Some of the most iconic artists in K-Pop are from the 2nd generation, ranging from 2003 through 2011. Let’s put them head-to-head in a save one, drop one showdown.
For these generation showdowns, I am pitting each group’s debut track against each other. If a debut track couldn’t be used, I went with an early song in their discography. I also tried pairing groups based on similar concepts or musicality. Don’t forget to place your own votes for which songs to save in the polls!
Go by Epik High vs. Wanna B by Block B
I like both songs, by Wanna B is more my preference. Old-school hip hop is not what I gravitate toward, so I’m saving Block B.
HUG by TVXQ! vs. Twins by Super Junior
Definitely saving Twins by Super Junior. Hug just isn’t my favorite genre of music, so this will probably be the only time I listen to this song to be honest.
Come Closer Brown Eyed Girls vs. Push Push by Sistar
This is a similar situation to the previous matchup. Come Closer is just not a genre I gravitate towards, so I got a little bored listening to it. So I am saving Push Push by Sistar.
We belong together by BIGBANG vs. Clap by TEEN TOP
Both songs are very much in a style of song that was popular in the early 2000s and honestly sounds dated now. I prefer the pop style over the R&B, so I’m saving Clap by Teen Top.
Irony by Wonder Girls vs. Into the New World by SNSD
I honestly find Irony more interesting to listen to, despite the very 2000s sound. Into The New World sounds like it belongs in a movie and is too blissfully optimistic sounding for me. So Wonder Girls is saved this round.
Break It by Kara vs. LA chA TA by f(x)
Break It reminds me of Britney Spear’s style, which I was admittedly a fan of in the early 2000s so I already gravitated towards it. LA chA Ta is fine but it sounds very one-note throughout. So I am saving Break It by Kara.
Replay by SHINee vs. 10 Out of 10 by 2PM
Replay is the only song in this post that I had in my playlist already. It is also one of the best debut tracks to exist in my opinion. I did enjoy listening to 10 Out of 10, but I don’t think any song in this post could beat Replay for me. SHINee is saved this round.
Fire by 2NE1 vs. Hot Issue by 4Minute
This pairing is probably the hardest for me to choose one to save. But I am ultimate choosing Fire by 2NE1 because I find it more unique and it perfectly introduces the group’s concept.
Come Back Again by INFINITE vs. O.K by B1A4
I’m glad neither of these songs sound dated. O.K is very catchy and I am one to lean towards the clearly pop sound. Come Back Again caught my attention for sure, but I know I’m more likely to listen to O.K again, so B1A4 is saved this time.
I don’t Know by Apink vs. Bad Girl Good Girl by miss A
I Don’t Know is a perfect example of the stereotyped sound people who haven’t listened to K-Pop think it is. And there is nothing inherently wrong with that, but it is not the style of song I enjoy. So my save goes to Miss A’s Bad Girl Good Girl. I can do without JYP’s introduction on every debut song though.
Which 2nd gen artist is your favorite? Let me know with a comment!
