Can you believe that 2000s K-pop hits are now considered old classics? How time flies so quickly. The 2000s (2000 - 2010) were a great time for the world of K-Pop, and if you’re looking for some nostalgic moments, let's turn back time and revisit these K-pop hits. When I listen to these songs, I miss everything from that time—the atmosphere, the smells, the scenery, and the people.
TVXQ “Rising Sun”: Making a breakthrough with their song “Rising Sun,” TVXQ captured the hearts of listeners upon its release. From the choreography to the tune, “Rising Sun” remains an iconic song, loved by many.
INFINITE “Paradise”: “Paradise” showcased a completely different side to INFINITE, with a more masculine and suave style. Its bittersweet lyrics and exciting tune make “Paradise” one of the most nostalgic K-pop hits.
SECRET “Magic”: Whether you liked it or not, “Magic” was one of the most K-pop-like tunes of its time. It was groovy and jazzy, and who can forget when the girls sang “ma-zick” instead of “magic.”
U-KISS “Round and Round”: The funky beats in “Round and Round” truly made your head spin in a good way. U-KISS had some of the catchiest and most memorable choruses, and “Round and Round” was no exception.
2PM “Heartbeat”: 2PM was known for being bold with their songs, and “Heartbeat” was so impressionable that many fans still acknowledge it as ahead of its time. The lifeless concept was captured perfectly in the choreography and vocals.
2NE1 “Fire”: 2NE1 set a new standard for K-pop girl groups with their debut "Fire." At a time when girl groups were predominantly known for their cute and sweet image, 2NE1 introduced a fierce and bold style, bringing a much-needed change to the K-pop scene.
Girls’ Generation “Run Devil Run”: This song marked a change from Girls’ Generation’s usual flirty, feminine concepts. “Run Devil Run” introduced a dark, moody concept, which the girls pulled off brilliantly.
Wonder Girls “Tell Me”: The popularity of “Tell Me” was incredible. It was the “it” song of its time, much like today's viral dance challenge hits. The song spanned across various age groups, propelling the group to peak popularity.
MBLAQ “This is War”: MBLAQ never shied away from experimenting with new sounds and styles. “This is War” was one of their darkest concepts, with a heart-wrenching music video and emotional lyrics.
KARA “Mister”: The release of “Mister” was a phenomenon. It overtook South Korea and Japan with its intense drum beat and catchy “lalala” chorus, making everyone sing along and dance.
Battle “Step by Step”: Originally labeled as the next Shinhwa, Battle’s song “Step by Step” gained a lot of love during its release. The members even reunited a few years later to perform together again.
Taegoon “Call Me”: Dubbed the “mini SE7EN,” Taegoon made big waves as a rookie soloist. “Call Me” gained instant popularity with its catchy, sexy, and addictive tune.
AJ “Dancing Shoes”: Before joining BEAST (now HIGHLIGHT), Kikwang debuted solo as AJ. “Dancing Shoes” showcased his charms, highlighting his smooth moves and stage presence.
U-KISS “Stop Girl”: U-KISS explored a more sexy vibe with “Stop Girl.” This song is captivating and will have you singing along in no time.
SE7EN “I’m Going Crazy”: SE7EN ventured into R&B with “I’m Going Crazy,” showcasing his beautiful vocal harmony. This song stands out from typical K-pop tracks.
PHANTOM “Burning”: Combining rock and pop, PHANTOM’s “Burning” is an emotional wrecker. The guitar riff and vocals blend seamlessly, making it a shame this song didn’t get more recognition.
EPIK High “Love Love Love”: Known for their supreme lyricism and head-nodding beats, it was a surprise to see Epik High release such a radio-friendly song. I'm glad they did as the song is so catchy and memorable. It is one of my favorite songs released from 2000 to 2010.
Wheesung “Insomnia”: Although a remix of Craig David’s “Insomnia,” Wheesung’s Korean version won many hearts. With a more K-pop style, “Insomnia” remains a favorite among fans.