The Most Popular K-Pop Solo Song, Ranked

Choose the song you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 2, 2024 06:41
In the ever-changing landscape of K-Pop, solo artists shine with their unique styles and voices, attracting fans from all around the globe. As these artists release hit after hit, it becomes intriguing to see which songs rise to the top in the hearts of listeners. A ranked list of popular K-Pop solo songs provides a clear snapshot of current musical trends and fan favorites, highlighting the tracks that truly resonate with a diverse audience. By participating in ranking these songs, fans contribute to a dynamic celebration of musical artistry. Each vote is a show of support for the artist and their work, potentially influencing new listeners seeking the best of K-Pop's solo scene. This engagement ensures that the list remains fresh and reflective of real-time shifts in musical preferences, offering an engaging way for fans to interact with the music they love.

What Is the Most Popular K-Pop Solo Song?

  1. 1
    51
    votes
    This iconic song became a global phenomenon and holds the record for being the most-watched Korean music video on YouTube. It has over 3 billion views.
    Gangnam Style is a viral K-Pop solo song that gained international popularity. The upbeat and catchy song was released by the South Korean artist PSY in July 2012. It became a global phenomenon and is often credited for introducing K-Pop to a wider audience.
    • Release Date: July 2012
    • Genre: K-Pop, dance-pop
    • Length: 3 minutes and 39 seconds
    • Language: Korean
    • YouTube Views: Over 3 billion views (as of February 2021)
    Gangnam Style by PSY in other rankings
  2. 2
    42
    votes

    Ice Cream by BLACKPINK's Selena Gomez

    BLACKPINK, Selena Gomez
    This catchy and upbeat song has gained immense popularity since its release in August 2020. It has over 500 million views on YouTube.
    Ice Cream is a catchy and upbeat K-Pop solo song performed by BLACKPINK's Selena Gomez. The track combines elements of pop and hip-hop, showcasing the energetic and charismatic styles of both artists. With its lively rhythm and fun lyrics, Ice Cream quickly gained popularity worldwide and became a favorite among fans of K-Pop.
    • Release Date: August 28, 2020
    • Genre: K-Pop, Pop
    • Language: English, Korean
    • Duration: 2 minutes and 55 seconds
    • Music Video Director: Seo Hyun-seung
  3. 3
    19
    votes
    This collaboration between Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen and PSY became an instant hit and topped the charts in several countries.
    Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen (ft. PSY) is not a K-Pop solo song. It is actually a collaboration between Carly Rae Jepsen, a Canadian singer, and PSY, a South Korean singer and rapper. This song became extremely popular worldwide in 2012 and is known for its catchy melody and relatable lyrics. Despite its popularity, it is not considered a K-Pop song as it does not fall within the genre's typical characteristics.
    • Year of Release: 2012
    • Genre: Pop
    • Length: 3 minutes and 14 seconds
    • Album: Kiss
    • Language: English
  4. 4
    25
    votes

    Goodbye by Park Hyo Shin

    Park Hyo Shin
    This emotional ballad by Park Hyo Shin is considered one of the best K-Pop songs of all time. It has won numerous awards and has been covered by many artists.
    Goodbye by Park Hyo Shin is a soulful and emotional K-Pop solo song that tells a heartfelt story of parting ways with someone dear. It showcases Park Hyo Shin's exceptional vocal range and his ability to convey deep emotions through his powerful singing.
    • Genre: K-Pop / Ballad
    • Release Date: March 2014
    • Album: Wild Flower
    • Length: 5 minutes and 10 seconds
    • Lyricist: Kim Yi Na
  5. 5
    12
    votes
    This solo debut song by Rosé became an instant hit and topped the charts in several countries. It has over 200 million views on YouTube.
    Stay by BLACKPINK's Rosé is a popular K-Pop solo song sung by the member Rosé. It was released as a part of her solo debut album titled 'R'. The song combines elements of pop and acoustic genres, creating a heartfelt and emotional track. Stay showcases Rosé's vocal prowess and brings out her unique tonality, drawing listeners in with its soothing melody and relatable lyrics.
    • Genre: K-Pop, Pop, Acoustic
    • Album: R
    • Lyrics: Jisoo, Teddy, Rosé
    • Release Date: March 12, 2021
    • Label: YG Entertainment
  6. 6
    13
    votes
    This song by the former 2NE1 member CL is a powerful anthem that has become a fan favorite. It has over 100 million views on YouTube.
    I Am the Best by CL is a popular K-Pop solo song released in 2013. It was recorded by the South Korean singer-songwriter CL, who is a former member of the girl group 2NE1. The song gained immense popularity both domestically and internationally and is considered one of CL's signature songs. Its powerful and catchy blend of hip-hop, electronic, and Korean pop elements, along with CL's confident and fierce performance, resonated with listeners worldwide.
    • Release Year: 2013
    • Genre: K-Pop
    • Recorded by: CL
    • Album: The Baddest Female
    • Label: YG Entertainment
  7. 7
    12
    votes

