Do you remember what happened ten years ago in k-pop? 2012 was a record-breaking year in k-pop, with stars like PSY having his massive global breakthrough hit with "Gangnam Style," and global superstars EXO making their hot debut! While this may seem like it was only a few years back, a whopping decade has passed, and it's crazy to see how quickly time flies.

Last week, we checked out part 1 of some hits in 2012 k-pop, such as PSY, Sistar, Ailee, and more! Today, we'll continue that stretch and examine what other stars also made 2012 one of the best years in k-pop. Maybe, we'll trigger a memory that you remembered but wouldn't have recognized if it wasn't for this article. Let's take a look below!

TTS

Girls Generation made their first and only subunit group TTS (TaeTiSeo), a group focused on its vocal skills. Taeyeon, Tiffany, and Seohyun gathered to release "Twinkle," which was an absolute hit, and they were able to top the charts, as they should as a top-tier girl group!

Hello Venus

Do you remember the highly anticipated Hello Venus, who was known as After School's sister group? Amongst the competition of rookies in 2012, Hello Venus made their hot debut and the public. They even made a comeback in the winter of 2012 that also performed well on the charts! Though they are not with us anymore, they are definitely a group to remember. 

G-Dragon

Fans were already happy to see Big Bang's comeback in 2012, but they were offered extra delight when G-Dragon made his solo comeback after nearly three years! G-Dragon is always a musical gift, and it was so nice to see him, especially in the autumn of the year. It wasn't only his title tracks that were successful, as his b-side tracks were also soaring the charts!

A PINK 

A PINK, after a successful debut year, made their comeback with their first full-length album, and the album was a sign that they were going to make it big!

Wonder Girls

Wonder Girls made a comeback with a track that was great to jam out to while working out, and it was so lovely to see the ladies come back less than a year after their most recent comeback in 2011! Unfortunately, this was the last album we could see Sunye & Sohee participate in as a part of this group. This was also the last album before they entered their three-year uncertain hiatus.

NU'EST

NU'EST received a lot of attention after its members made an appearance on Produce 101 Season 2, but their debut was actually in 2012, and fans had high expectations knowing that the group came from After School's company. They competed with other fellow rookie groups, such as EXO and BTOB, yet they exceeded expectations with their debut track! 

After School

After School made their first comeback without leader Kahi and original member Bekah and showcased a sexy and mature side of them! The maxi-single also welcomed new member Gaeun and signaled a new era of After School!

miss A

miss A also had two comebacks in 2012, both successful. They came back early in the year with a sexy single, "Touch," and returned in the Fall of 2012, showing an independent side of them. 

4minute

We love 4minute because they are always so experimental - their 2012 comeback, "Volume Up," was such a remarkable comeback aesthetically and musically, and fans loved this comeback, deeming it one of their favorite comebacks. 

Infinite

Infinite was on their way towards a top-tier boy group after their 2011 comeback, but the 2012 comeback was what really sealed the deal as their song "The Chaser" topped the charts and stole the hearts of many female (and male!) fans.

IU

IU didn't promote her 2012 comeback, but her Spring comeback in 2012 delighted many fans, as an IU song is always nice to listen to! She also collaborated with then-labelmates FIESTAR, giving them a hot shoutout even before their debut! 

SHINee

SHINee made a mystery comeback in 2012, and of course, they slayed as usual. Sherlock was one of the most sophisticated performances of the year, and to this day -- it is still recognized as a challenging choreography! Performance veterans SHINee killing it as usual!

Orange Caramel

We can all agree that Orange Caramel pioneered legitimate sub-unit groups for k-pop, and we knew they were legit when they released their first FULL-LENGTH album in 2012. The dance for "Lipstick" was an absolute hit, and everyone was hooked on the song & choreography!

B.A.P 

If you can think of a rookie group who worked the hardest in 2012, it HAS to be B.A.P. Releasing four singles in just twelve months; they really worked their butts off to really make their presence known to the public. It was also helpful that Bang Yong Gook had a preview appearance before his debut through Song Ji Eun's "Crazy."

BTOB

2012 was really the year of rookie boy groups, as BTOB also made their hot debut this year! It was definitely a competitive year for debuts, but they pulled through, and they are still a beloved group to this day! 

NS Yoon-G

Last but not least, who remembers NS Yoon-G completely killing it in 2012? She started off the year with a girl crush concept, "The Reason I Became A Witch," and she softened our hearts in the second half of the year with "If You Love Me," where she collaborated with Jay Park! 

2012 was such a diverse and fantastic year in k-pop, and k-pop may not be where it is at today if it wasn't, thanks to these stars and tracks. It'll be interesting to examine in the year 2032 on how k-pop was in 2022, and we're excited to see how k-pop will evolve and develop in the next decade. All we know for sure is we're on track for a bright future. 

So... how was your 2012? Which 2012 track completely made your year? Is there a song that we didn't mention that made your 2012 extra special? Make sure to let us know in the comments below!