The early 2000s music scene was a gem. Growing up back in an era where rock music was king, where Linkin Park, System of a Down, and Evanescence topped all the music charts, really shaped me into who I am today. Watching the music and aesthetics of that age being brought back in modern day K-Pop has been such a beautiful thing. This trend began to take hold in 2020, but has steadily grown in the last two years to the point that it feels like punk and metal are finally back in the mainstream after 20 years. Below are some of our favorite releases bringing back our favorite era.

ATEEZ - “Guerrilla”

This comeback truly was everything I’ve ever wanted from ATEEZ. Since debut I’ve loved the group's more intense sound and concepts, and having them bring back my favorite era is just a cherry on top. This is only the second K-Pop song released to feature a metal scream during Hongjoong’s verse. While the song mostly just features musical elements from metal rather than a base melody, the overall aesthetic of the song and the lyrics give off strong anarchy vibes. This is one of the hardest songs K-Pop has released so far, and with a black-heavy wardrobe and the return of the iconic studded belts, we’ve got the perfect modern day blend of K-Pop and metal.

Billlie - “RING ma Bell (what a wonderful world)”

So maybe heavy metal isn’t exactly your cup of tea. Well, much like other musical genres, there’s plenty of diversity in the intensity of rock music influenced tracks. If pop-punk is more your speed, Billlie’s latest comeback “RING ma Bell (what a wonderful world)” will be a new favorite. My first thought upon hearing this song was early Avril Lavigne. You get the strong vocals with the iconic electric guitar riffs and the pure punk aesthetics of fishnets, black and red outfits, and chains. What’s not to love about this comeback?

Xdinary Heroes - “Test Me”

Now if you want to talk about authentic rehashing of rock music, a full band is in order. Xdinary Heroes has definitely been bringing this back since their debut, but “Test Me” goes fully punk in both sound and fashion in the music video. With all the classic instruments at their disposal, the band has an upper hand on classic K-Pop acts in bringing more rock to the K-Pop world, and we love to see it.

Dreamcatcher - “Break The Wall”

Everyone knew Dreamcatcher would make this list, as the girls have been pioneers in bringing heavier metal themes into the K-Pop world. “Break The Wall” is a B-side, but it is the most true to the 2000 classics. This song sounds like it could have come directly from Evanescence. The strong vocals of the group along with the fierce guitar riffs are sure to give you goosebumps like no other song has before.

WOODZ - “I hate you”

WOODZ is officially in his pop-punk era with his latest comeback. WOODZ definitely isn’t standard K-Pop, as he tends to dive headfirst into the genres he tackles rather than simply incorporating it into a classic pop sound, which many mainstream groups tend to do. “I hate you” is punk to its core, from the use of a band to the angry lyrics and aesthetics of the video. This is definitely a good look for WOODZ.

aespa - “Girls”

Now this one is a surprise. While aespa has definitely been doing darker girl crush concepts, a heavy metal influenced song was still the last thing I expected. It’s not pure rock, as it definitely blends elements of dubstep and a classic pop beat, but we still love to see the heavier influences. The fashion also features heavy black, chains, and mesh among the futuristic cyberpunk aesthetic. 

TXT - “LO$ER=LO♡ER”

It’s no secret TXT (Tomorrow x Together) has been doing much darker concepts as of late. “LO$ER=LO♡ER” gives major My Chemical Romance vibes, though the vocals are a bit softer than a traditional rock track. Still, the composition of the song and the lyrics are classic, especially the build into a more intense sound in the chorus. It’s not the group’s darkest comeback, but it definitely fits the bill for the top 40 rock songs back in the 2000s.

Rolling Quartz - “Good Night” 

Yes, this release from Rolling Quartz is a cover of Dreamcatcher’s “Good Night,” but it is such an epic cover for adding even more heavy metal to the already fierce song. Rolling Quartz is doing something no one else in the Korean world is doing, and that’s being an absolutely sick girl band. Do you want heavy metal? You’ve got it in Rolling Quartz. Their entire discography belongs on this list.

PENTAGON - “Dr. BeBe”

Now this pick is less about the song and more about the concept, since PENTAGON somewhat pioneered this new wave of heavier concepts. “Dr. BeBe” is a dark, feral, and passionate comeback, punctuated by lyrics of a torturous but necessary love. As the video opens, we see the members and dancers blindfolded in a dark room flashing blood red, with all black and leather outfits accentuated by chains. The setting reminds me of early Linkin Park videos, and while the song doesn’t quite fit the bill, the overly intense concept absolutely does.

PinkFantasy - “Poison”

Since this music video came out, I have been raving about it, and for good measure. PinkFantasy is a girl group that doesn’t get much attention, but this comeback absolutely caught mine. This was the first K-Pop song to incorporate a metal scream into its composition, and the entire track features a strong and powerful electric guitar driving the beat. Of course the concept is metal as well, even depicting satanic images. It’s very ambitious for K-Pop, and that’s what we love so much about it. If you’re a metal fan and haven’t taken the time to check out this song, do it immediately.