7 K-Pop Debuts So Iconic They Will Turn You Into A Fan

Want to know some of the best K-Pop debuts? Check out 7 debut songs we think fit the bill!

Kianna, Staff Writer
4 min to read · Published : Sep 15, 2023 · Updated : Oct 4, 2023

7 K-Pop Debuts So Iconic They Will Turn You Into A Fan

Yuehua Entertainment / SM Entertainment / HYBE Labels

Many fans can remember when they first heard their favorite group’s debut song. Debut songs are the starting points that allow fans to understand the group better and show them what’s in store for the group’s concepts, discography, and overall image.

Debuts remain in the thoughts of fans as the years pass and some songs are still talked about even after years of the group’s establishment. Check out 7 debut songs that we think will turn you into a K-Pop fan for life.

1. NewJeans - ‘Attention’

Without any prior promotions or reveal of the members, NewJeans had one of the most interesting debuts in K-Pop. Back in July 2022, ADOR Entertainment did a surprise release for the group with the debut single ‘Attention’. Refreshing, addictive, and catchy, ‘Attention’ puts all of the K-Pop world’s focus onto the soon-to-be global pop stars. It’s a song that gives you a feeling of enjoying the summertime with friends, accompanied by a carefree and retro sound. This track not only made the public excited for more, but it also set high expectations for the group. NewJeans continues to provide legendary hits for fans and holds some of the top spots on Korean music charts like Melon and Circle Chart.

2. SHINee - ‘Replay’

There’s no better way to describe that old K-Pop nostalgia than with SHINee’s ‘Replay’. A timeless melody, ‘Replay’ is a debut that K-Pop fans will always remember. Singing about an older girl whom the members are infatuated with, SHINee’s charm shined in this debut track. With soothing vocals and a calm beat, SHINee hypnotized fans with their debut. It could be considered one of the most iconic K-Pop debuts of all time. Seeing the drastic change from the member’s debut up until now leaves fans with a bittersweet feeling in their hearts as they know ‘Replay’ was the start of SHINee’s 15-year journey to stardom.

3. Girls’ Generation - ‘Into The New World’

A debut song so loved it became the ideal cover choice for numerous girl groups, ‘Into The New World’ was fresh, fun, and a song that will be remembered for ages. The song’s addictive melody and upbeat performance made it a song loved by all. Girls’ Generation’s debut truly set the tone for their later releases. Not only is the song catchy, but the lyrics of the song talk about determination and moving forward in life. Their debut definitely left an impression on many people and even after 16 years, it’s still a song enjoyed worldwide.

4. f(x) - ‘LA chA TA’

One of the most unique girl group’s out there, f(x)’s debut song, ‘LA chA TA’ was fun, funky, and energetic. From the artistic outfits, upbeat songs, and energetic choreo, ‘LA chA TA’ is a song you won’t be able to get out of your head once you hear it. The group established their fun concepts with ‘LA chA TA’, and its uniqueness is what drew many fans in. The sound of their debut track definitely fits the early 2000s vibes. Although one of the more underappreciated debuts on this list, f(x) still delivered with this unforgettable track.

5. NCT U - ‘The 7th Sense’

‘The 7th Sense’ is unforgettable and truly started the universe that would soon be known as NCT Nation. ‘The 7th Sense’ chose an amazing lineup of members for the first-ever NCT song and the melody is one known to many. ‘The 7th Sense’ experimented with many R&B, Hip-Hop, and trap elements to truly showcase NCT U’s sound. This debut song is like no other, making it stand apart from the crowd and showing off its own individuality through its sound and performance. Each member shone in their own way and when placed together, it made for an outstanding, everlasting song. The members paired for ‘The 7th Sense’ was so unforgettable that they regrouped as a unit and released their latest track, ‘Baggy Jeans’.

6. EVERGLOW - ‘Bon Bon Chocolat’

With girl crush vibes and a rockstar sound, EVERGLOW’s debut single was highly anticipated by international fans. Known as monster rookies, EVERGLOW debuted in 2019 with the title track ‘Bon Bon Chocolat’. Their debut track showed just what the girls are capable of, as they pulled off powerful choreo behind an addictive hip-hop EDM synth sound. Their debut MV gathered nearly 3 million views in less than 24 hours. The group continued their fierce girl crush concept as the songs following their debut kept up their high energy and commanding performances.

7. CIX - ‘Movie Star’

Not even a week after their debut CIX won their first award, ‘Movie Star’ deserves all the praise in the world. It was one of the highlight debuts of 2019 and is still discussed 4 years after its release. ‘Movie Star’ sets a sensual scene, delivering soothing vocals and amazing visuals to back them up. The lyrics of the song talk about a woman who the members are so mesmerized by that she’s like a movie star to them. It’s hard not to feel your heart skip when you’re listening to their debut track. With powerhouse vocals, amazing stage presence, and looks that could make anyone swoon, CIX is the package deal. Not only that, their B-sides are criminally underrated.

What’s your favorite K-Pop group’s debut? Why is it your favorite? Let us know in the comments!