K-pop girl groups are often hailed as digital powerhouses, consistently dominating streaming platforms with chart-topping hits. While only a select few boy groups achieve similar digital success, girl groups have long reigned supreme on platforms like Melon—South Korea’s largest music streaming service and a key indicator of K-pop popularity.
Let’s check out the most popular girl group songs on Melon each year over the past decade that captured the hearts of listeners nationwide.
2015: SHAKE IT by SISTAR
In the golden summer of 2015, SISTAR brought the heat with “SHAKE IT.” The addictive summer classic quickly became a seasonal staple. With its vibrant brass line and infectious chorus, “SHAKE IT” showcased SISTAR’s signature sexy yet playful concept and became the most popular girl group song on Melon that year.
2016: CHEER UP by TWICE
TWICE took the K-pop scene by storm with their catchy cheerleader-inspired hit “CHEER UP.” Not only did it give us the viral “shy shy shy” moment, but it also won ‘Song of the Year’ at multiple award shows. The track’s genre-hopping production and TWICE’s bubbly energy made it 2016’s most popular girl group hit on Melon.
2017: KNOCK KNOCK by TWICE
Continuing their chart-topping reign, TWICE delivered “KNOCK KNOCK” in early 2017. The song’s bright pop sound and charming choreography made it a nationwide hit. It dominated streaming charts, including Melon, becoming the most popular girl group song on the platform that year, solidifying TWICE’s status as the leading K-pop girl group.
2018: BBoom BBoom by MOMOLAND
MOMOLAND shook the K-pop world with the viral phenomenon “BBoom BBoom” in 2018. Its quirky beat drop, playful energy, and iconic dance made it an unexpected smash hit that became the most popular girl group song of the year on Melon. The song’s massive popularity propelled MOMOLAND into the spotlight and defined their breakout moment.
2019: DALLA DALLA by ITZY
ITZY entered the K-pop scene with their smash hit debut track “DALLA DALLA,” which became the most popular girl group song on Melon in 2019. The song’s genre-blending production and the members’ talents captivated listeners both in South Korea and globally, cementing ITZY as rookies to watch.
2020: Psycho by Red Velvet
Red Velvet closed out 2019 with “Psycho,” but its impact carried on into 2020. The sultry, dramatic track showcased the group’s versatility, blending lush vocals with a haunting arrangement. A certified smash hit, “Psycho” became one of Red Velvet’s most popular songs. It was a streaming powerhouse on charts, including Melon, throughout the year.
2021: Rollin’ by Brave Girls
In one of K-pop’s most unexpected and surprising moments, Brave Girls’ 2017 track “Rollin’” became a smash hit in 2021 thanks to a viral compilation video of their performances. The song rocketed up the Melon charts, eventually peaking at #1, and brought long-overdue recognition to the group. It ended up becoming the most popular girl group song on the platform that year.
2022: LOVE DIVE by IVE
IVE has been a chart-topping force since their debut, and their breakout hit “LOVE DIVE” only cemented their rise. The sleek and elegant track resonated with listeners, thanks to its addictive hook and flawless production. “LOVE DIVE” became the most popular 2022 girl group song on Melon, solidifying IVE as a top-tier girl group.
2023: Ditto by NewJeans
NewJeans took the K-pop world by storm since their debut, and the comeback hit “Ditto” was the crown jewel of their breakout. With nostalgic Y2K aesthetics and emotionally layered lyrics, “Ditto” resonated deeply across all age groups. It achieved the rare feat of perfect all-kills and was 2023’s most popular girl group song on Melon.
2024: FATE by (G)I-DLE
(G)I-DLE’s powerful B-side track “FATE” dominated charts, achieving the Perfect All-Kill. Known for their self-produced music, “FATE” is another artistic triumph for the group that climbed to the top of the charts, proving their staying power in the ever-competitive girl group landscape. It was the most popular girl group song on Melon last year.
The evolution of K-pop girl groups is reflected in Melon’s yearly chart-toppers. Each song not only defined a moment in time but also highlighted the dynamic shifts in style, sound, and storytelling that continue to shape the genre.
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