Throwback Thursday: Headbangers

Sometimes you just gotta let down your hair and headbang—that’s why this week’s Throwback Thursday is here to bring you some of the most rocking K-Pop tracks. So take a stroll down memory lane and get ready to rock!

“Damaged Lady” - KARA

KARA came back in 2013 with their fourth full album Full Bloom, led by title track “Damaged Lady.” A driving guitar winds its way through poppy synths and electronic beats, but the rock influence is crystal clear on this track. Renowned as one of the pioneering girl groups of K-Pop, KARA’s accolades are numerous; “Damaged Lady” reached No. 4 on the Gaon Weekly Singles Chart and landed at No. 9 on the Billboard’s Korea K-Pop Hot 100.

“Password 486” - Younha

From her 2007 Korean debut album The Perfect Day to Say I Love You, Younha’s “Password 486” is pop-rock personified. With plenty of spunky piano and the perfect amount of guitars for a 2000’s pop song, Younha began her conquest of Korea on the brightest note, with the country loving their pop-rock princess ever since. 

“Deja Vu” - SS501

In 2008, SS501 released their third single, “Deja Vu.” Though undoubtedly still a pop song, the electric guitars throughout the melody give the song a certain bite. Throw in the group’s grunge rock concept with enough leather to tickle any metalhead’s fancy, and you have a recipe for rock success.

“Will” - Jeong Jinwoon feat. Tiger JK

Jeong Jinwoon’s 2016 solo debut song “Will” is certainly heavy on the rock vibes. The 2AM member definitely does not beat around the bush when he busts out a guitar himself in the music video. Featuring Tiger JK, “Will” is not only a declaration of Jinwoon’s accomplishments as an artist, but also a testament that rock and rap can fuse together brilliantly.