Last week, one of my coworkers asked me to help her get into K-Pop which left me with what felt like an impossible question to answer: where do I start? She knows nothing of K-Pop outside of “Gangnam Style” and who Jungkook is, so I did my best to pull from a little bit of anything to give her the full K-Pop experience. For anyone looking to get their friends into the K-Pop lifestyle, here are my picks from the past decade below!

“Lucifer” - SHINee

Just like the group that sings the song, SHINee’s “Lucifer” from 2010 did so much for K-Pop. Between setting the bar for K-Pop choreography as we know it today and TAEMIN’s iconic striped shirt (you know which one I’m talking about), “Lucifer” and SHINee are the perfect starting point for any budding K-Pop fan.

“STEP” - KARA

KARA’s “STEP” from 2011 is simply quintessential K-Pop: it’s loud, it’s colorful, and it’s fun. The visual aspect of K-Pop is essential to the experience of being a K-Pop fan, and with the aesthetics of the “STEP” music video, it’s easy to see why. Visuals aside, the song was even ranked one of the “Greatest K-Pop Songs of All Time” by Spin Magazine in 2012.

“The Chaser” - INFINITE

It’s no wonder many fans’ first recommendation is INFINITE’s “The Chaser.” The song is a classic of classics. “The Chaser” is one of those songs that tends to transcend personal taste—the gritty guitars and grungy concept appease fans of darker K-Pop while the upbeat tempo and intricate choreography can make any bubblegum K-Pop fan happy. It’s a given that Billboard ranked the song as the No.1 K-Pop song of 2012.

“I GOT A BOY” - Girls’ Generation

Anyone knows that Girls’ Generation is simply synonymous with K-Pop. 2013’s “I GOT A BOY” is notable for its mashing of styles and genres—proving that the girls could do it all. It’s a song that shouldn’t work, but it without a doubt does. The iconic music video was even awarded “Video of the Year” at the first YouTube Music Awards. And who could forget Jessica’s famous “Don’t stop, let’s bring it back to 140” line? Ayo GG!

“COME BACK HOME” - 2NE1

K-Pop simply isn’t K-Pop without its resident badass queens 2NE1. “COME BACK HOME” topped domestic music charts, resulting in the track becoming one of the best-selling K-Pop songs in 2014. The music video for “COME BACK HOME” also garnered critical acclaim for its visual storytelling; for a song already so good, the music video kicks it up a notch in a way that only K-Pop could.

“DOPE” - BTS

Nowadays, most people know BTS through hit songs like “Boy With Luv” or “IDOL,” but their flashy style of today originated in 2015’s “DOPE.” With a fun concept, pinpoint choreography, and unparalleled charisma, “DOPE” shows BTS at their best, long before they were dominating the industry. Ask any longtime BTS fan and there’s a chance that they’ll say “DOPE” is what got them into the ARMY life.

“TT” - TWICE

Is there anything more iconic in recent K-Pop than TWICE’s “TT?” The answer is no. Between cute point choreography and one of the catchiest choruses in years, it’s no surprise that “TT” helped TWICE become one of K-Pop’s leading girl groups. Throw in the song’s Halloween-inspired music video and “TT” is easily one of K-Pop’s most fun releases.

“Red Flavor” - Red Velvet

K-Pop was literally made for summer and no song proves this better than Red Velvet’s 2017 hit “Red Flavor.” With flawless vocals, colorful brass runs, and a fruit-inspired concept, “Red Flavor” is what every summer bop wishes it could be. Has summer ever sounded better? We think not. And Korea must agree: the song rises back up the charts every year.

“Love Scenario” - iKON

iKON’s hit “Love Scenario” was awarded “Song of the Year” at both the 2018 Melon Music Awards and the Golden Disc Awards and it’s easy to tell why with just one listen. “Love Scenario” has a certain charm to it not often found in many releases; its catchiness even led to the song being banned in Korean classrooms. If that’s not revolutionary, I’m not sure what is.

“WONDERLAND” - ATEEZ

In just the past year, ATEEZ has taken K-Pop by storm. Many groups today are leaning towards darker concepts and perhaps no one does it better than this rookie group. With a very in-your-face approach to K-Pop and a powerful stage presence to match, the boys of ATEEZ show off their skills in 2019’s “WONDERLAND.” Yes, it’s true. All eyes are on you now.