998: "Kind Love", Kim Min Jong


1999: "Go Away", Park Ji Yoon


2000: "Oh! Are You Leaving", Country Kko Kko


2001: "Just In Love", SES


2002: "Can't We", Wheesung


What are some of your favorite Summer Jams?