Third-generation girl group BESTie went back on stage over the weekend to perform their 2013 single “Love Options,” following the song’s resurgence on Asian music charts. While songs blowing up years after their initial release occur sometimes, take BBGIRLS’s “Rollin’” for example, it is rare for a song released over a decade ago to receive the same treatment. With BESTie back in action after their presumed disbandment, now is an ideal time to explore the group’s history and the conditions that allowed “Love Options” to thrive in 2026.

BESTie’s Debut: “Pitapat”

BESTie debuted on July 11, 2013, with the single “Pitapat.” Under YNB Entertainment, Hyeyeon, Uji, Dahye, and Haeryung debuted in a very 2010s fashion with a pop song infused with sweet vocals and doses of autotune. With a bright color palette, members wearing similar clothing styles with slight alterations—short shorts, knee-high socks, and crop tops—and sets with geometric patterns, “Pitapat” comes in line with the era it premiered in. Its music video also comes with notable cameo appearances from comedian Yoo Seyoon, 2AM’s Jo Kwon, and MONSTA X’s Shownu before he debuted.

BESTie’s First Comeback: “Love Options”

The group’s future megahit “Love Options” was released on October 17, 2013. With producer Brave Brothers behind this bouncy disco song, it’s no wonder how the song eventually found new fame in 2026. Whereas “Pitapat” discusses the excitement of finding romance, “Love Options” discusses how difficult the task can be. BESTie describes their ideal type, someone who “kind of understands how girls feel,” not someone who “brags about himself all day.” Many young women can likely relate to this sentiment, regardless of the era.*

BESTie’s 2014: Digital Singles

After finishing up 2013 with their holiday single “Zzang Christmas (feat.Yoo Seyoon),” BESTie returned with “THANK U VERY MUCH” on February 28, 2014. “THANK U VERY MUCH” expresses relief from leaving a cheating ex-partner, saying, “You’re gone by yourself / I won’t be hurt anymore.”* The song mixes dance-pop and hip-hop, a duality reflected in its vocal performance. “THANK U VERY MUCH” goes back and forth between strong, clear vocals in choruses and pre-choruses and short, sassy rap verses.

BESTie’s First EP: Hot Baby

BESTie’s first EP, Hot Baby, came out on July 28, 2014. “Hot Baby” matches the summer season with an uplifting pop instrumental with many trumpet flourishes. The song talks about making unforgettable, romantic summer memories. The Hot Baby EP comes with seven tracks, including “THANK U VERY MUCH,” a remix of “Pitapat,” and “Like a star,” the group’s rock ballad made for their first anniversary.

BESTie’s Latest Release: Love Emotion

Months following their repackage album in August 2014, BESTie released their second EP, Love Emotion, on May 8, 2015. The title track “Excuse Me” relies heavily on a brass-filled instrumental with trumpets and saxophone. It thematically feels similar to “Love Options,” where BESTie describes traits of sleazy men and warns those men that the group will not be dismissed. They only want men who will love them fully.* Love Emotion remains the group’s last release before the group silently disbanded.

BESTie on Social Media: “Love Options” in a New Era

Short-form media platforms helped “Love Options” find a new audience. As of September, the song has featured in 30,000 YouTube Shorts, 570,000 TikTok clips, and 40,000 Instagram Reels. Its social media momentum translated into genuine chart performance, placing it within various Asian charts. “Love Options” has ranked No. 7 on Apple Music Korea’s Top 100 and the respective Top 100 charts in Singapore, Vietnam, and Taiwan. In response, BESTie prepared for new promotions, releasing a 2026 dance practice, and finally performing on Show! Music Core on October 31. Though it took many years, BESTie has come a long way from not generating income during their active years to having one of their earliest tracks creating a viral sensation across Asia.

*Note: lyrics taken from the English captions on the official music videos.

BESTie Reunites After “Love Options” Skyrockets in Popularity