    Agust D by BTS's Suga

    Suga (Agust D)
    This solo song by Suga showcases his rapping skills and has become a popular track among BTS fans. It has over 100 million views on YouTube.
    Agust D is a highly acclaimed K-Pop solo song by BTS's Suga, also known by his stage name Agust D. The song was released on August 16, 2016, under the label Big Hit Entertainment. It showcases Suga's rap skills and raw emotion, addressing personal struggles, mental health issues, and the pressures of fame. Agust D's powerful lyrics and intense delivery resonated with fans worldwide, propelling the song's popularity.
    • Release Date: August 16, 2016
    • Label: Big Hit Entertainment
    • Genre: Hip-hop, Rap
    • Lyrics by: Suga (Agust D)
    • Produced by: Suga (Agust D)
  8. 8
    12
    votes

    Palette by IU (ft. G-Dragon)

    IU (feat. G-Dragon)
    This collaboration between IU and G-Dragon became a chart-topper and has won several awards. It has over 100 million views on YouTube.
    Palette by IU (ft. G-Dragon) is a popular K-Pop solo song released in 2017. It serves as the title track of IU's fourth studio album, also titled 'Palette.' The song features a collaboration with G-Dragon, the leader of the renowned K-Pop boy group BIGBANG. 'Palette' is known for its comforting and introspective lyrics, which reflect IU's personal growth and experiences as she embraces her true self. The song's catchy melody, combined with IU's soothing vocals and G-Dragon's unique rap style, creates a dynamic and captivating sound.
    • Release Date: April 21, 2017
    • Genre: K-Pop, R&B
    • Album: Palette
    • Label: LOEN Entertainment
    • Duration: 3 minutes and 37 seconds
  9. 9
    3
    votes
    This hit song by Sunmi has a catchy beat and has become a fan favorite. It has over 200 million views on YouTube.
    Gashina is a popular K-Pop solo song performed by Sunmi, a South Korean singer-songwriter and former member of the girl group Wonder Girls. It was released on August 22, 2017, as the lead single from her extended play (EP) titled 'Gashina'. The song gained widespread recognition and became one of Sunmi's most successful solo tracks.
    • Release Date: August 22, 2017
    • Genre: K-Pop
    • Album: Gashina (EP)
    • Duration: 3 minutes and 8 seconds
    • Lyricist: Teddy Park, Sunmi
  10. 10
    5
    votes
    This song by iKON's B.I has become a popular track among K-Pop fans and has won several awards. It has over 400 million views on YouTube.
    Love Scenario by iKON's B.I is a popular K-Pop solo song that was released in 2018. It is a melodic and catchy track that showcases B.I's lyrical abilities and storytelling skills. The song talks about the bittersweet memories of a past love, delivering a heartfelt and relatable message to listeners. With its addictive chorus and memorable melody, Love Scenario quickly gained popularity and became one of iKON's biggest hits.
    • Release Date: January 25, 2018
    • Genre: K-Pop
    • Length: 3 minutes and 29 seconds
    • Lyrics By: B.I (iKON)
    • Composed By: B.I (iKON), Millennium

Missing your favorite song?

Graphs
Discussion

Ranking factors for popular song

  1. Chart performance
    Analyze how the song has performed on music charts, both domestically and internationally. High rankings on major charts, like the Gaon Chart in South Korea or Billboard's World Digital Songs chart, indicate the song's popularity.
  2. Music video views
    The number of views on the song's music video on platforms like YouTube can provide a strong indication of the song's popularity. Higher view counts often correlate with the song's success and popularity among fans.
  3. Sales and streaming figures
    Assess the song's digital sales and streaming numbers on popular platforms like iTunes, Spotify, and Melon. A high volume of sales and streams is a good indicator of the song's popularity.
  4. Awards and nominations
    A song that has received numerous accolades and recognition in the form of music awards and nominations showcases its popularity and success.
  5. Fan engagement
    Measure fan engagement on social media platforms, like Twitter and Instagram, and through fan communities and forums. Popular songs often generate high levels of discussion and sharing among fans.
  6. Live performances
    The frequency and scale of live performances, such as appearances on music shows or concerts, can indicate a song's popularity. The more often a song is performed live, the more well-known it may be.
  7. Critic reviews
    Positive reviews from music critics and publications can influence a song's success and popularity. Songs with high ratings and praise from music experts often gain more traction among fans.
  8. Impact on the artist's career
    Assess how the song has affected the artist's career in terms of popularity and growth. A popular solo song can propel an artist's career to new heights and garner them more attention.
  9. Longevity and staying power
    Consider how long the song has remained popular and relevant. Songs with lasting appeal and impact often demonstrate their popularity through chart longevity and continued fan engagement.
  10. Cultural impact
    Analyze the song's influence on popular culture and trends, both within the K-Pop industry and beyond it. Popular songs often integrate into mainstream culture and create lasting impressions on zeitgeist.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular K-Pop solo song. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1814 views
  • 186 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each song once every 24 hours. The rank of each song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular k-pop solo song

K-pop has taken the world by storm in recent years, with its infectious beats and dazzling choreography captivating fans across the globe. While K-pop groups are often the focus of attention, many solo artists have also made their mark on the industry. From ballads to upbeat dance tracks, K-pop solo songs offer a diverse range of music that appeals to fans of all ages. In this article, we'll explore the most popular K-pop solo songs and see which ones have captured the hearts of fans around the world. So, get ready to discover some of the best solo tracks that K-pop has to offer!

Share this article