There’s just something about a retro-themed comeback that will excite a lot of K-Pop listeners. Retro is a concept that isn’t really seen a lot in K-Pop, but when it’s done, it’s always a sight to see. Now let’s take it back to some retro-inspired K-Pop songs that are always a joy to listen to.

“RETRO FUTURE” - Triple H

We can’t talk about groups doing retro concepts and not talk about the queen and kings of retro. Triple H was a former group under Cube Entertainment. The members HyunA, Hui, and DAWN released this song on July 18, 2018, and this song was featured on their EP titled REtro Futurism. The synth-funk sound of the music took listeners back in time, and it was nice to hear a new sound.

“HOME;RUN” - SEVENTEEN

“HOME;RUN” is a jazz, funk-inspired song that rocked our worlds. The song was released on October 19, 2020, on SEVENTEEN’s album ;[Semicolon]. The members Woozi, Seungkwan, and Vernon all took part in the production of this song, with each of them either writing the lyrics or composing the music. This ‘70s-inspired video was executed beautifully. The outfits, set, and overall theme were amazing to see. SEVENTEEN can pull off any concepts handed to them and they can for sure add retro to their list.

SEVENTEEN (세븐틴) 'HOME;RUN' Official MV

“Why So Lonely” - Wonder Girls

Wonder Girls is a former group that was under JYP Entertainment. On July 4, 2016, Wonder Girls released their reggae-inspired song “Why So Lonely.” Before hearing the song, just from the album cover alone, viewers get the hint that this comeback was going to be retro-themed. This ‘60s-inspired comeback has it all: the bright colorful outfits, and Barbie-inspired sets. This song was something new that many of us had never heard before. The fact that the members Hyerim, Sunmi, and Yubin were able to write this song, and also all the members were able to play their instruments made this even better for us all. 

“You Problem” - MONSTA X

This feel-good song gets MONBEBEs excited every time we hear it. MONSTA X released this catchy disco-pop song on December 10, 2021. This song is featured on their second English album titled The Dreaming. MONSTA X is a well-known group under Starship Entertainment. The members Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Joohoney, and I.M were all able to show off their amazing talent in this song. The video and lyrics showcase the bright, cheerful, and colorful vibe of this song. It also showcases the retro theme as well. The disco-pop sound was so much fun for listeners to hear and seeing it live is an experience of its own. The sound alone makes you want to stand up and dance along. 

“days gone by(행복했던 날들이었다)” - DAY6

If you like rock bands and K-Pop, then you know about DAY6. DAY6 is a pop-rock band under JYP Entertainment. The group consists of now four members, but when this song was released there were five. On December 10, 2018, the band released their title track “days gone by(행복했던 날들이었다)” which was featured on their album Remember Us: Youth Part 2. During this time, members Sungjin, Young K, Wonpil, Dowoon, and former member Jae showed My Days and other K-Pop listeners that they could take it back in time. The titled track took it back to the ‘80s with the electronic, synth, and pop-rock sound and the overall theme of the video. The outfits gave the ‘60s while the set and lighting showed the true ‘80s theme they were going for. It was something that we would all love to see again.

Edited by Vivian N.