9 Breakout Songs by SM Entertainment Artists That Even Non-'Pink Bloods' Know

By Eunice Dawson Aug 21, 2022

These nine K-pop songs are extremely popular that almost all K-pop enthusiasts, regardless of the fandom, know it! Which one is your favorite?

Prior to their long-lasting success, most K-pop groups launched by SM Entertainment, such as EXO, NCT and aespa took a while before they were acknowledged by K-pop fans.

Fortunately, with their "breakout" songs, these nine artists were all able to cement their status in the music scene as top-tier idol groups. In fact, the listed below songs are popular among music fans despite not being SM stans, also known as "Pink Bloods."

Here Are 9 Breakout Songs That Established SM Entertainment Groups' Popularity:

1. TVXQ – 'Hug'

TVXQ became massively popular with "Mirotic," but before that, the originally five-member group was recognized by the mainstream fans through their song, "Hug," released in 2004.

Initially, the song didn't do well on the charts but was later on loved by the public for the group's impressive harmony and vocal tones.

2. Super Junior – 'Sorry Sorry'

In K-pop, Super Junior's "Sorry Sorry," which was dropped in 2009, is indeed timeless and considered the most digitally successful song of the group.

In fact, the song was super successful it remained on top of the South Korean chart for 3 consecutive years!

This earworm track also established the group's status beyond Korea as "Hallyu Kings."

3. Girls’ Generation – 'Gee'

Although SNSD's debut with "Into the New World" was considered a success in Korea, it was not until the group unveiled their song "Gee" that the eight-member team strengthened their stardom across Asia.

The song's MV is also one of the first songs that went viral on YouTube, emphasizing the importance of the internet and social media to the growth of K-pop.

4. SHINee – 'Ring Ding Dong'

Even if you're not a fan of SHINee, for sure you are also familiar with this song! In 2009, the song became huge for its addictive sound and marked the quintet's popularity outside Korea.

When you listen to this song with the iconic repetitive lyrics, "Ring Ding Dong," it's really hard to get it out of your head. Due to this, the song was "banned" by students taking their college or work examination.

5. f(x) – 'Electric Shock'

When f(x) debuted, they gained attention for their experimental sound, so different from their sister group SNSD. There were even criticisms about the music they want to pursue, but fans eventually fell in love with f(x) after releasing the track "Electric Shock" in 2012.

With this song, the quartet became the third girl group to reach 100 million YouTube views.

6. EXO – 'Growl'

Initially, EXO was named as "flops" for not being able to meet the "standard" their senior male groups set, such as TVXQ, Super Junior and SHINee.

But in 2013, the group completely turned the table with "Growl," which is the quintessential “breakout” song. Aside from being the "Song of the Year" at MMA 2013 at that time, the song also contributed to the album, "XOXO," selling over one million physical album copies, the first time in 12 years.

7. Red Velvet – 'Red Flavor'

Red Velvet has been known for their vibrant and refreshing songs since debut, but it was in 2017 when the group solidified their status in the music scene with "Red Flavor."

This is also the song that cemented their title as "Summer Queen," with the song becoming a "summer anthem."

8. NCT U – 'Boss'

In 2018, NCT dropped the track "Boss" under NCT 2018 project. When the song was dropped, it gained immense love for its experimental sound and choreography.

Unexpectedly, this song didn't only gain recognition in South Korea but also marked the group's fame across North America.

9. aespa – 'Next Level'

In 2020, aespa debuted with "Black Mamba," introducing "ai" and their unique worldview. Initially, their entry into the music industry received mixed reactions, are some deemed the group's concept confusing and messy.

However, the following year, the quartet suddenly enjoyed massive popularity after releasing, "Nevel Level," their breakout song.