Kpop Songs That Took Time to Gain Popularity

While some Kpop songs see an immediate rise, others take a slower, more unexpected path to success. These late bloomers, initially overlooked, gain viral momentum long after their release, proving that sometimes it takes time for a song to truly find its audience and reach its full potential.

1. "Hold My Hand" – IU

A timeless ballad that captures IU’s unparalleled vocal beauty, “Hold My Hand” is a masterpiece that resonates deeply with listeners, proving its enduring appeal.

Released in 2011, the song only reached Melon’s Top 10 almost a decade after when IU performed the song live in 2019.



2. "Look at Me" – TWICE

This song’s infectious chorus and TWICE’s signature charm make it impossible not to sing along. It’s the kind of track that sticks with you long after it’s over.

Originally released in 2017, the song gained renewed attention in 2024 due to its catchy chorus going viral on TikTok.



3. "HAPPY" – DAY6

Overflowing with uplifting energy, "HAPPY" is a joyful anthem that showcases DAY6's incredible songwriting and instrumental talent. It’s pure musical happiness.

The song achieved a Perfect All-Kill (PAK) six months after its release, despite being a B-side track.



4. "BANG BANG BANG" – BIGBANG

BIGBANG’s iconic track is a pulse-pounding masterpiece with irresistible beats, a song that reignites passion every time it’s played. Its power only grows with time.

The song saw waves of popularity due to the game Just Dance, and spiked in popularity due to T.O.P, a member of BIGBANG, starring on the popular Netflix Series Squid Games. As of writing, BIGBANG has reached its highest monthly listeners peak on Spotify, despite being on hiatus for years.



5. "One of the Girls" – Jennie (with The Weeknd & Lily-Rose Depp)

A cross-genre gem, this song delivers a smooth blend of star power and magnetic melodies. Its enduring rise showcases its exceptional quality and global appeal.

Initially seen as a "disappointment" as it only debuted at #127 on Spotify Global Chart and dropped off immediately the next day despite The Weeknd's massive audience reach. At that time, The Weeknd was the artist with the most audience on Spotify at 100 million monthly listeners.

Four months later, it re-entered the Top 200, then climbed to the Top 100 after two weeks, Top 50 after another two weeks, and Top 10 after seven weeks. It peaked at #2 on the Spotify Global Chart and is now the longest-charting song by a Kpop soloist in the Spotify Global Top 50. Today, it is the most streamed song by a Korean female artist, with over 1.5 billion streams.



6. "H.S.K.T." – Lee Hi (feat. Wonstein)

With its catchy beat and smooth vocals, “H.S.K.T.” is a perfect example of how Lee Hi effortlessly captures hearts. The song’s infectious charm makes it a stand-out hit.

The song went viral on TikTok, leading to a sudden resurgence in popularity.



7. "Shine" – PENTAGON

“Shine” is a vibrant, upbeat anthem that exudes charisma, becoming a defining track for PENTAGON. Its journey to stardom is as triumphant as the song itself.

Although initially underrated, it slowly gained momentum through viral dance covers and social media, eventually becoming one of PENTAGON's most iconic songs.



8. "FATE" – (G)I-DLE

A powerful track that proves Soyeon’s songwriting prowess, “FATE” blends captivating melodies with raw emotion, making it an unforgettable hit.

Despite not being a title track, the song achieved a Perfect All-Kill (PAK) two months after its release.



9. "Up & Down" – EXID

"Up & Down" is a powerhouse of energy, and Hani’s iconic fancam turned it into a global sensation. It’s a song that captures the essence of EXID’s undeniable charisma.



10. "BBoom BBoom" – MOMOLAND

The ultimate party track, “BBoom BBoom” is an infectious anthem that dominates with its catchy chorus, cementing MOMOLAND’s place in K-pop history. The song took two months after release to climb the charts and gain mainstream success.





These late-blooming Kpop songs prove that success isn’t always instant. Whether it’s through a viral TikTok trend, a memorable performance, or the unwavering support of dedicated fans, some tracks take time to truly shine. Their journey from obscurity to fame is a testament to the power of persistence, social media influence, and the timeless appeal of great music.

These songs remind us that sometimes, the greatest hits are those that make their mark when least expected.