Rolling Stone has released its impressive list of the 250 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century so far, which includes four K-pop songs from BTS, BLACKPINK, Girls’ Generation, and NewJeans, alongside global icons and chart-toppers. What makes these tracks stand out? Why did they beat thousands of others? Let’s explore the beats, emotions, and moments that earned these K-pop songs a spot in Rolling Stone’s list of the Greatest Songs of the 21st Century so far.
K-Pop Songs Make Rolling Stone’s List of the 250 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century So Far
K-pop isn’t just a genre, it’s a movement. These four songs didn’t just climb charts. They opened doors, crossed borders, and touched many hearts.
Each song defines a different moment in K-pop’s journey to the global stage. Some made us dance. Others made us cry. But all of them proved K-pop has something meaningful to say.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes these songs unforgettable.
K-pop Greatest Songs That Made Global History
“Spring Day” by BTS: A Ballad That Became a Healing Anthem
If you’ve ever felt stuck in winter, try to hear the 2017 song from BTS, “Spring Day.” This ballad quickly became more than just a song. It’s a message of hope, grief, and healing.
The lyrics speak of waiting through pain and loss. Rolling Stone described it as turning personal grief into a powerful anthem. Many fans linked it to the 2014 Sewol Ferry tragedy because it conveys such raw emotion. When RM sings, “I wish to end this winter,” it hits deep.
The music starts softly. Then it grows into something big—just like the feelings we carry. The production uses simple guitar chords, layered vocals, and soaring choruses. It’s not flashy. It’s honest.
Rolling Stone placed it at No. 37, the highest K-pop ranking on the list. Why? Because it shows that pop can be poetic. That music in another language can still speak your truth. “Spring Day” serves as a poignant reminder. Even in loss, spring comes.
“Ddu-Du Ddu-Du” by BLACKPINK: K-pop’s Global Power Play
Ready to feel unstoppable?
BLACKPINK’s 2018 hit “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du” is all about power, style, and showing the world who’s the boss.
From the first beat, the song grabs you. Trap snares twist with glitchy synths. The sound is fierce and futuristic.
Each member of BLACKPINK brings her own flavor—rap, vocals, visuals. The song’s title comes from an onomatopoeia, mimicking the sound of shooting. It’s bold, playful, and unforgettable.
Rolling Stone called it the sound of an “insurgency.” That’s no small word. It means BLACKPINK wasn’t just making music. They were leading a movement.
When the song dropped, K-pop was pushing hard into Western markets. This track said, “We’re not following. We’re taking over.”
Ranked at No. 142, it stands as a turning point. “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du” didn’t just break YouTube records. It broke expectations. And it showed that a girl group from Korea could own the global stage—with no apologies.
“Gee” by Girls’ Generation: The Birth of a K-pop Era
Think back to 2009. Before BTS. Before TikTok. There was “Gee.”
This song by Girls’ Generation (SNSD) gained widespread popularity across Asia. It’s fun, bubbly, and super catchy.
Rolling Stone called it a “hopped-up earworm” full of bright synths and snare drums. It’s cute—on purpose. In Korea, this style is known as aegyo. And no one did it better.
The song’s lyrics talk about first love and butterflies in your stomach. It’s light. But don’t be fooled—its impact was huge. Girls’ Generation became Korea’s “Nation’s Girl Group” thanks to it. “Gee” wasn’t just a hit. It became the model for dozens of girl groups to follow.
Rolling Stone placed it at No. 170. That shows respect. It’s not about deep sadness or fancy beats. It’s about joy. Pure, colorful, confident pleasure. And in a world that sometimes feels heavy, that joy matters more than ever.
“Hype Boy” by NewJeans: A Viral Hit with Bittersweet Timing
NewJeans may be on hiatus now, but their music still echoes. Their hit “Hype Boy,” released in 2022, made waves fast. Rolling Stone ranked it No. 206—and for good reason.
The song seamlessly blends fresh and retro elements in a way that feels just right. Lo-fi beats meet early-2000s R&B vibes. The production is light, crisp, and clean. The vocals are soft but full of feeling.
Here’s what makes it special: real youth energy. Member Hanni, only 17 at that time, co-write the lyrics. It’s a love song, but it’s also a mood. Rolling Stone even joked that it was so addictive that it made the entire Korean military dance on TikTok.
Now that NewJeans is on an indefinite break, “Hype Boy” feels even more poignant. It reminds us of what they gave us in such a short time: fun, freshness, and a new direction for K-pop. And when they come back—if they do—this song will still be waiting.
Which K-pop Song Do You Think Deserves the Crown?
These four songs each tell a different story. But together, they show us one thing. K-pop is not just music. It’s emotion, movement, and memory.
So now it’s your turn. Which K-pop song deserves a spot in Rolling Stone’s list of the Greatest Songs of the 21st Century so far? Please drop your answer in the comments below.
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