Paul Xavier Jaehwa Bernardo

(From left) EXO's Sehun in the 'Monster' music video, BTS' Jungkook in 'Blood Sweat & Tears' and Blackpink's Jennie in 'Playing With Fire.' Screenshots from SM Town, HYBE Labels and Blackpink's YouTube channels

Article (news)

K-pop playback: 15 songs turning a decade old in 2026

Jaehwa Bernardo

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1767511398696composites5.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="(From left) EXO&#x27;s Sehun in the &#x27;Monster&#x27; music video, BTS&#x27; Jungkook in &#x27;Blood Sweat &amp; Tears&#x27; and Blackpink&#x27;s Jennie in &#x27;Playing With Fire.&#x27; Screenshots from SM Town, HYBE Labels and Blackpink&#x27;s YouTube channels"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">(From left) EXO&#x27;s Sehun in the &#x27;Monster&#x27; music video, BTS&#x27; Jungkook in &#x27;Blood Sweat &amp; Tears&#x27; and Blackpink&#x27;s Jennie in &#x27;Playing With Fire.&#x27; <em>Screenshots from SM Town, HYBE Labels and Blackpink&#x27;s YouTube channels</em></span></span></span></div><p>In 2026, a select group of K-pop songs will officially turn a decade old. While 10 years can feel like a lifetime in the fast-paced industry, many of these tracks remain so deeply ingrained in our memory that they still feel as fresh as the day they were released.</p><p>Revisiting them is also a reminder of how far K-pop’s biggest and most enduring acts have come. In 2016, for instance, BTS was already a force in K-pop, but few could have predicted the scale of the group’s global ascent in the years that followed — winning over international audiences and breaking into the US mainstream.</p><p>That same year, EXO, GOT7 and SEVENTEEN stood firmly among the leading boy groups, delivering hard-hitting releases, while female acts such as TWICE and Red Velvet put out bright, sugary pop with infectious melodies and hooks that lodged themselves firmly in the minds of listeners.</p><p>The year also marked a wave of new beginnings. Groups such as Blackpink, NCT, Pentagon, SF9 and Momoland made their official debuts, launching careers that have since weathered lineup changes, military enlistments and shifting industry trends.</p><p>As we enter 2026, here’s a round-up (in no particular order) of 15 K-pop songs from 2016 that still hit just as hard.</p><div><strong>BTS, “Blood Sweat &amp; Tears”</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hmE9f-TEutc?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></div><p>Fans of the K-pop powerhouse are already buzzing over their <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/music/2026/1/1/bts-to-make-comeback-on-march-20-reports-1435"><strong>full-group comeback</strong></a> this 2026. Rewind a decade and you’re back in 2016, when the septet dropped the moombahton-inspired “Blood Sweat &amp; Tears,” complete with a video rich in artistic and literary references.</p><div><strong>EXO, “Monster”</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KSH-FVVtTf0?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></div><p>Another group slated for a 2026 comeback is EXO, who a decade ago released the dark and menacing “Monster.” Notably, the group also performed the track as part of their hits medley at the <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/events/2025/12/21/g-dragon-jennie-claim-top-honors-at-2025-melon-music-awards-1440"><strong>Melon Music Awards</strong></a> in December.</p><div><strong>Blackpink, “Playing With Fire”</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9pdj4iJD08s?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></div><p>Ten years ago, Blackpink made a striking debut, exuding confidence with their twin singles “Whistle” and “Boombayah.” They later returned with “Playing With Fire,” a more vocally-driven track featuring a memorable piano intro and lyrics that liken love to, just as the title suggests, playing with fire.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/events/2025/11/25/blackpink-gets-filipino-fans-jumping-singing-along-at-deadline-concert-0734"><strong>READ: Blackpink gets Filipino fans jumping, singing along at ‘Deadline’ concert<br/></strong></a></div><div><strong>BIGBANG, “FXXK IT”</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iIPH8LFYFRk?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></div><p>Fans can look forward to BIGBANG’s long-awaited performance at Coachella in 2026. A decade ago, the K-pop hitmakers released their “Made” album, with the playful and carefree “FXXK IT” serving as one of two lead singles, alongside the more sentimental “Last Dance.”</p><div><strong>TWICE, “Cheer Up”</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/c7rCyll5AeY?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></div><p>Back in 2016, TWICE released their breakout hit “Cheer Up,” featuring a standout chorus and Sana’s iconic “shy shy shy” line. The nine-member act has remained an unstoppable force in K-pop, most recently bringing their “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/events/2025/10/5/twice-goes-all-out-in-dazzling-this-is-for-concert-in-ph-1524"><strong>This Is For</strong></a>” tour to the Philippines.