The 2010s was a huge decade in Korean entertainment that marked a shift in its local and global popularity. Over the past few years, some topics were more popular and talked about than others.
Check out the trending topics of the decade according to Korean netizens below!
1. “Let It Go” Fever
The Disney movie Frozen was a huge success in South Korea, garnering $76.6 million USD when it was released in 2014. This made it the country’s highest-grossing animated movie of all time.
It was so popular that variety shows such as Star King made viral segments about it.
Its sequel Frozen 2 was also a success with its $61.2 million USD box office.
2. Produce Series
Produce 101 and its succeeding sequels were hits in the country. It gained an average of 3% ratings, the “national producers” enjoying its unique concept of the winning contestants creating a temporary group.
More than 16 million people cast their votes for the finale of Produce 101 S2, equivalent to 30% of South Korea’s population.
Although it is now embroiled in controversies, the show had proven its popularity with the winning groups I.O.I, WANNA ONE, IZ*ONE, and X1 gaining immense popularity from debut.
3. I Am A Singer
I Am A Singer is another singing competition that made its rounds among citizens. Its popularity also stemmed from its fresh concept wherein veteran singers performed each week, with a new singer replacing the eliminated one.
Popular artists such as Kim Bum Soo, Baek Jiyoung, Lee Hyunwoo and more performed in the show.
It was so successful that a spin-off of the same name was made in China, and Korean singer Hwan Chiyeol even performed on this version.
4. “Gangnam Style” Fever
Psy is undoubtedly one of the most iconic K-Pop stars globally. His hit 2012 song “Gangnam Style” broke records in viewership, helping make K-Pop more recognizable in the mainstream market.
Its funny music video, catchy lyrics, and memorable beat made it the first music video to hit 1 billion views. It is still currently the most viewed Korean video on Youtube.
5. Superstar K
Mnet‘s Superstar K was one of the most popular entertainment competitions in Korean history. It follows a traditional format of singers performing a song and being eliminated per week based on the three judges and audiences’s perceptions.
Seasons 2 and 3 in particular were the peak of the show, introducing iconic stars such as WINNER‘s Kang Seungyoon, Huh Gak, John Park, and Busker Busker.
6. Cherry Blossom Ending
Finally, Busker Busker‘s “Cherry Blossom Ending” is perhaps the most iconic spring song in Korean music history.
It frequently finds its way back into the top of digital charts every year since its release in 2012. Because of this, it is even dubbed “Spring Carol” and “Cherry Blossom Zombie”.
The song helped Busker Busker win “Best New Male Artist” in MAMA 2012, an impressive feat considering they were up against EXO and B.A.P with large fanbases.
“Cherry Blossom Ending” is so popular that it was the most downloaded and streamed song in K-Pop as of 2016. Netizens consider it a “spring anthem”, never getting tired of it as the years pass.
