BTS and BLACKPINK are ignored when Korean netizens select the ultimate hits of each K-pop idol generation
Korean netizens select the “ultimate hit of each idol generation”
Recently, discussions on the “ultimate hit of each idol generation” emerged on Korean forums. While musical tastes vary, the selection was based on criteria like domestic achievements and the ability to make an impact, often termed as “public picks.” This topic attracted significant attention, generating contrasting views on the sóng chosen by Korean netizens.
In particular, the original topic selected these 8 songs as the “ultimate hits of each generation,” divided by male and female artists:
- 1st Gen: H.O.T – “Candy,” Fin.K.L – “Eternal Love.”
- 2nd Gen: BIGBANG – “Lies,” Wonder Girls – “Tell Me.”
- 3rd Gen: EXO – “Growl,” TWICE – “Cheer Up.
- 4th Gen: TXT – “Sugar Rush Ride,” NewJeans – “Hype Boy.”
Mixed reactions to the absence of BTS and BLACKPINK
The chosen 8 songs are considered outstanding K-pop hits, marking significant milestones in the careers of the featured artists. However, some representatives fail to convince the majority of the audience.
In particular, many debate over the two songs representing the 3rd generation. With the explosive popularity of BTS and BLACKPINK, it seems that when discussing recent K-pop years, these two names would come to mind first. Nevertheless, the “ultimate hit” songs belong to EXO – “Growl” and TWICE – “Cheer Up,” causing confusion for many.
Looking at achievements, BTS owns “Spring Day,” the longest-charting song on MelOn since its release in 2016, considered BTS’s first national hit. Meanwhile, “Dynamite,” released in 2020, was a true explosion for BTS, earning unprecedented success from domestic to international charts. As a result, many are confused as to why these two songs were not selected over “Growl”.
At the same time, others argue that in terms of domestic achievement, it is iKON’s “Love Scenario” that dominates, and that this song should be considered the ultimate hit of 3rd gen male artists.
Meanwhile, the case is a bit different in the female idol category, as BLACKPINK’s undoubted have hits, but most believed these to “not be enough” to dethrone TWICE.
Nowadays, BLACKPINK has conquered numerous milestones and established themselves as the “world’s number one girl group”. However, they never received a Daesang (Grand Prize) in Korea.
It is undeniable that BLACKPINK’s releases exploded globally. However, TWICE was an undisputed “Korean public pick” during the group’s earlier years, and everyone in Korean has been addicted to “Cheer Up”. Therefore, it is challenging to determine the overall “ultimate song” of 3rd generation girl group.
NewJeans undisputed, but TXT questioned
Regarding the 4th generation, NewJeans’s debut song “Hype Boy” is recognized as the “ultimate hit.” However, TXT’s “Sugar Rush Ride” raised skepticism among the public, as there is an apparent difference in popularity between this song and NewJeans’.
In recent years, male groups have gradually lost influence, lagging behind leading female groups like NewJeans, IVE, (G)I-DLE, aespa, and so on, and TXT is no exception.
Overall, 4th generation K-pop boy groups perform well in terms of revenue and album sales, but fall short in digital music and public recognition. In other words, TXT’s “Sugar Rush Ride” is indeed popular for a boy group, but is far from being recognized by the public, and thus its position as an “ultimate hit” is questioned.
Below are some comments on the aforementioned “ultimate hits”:
- Seeing TXT there…. 4th gen male idols are not doing well on Korean charts at all
- Shouldn’t it be “Dynamite” instead of “Growl”?
- BTS and BLACKPINK are both ignored.. What is this list even based on
- “Growl” was viral, I admit, but is it at the “ultimate hit” level?
- TWICE was the public’s pick in Korea undoubtedly. What’s there to debate?
- Where is BLACKPINK and BTS? Is there anyone in this ranking more famous than them?
- SM fans dominate Pann. Ignoring “Spring Day” and “Dynamite” for Growl is absurd.
- When it comes to the 3rd generation, “Love Scenario” did the best…
- There’s no male idol who is a public pick in the 4th gen at all.
Source: Pann, K14