</p><div><strong>Red Velvet, “Russian Roulette”</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QslJYDX3o8s?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></div><p>Red Velvet has built a solid discography full of diverse sounds that highlight their versatility. Among their 2016 releases, “Russian Roulette” stands out as a delightfully catchy track whose bubbly mood contrasts with its subtly dark music video, in which the members playfully attempt to kill each other.</p><div><strong>SEVENTEEN, “Very Nice”</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J-wFp43XOrA?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></div><p>“Very Nice” has become one of SEVENTEEN&#x27;s signature songs, often serving as the grand finale to their <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/music/2025/1/19/seventeen-lights-up-ph-stadium-with-right-here-concert-1627"><strong>concerts</strong></a>—a testament to how this fun, brassy track about the thrills of falling in love has stood the test of time.</p><div><strong>Mamamoo, “Decalcomanie”</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y2OFPvYxZuY?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></div><p>Just before the end of 2025, Mamamoo thrilled fans by announcing comeback plans for 2026. A decade earlier, the quartet had already captivated listeners with the soaring “Decalcomanie,” which proved without a doubt that they are among K-pop’s most formidable vocalists.</p><div><strong>GOT7, “Hard Carry”</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O57jr1oZDIw?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></div><p>In 2016, GOT7 — which made a<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/music/2025/1/21/got7-say-new-ep-shows-members-distinctive-musical-colors-1402"><strong> comeback in January</strong></a> last year — delved into boisterous sounds with the EDM-infused “Hard Carry,” hyping listeners with its bold attitude and high energy.</p><div><strong>NCT U, “The 7th Sense”</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3UGMDJ9kZCA?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></div><p>Today, NCT spans over 20 members across six sub-units, but in 2016, the project began with just a five-member team. Their song “The 7th Sense” is an edgy, minimalist track that casts a hypnotic spell on listeners.</p><div><strong>SHINee, “Tell Me What To Do”</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nchkAmc49p4?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></div><p>A dive into K-pop royalty SHINee’s rich catalogue reveals their 2016 single “Tell Me What To Do,” which features powerful vocals and a music video starring actress Han So-hee, seemingly caught in a love triangle with members Minho and Taemin.</p><div><strong>B1A4, “A Lie”</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x67c_lYqTQ8?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></div><p>Back in 2016, B1A4 (then a five-piece act, now a trio) released “A Lie,” a pop-rock track that channels angsty heartbreak through the members’ impassioned performances. The song quickly made its mark, landing on a couple of year-end best-of K-pop lists.</p><div><strong>GFriend, “Rough”</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r_6q_-d-7Sk?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></div><p>Another group we saw <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/music/2025/1/6/k-pop-group-gfriend-returns-with-season-of-memories-1319"><strong>reunited in early 2025</strong></a>, GFriend is widely recognized for songs featuring orchestral arrangements and powerful, emotive vocals—elements heard in their 2016 single “Rough.”</p><div><strong>I.O.I, “Very Very Very”</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GdxvD7r58ng?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></div><p>Though short-lived, the “Produce 101”-formed I.O.I remains beloved, with the girl group reportedly set to reunite for a project in 2026. Before parting ways, they released the 2016 bubblegum-pop hit “Very Very Very,” anchored by an irresistibly catchy hook.</p><div><strong>KARD, “Oh NaNa”</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yPTcKSVAEvA?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></div><p>KARD debuted in 2017, but months earlier, in December 2016, the co-ed quartet (a notable rarity in K-pop) dropped the dancehall-infused “Oh NaNa,” the first of three tracks that set the stage for their official launch the following year.</p>

<p>While 10 years can feel like a lifetime in the fast-paced K-pop industry, many of these tracks remain so deeply ingrained in our memory that they still feel as fresh as the day they were released.</p>

While 10 years can feel like a lifetime in the fast-paced K-pop industry, many of these tracks remain so deeply ingrained in our memory that they still feel as fresh as the day they were released.