K-pop isn’t just music, it’s a technicolour dream of sound, fashion, fandom, and feelings. Whether it’s PSY going viral before TikTok existed or BTS casually rewriting global pop history, the genre is packed with awe-inspiring choregraphy and catchy tunes. Here are 7 key K-pop moments you need to know! If you love K-Pop, check out our other K-Pop content below!
PSY’s “Gangnam Style” breaks the Internet (2012)
Before TikTok dances ruled the world, there was PSY’s “Gangnam Style” – the horsey-style dance that galloped across YouTube and became the first video to hit a billion views. The platform literally had to update its view counter code because it broke trying to keep up! PSY (real name Park Jae-sang), is from the Gangnam district of Seoul, South Korea and became the an unlikely global ambassador for K-pop, proving you don’t need polished costumes and haircuts – just a catchy beat, sunglasses, and a lot of dance energy.
EXO’s “Growl” era makes uniforms cool again (2013)
EXO’s “Growl” came with super sharp choreography, hallway swag, and made school uniforms look like high fashion. The one-take MV was a flex before TikTok made it a trend, and suddenly everyone wanted to growl their way through life. EXO’s power? Filling stadiums with screaming fans and still looking like they just stepped out of a cologne commercial. Brava!
TWICE turns cute into a superpower (2015–Now)
TWICE’s debut with “Like OOH-AHH” was cute, catchy, and dangerously addictive. They formed after appeating on a reality TV show in 2015. The band is actually made up of nine members! Their “TT” dance move (yes, the crying emoji one) became a cultural phenomenon, turning every K-pop fan into a part-time finger choreographer.
BLACKPINK in Your Area (and Everyone Else’s Too) (2016–Now)
When BLACKPINK debuted with “BOOMBAYAH,” they didn’t just enter the scene – they exploded into it. They’re the most-followed girl group on YouTube, performed at Coachella (wearing more sparkle than the night sky), and have Jennie rapping with total precision. Basically, if fashion, power vocals, and dance breaks had a lovechild, it’d be BLACKPINK. Who is your favourite member?
BTS Invades the West (2017 Onwards)
BTS didn’t just break into the U.S. market – they kicked the door down and performed a perfectly syncronised dance in front of it. With hits like “DNA” and “Dynamite,” they redefined what it means to be a global boy band. Oh, and in case you missed it: they’ve had a BT21 cartoon empire, a McDonald’s meal, and more Twitter engagement than most world leaders. No big deal!
BIGBANG’s “Fantastic Baby” and the birth of K-pop royalty (2012)
NewJeans break the internet again with “Baggy Jeans” and “Bunny Ears” (2022–Now)
When NewJeans debuted, they brought Y2K back with a bang! With dreamy tracks like “Attention” and “Hype Boy,” they ditched the usual glitz and hit Gen Z right in the feels. Somehow, they made bunny ears, low-rise jeans, and pixel fonts cool again. Oh, and did we mention they were charting before they even had a proper debut stage? That’s not just talent – it’s magic. Who are your favourite K-Pop band?
