On February 14, actress and singer Jisoo released Earthquake, the lead single from her first solo mini-album, AMORTAGE. The song, which Jisoo co-wrote, delves into the theme of an intense and unstoppable love. With its vibrant production and emotionally charged storytelling, Earthquake has quickly captured the public’s attention, solidifying Jisoo’s impact as a solo artist.
Just days after its release, Earthquake reached the number one spot among the most-played K-pop songs on iTunes Argentina. This immediate success highlights Jisoo’s strong international appeal and reinforces her status as a key figure in the music industry. Her vocal talent, combined with bold lyrics and an innovative sound, continues to resonate with listeners worldwide.
The release of AMORTAGE marks a new chapter in Jisoo’s career. While she expands her presence as a soloist, she is also preparing for a comeback with BLACKPINK later this year. In addition to her musical success, Jisoo is gaining recognition in the acting world, recently starring in the Korean drama Newtopia. Her ability to excel in multiple entertainment fields further cements her as one of South Korea’s most versatile stars.
The Current Top 10 K-pop Hits
Although Jisoo dominates the charts this week, she shares the spotlight with other major K-pop hits. Here is a complete list of the most popular K-pop songs at the moment:
- Earthquake – Jisoo
- Git It Up! – EXO
- GAME – BoA
- Burn the Floor – Super Junior
- Love Me Right – NCT DREAM
- Get Up – NewJeans
- Epilogue: Young Forever – BTS
- Butter – BTS
- ETA – NewJeans
- I’m Missing You – Sunjae
Leading K-pop Artists
EXO, formed by SM Entertainment in 2012, is one of the most prominent K-pop groups. With members from South Korea and China, EXO debuted with a unique concept of subgroups targeting different markets (EXO-K and EXO-M). Their combination of electronic pop music and stunning performances has earned them numerous awards and worldwide recognition. With millions of album sales and global tours, EXO continues to be a dominant force in K-pop.
TWICE, a girl group created by JYP Entertainment in 2015, has also established itself as a powerhouse in the industry. The nine-member group, formed through the survival show Sixteen, quickly gained fame with hits like Cheer Up and TT. Their vibrant music, energetic choreography, and visually appealing concepts have captivated audiences worldwide. TWICE is especially popular in Japan and continues to set trends in the K-pop scene.
The Origins of K-pop
K-pop, short for “Korean Pop,” emerged in the 1990s with iconic groups like Seo Taiji and Boys, who revolutionized Korean music by blending Western pop, rap, and rock influences. Over time, entertainment giants like SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment, and JYP Entertainment began training and promoting idol groups, establishing a rigorous system that involved extensive training in singing, dancing, and acting.
This structured approach led to the rise of groups such as H.O.T., S.E.S., and Shinhwa, which became national sensations and paved the way for the globalization of K-pop. By the early 2000s, the genre began gaining traction across Asia and beyond, driven by the internet and the increasing globalization of pop culture.
Today, K-pop is a multibillion-dollar industry with massive cultural influence worldwide. Groups like BTS, BLACKPINK, and EXO have achieved global fame, topping charts and collaborating with international artists. Beyond catchy music and intricate choreography, K-pop is known for its high production value and the strong connection idols maintain with their fans through social media. This phenomenon has fueled the spread of the Korean Wave (Hallyu), influencing fashion, film, and television on an international scale.
Jisoo’s Bright Future
With the success of Earthquake and AMORTAGE, Jisoo has proven herself as a powerful soloist in addition to her achievements with BLACKPINK. Her continued expansion into music and acting showcases her versatility and star power, ensuring that she remains one of the most influential figures in the entertainment industry. Fans eagerly anticipate what she will bring next, both as a solo artist and as part of BLACKPINK’s highly anticipated return.