[Bonus] Best Of 2008 (And Earlier)

If I was hardcore I'd have remembered the exact day and month I got into Kpop but as a scrub I only know fall 2009 is when I started really getting into this field. Thus anything here is primarily thanks to history, legacy, and lore. Here are the best of what Kpop offered during the mid-2000's.

#10. Younha - Password 486

Even though her "Someday" album is the true masterpiece of the early Younha era, I had to go with "Password 486" because it's more iconic. Younha was already doing work in Japan but this release put her on the spotlight in her native country. The pop rock elements and her strong voice are the driving forces behind a cute song. Check out Younha killing it with some younger stars earlier this year.

#9. Kim Jongkook - One Man

Ballads used to be king back in the day. Gummy, Davichi, etc. Kim Jongkook was no exception and his "mosquito voice" works its magic here. I never talk about lyrics but that last chorus, damn. It's honestly one of the most memorable ballads in Korean music history. Kim Jongkook has stayed relevant over the years doing music and variety, so his longevity is impressive. Too bad the MV isn't found anywhere on Youtube. This breaks the continuity early on, oh well.

#8. SHINee - Love Like Oxygen

SHINee was a group that never truly impressed me. They had good songs throughout their time but prior to "View" and "Married To The Music" didn't have a superstar track in my eyes (or ears). But the R&B-infused "Love Like Oxygen" was one of their best song for years. Jonghyun and Onew were very impressive back in their debut year - especially since their label didn't have status as a vocal juggernaut developer back then.

#7. Lee Hyori - U-Go-Girl

When it comes to female artists in Korea, there are two that have tremendous amount of respect and history. Lee Hyori is of course one of them, and "U-Go-Girl" is the self-confident pop anthem for all girls in the world. Groups are still doing covers of this song in 2018. Her music has taken a backseat to personal life and other endeavors but her legacy continues to live on.

#6. Girls' Generation - Girls' Generation

Dance pop has come in waves, but 2007-2009 was primetime for such a genre. Girls' Generation's first comeback - casually naming it after themselves - was a perfect example of that era's dance pop formula. The song is catchy and shows off some member's vocal talent. The sweaters / football numbers provided a nice aesthetic (Taeyeon's hairstyle is a different story) and they even teased instruments throughout the MV. Of course then they never gave us a band subunit, for shame.

#5. Epik High - Fan

Another legend enters the fray. Epik High have been around for eons and "Fan" is one of their many masterpieces. They blended so many genres effortlessly and even their early music depicts such artistry. To bring up lyrics again, this was ahead of its time since Kpop hadn't taken off yet though I'm sure there were plenty of crazy stalker fans back in the day, too. Unfortunately I decided to have one song selection per artist because otherwise this list would be comprised of two or three artists only. "Fan" narrowly beats out "One" for placement here.

#4. BoA - My Name

No 2000's list is complete with a BoA selection. That would be a crime punishable by death. BoA simply has too many songs to choose from so I went with my personal favorite (aw shucks there's that bias getting in the way again). BoA dropping a song like this that early on in her career is ridiculously impressive no matter what era. I'm not sure what style that instrumental is based off of, but damn do I like it and so did everyone else in 2004.

#3. TVXQ - Mirotic

This entire list has powerful combatants and perhaps none as powerful as TVXQ in their prime. Many fans will point to their plethora of releases but none as influential as "Mirotic." "Mirotic" was too sexy that the lyrics got called into question. I don't remember if that got them banned from performances but you know how conservative Korea is. Before the shirtless 2PM and youthful BTS, there was TVXQ.

#2. Wonder Girls - Nobody

When "Nobody" starts, everyone and their mom knows what to do. The song is stupid catchy, super well-produced, and super fun. Sunye and Yeeun don't have to do much singing-wise while Yubin drops a hot rap to wrap things up. Even the music video is legendary by itself (those outfits are classic). There's an English version too, though it didn't take a genius to rewrite the song with English lyrics. "Nobody" will always be associated with Kpop's best.

#1. Big Bang - Haru Haru

Nothing tops this. "Haru Haru" might be the best song of the decade, let alone the year it was released. Big Bang was still new to the scene and this energetic ballad is one of their strongest releases of all time. The flighty rap battle, the strings in the chorus, and the blend of voices create a magnificent creation. MV-wise it's a heartbreaking concept even if the acting can be cringe but hey this was 2008. "Haru Haru" hasn't exactly been covered by the newer generation but a remake would be amazing and this is one of few songs I'd actually love seeing redone with modern technology.