Korean Music History Rewritten: ‘Twenty Century Hit-Tong’ Crowns Cho Yong-pil’s ‘I Like You’ as the Ultimate Hit
Seoul, South Korea – In a fascinating deep dive into the evolution of Korean popular music, KBS JOY’s long-running program ‘Twenty Century Hit-Tong’ has released its definitive ranking of the top 10 most impactful songs. The results, revealed on September 5th, aren’t just a nostalgic trip; they’re a testament to the innovative spirit that has defined Korean music for decades. This is breaking news for K-Pop fans and music historians alike, offering a fresh perspective on the songs that shaped a nation’s sound.
The Top 10: A Genre-Bending Journey
The show, now 280 episodes strong, celebrated “genre champon-tong” – songs that daringly mixed styles. Topping the list was the legendary Cho Yong-pil with “I Like You,” a vibrant fusion of rock and trot. The song’s enduring appeal, even earning a double-A side release, speaks to its timeless quality and musical prowess.
But the ranking wasn’t just about established icons. Seo Taiji and the Children secured the second spot with “Haga,” a groundbreaking track that blended metal guitar, traditional Korean percussion (Samulnori), brake beats, and hip-hop. Kim Hee-chul, a guest on the show, playfully compared the song’s energy to a speech by former President Kim Dae-jung, highlighting its cultural resonance.
Unexpected Gems and Nostalgic Revelations
The list continued to surprise and delight. Han Seo-kyung’s “Nangrang 18-year-old” landed in third place, sparking a bittersweet reflection on songs that resonated with parents but risk fading from collective memory. Park Jin-young’s “Swing Baby,” a unique blend of swing jazz and dance, secured fourth, while one-time hit “Pleasant or Decidable” (combining Gyeongsang-do folk with hip-hop) took fifth.
Further down the list, the Young Tux Club’s “Others” (trot and dance), Lula’s “100th Meeting” (reggae and dance), Click Bee’s “Welcome Moon” (intense guitar and turntable performances), Kim Chang-nam’s “Fairy and Woodcutter” (dance pop blues), and N.EX.T’s “City Person” (a modern anthem about urban alienation) all earned their place, showcasing the incredible diversity of Korean music.
Why This Matters: The Evolution of K-Pop
This ranking isn’t just about remembering old songs; it’s about understanding the DNA of modern K-Pop. The willingness to experiment with genres, to blend traditional sounds with contemporary influences, is a hallmark of the industry’s success. Many of the artists featured on ‘Twenty Century Hit-Tong’ laid the groundwork for the global phenomenon that K-Pop is today.
Consider Seo Taiji and the Children. Their genre-bending approach in the 90s directly influenced the artists who would later dominate the charts internationally. Similarly, the fusion of trot and other genres, as seen in Cho Yong-pil’s work, demonstrates a long-standing tradition of musical innovation in Korea. Understanding this history is crucial for anyone seeking to understand the current K-Pop landscape.
Where to Find More
‘Twenty Century Hit-Tong’ airs on KBS JOY and is also available on LG U+TV (Channel 1), Genie TV (Channel 41), SK BTV (Channel 53), and the KBS mobile app ‘My K’. Fans can also find clips and full episodes on major online platforms like YouTube and Facebook, as well as through internet portal sites. For regional cable channel numbers, visit the KBS N website.
The enduring popularity of these songs, and the insightful analysis offered by ‘Twenty Century Hit-Tong,’ remind us that music is more than just entertainment – it’s a reflection of our culture, our history, and our ever-evolving identity. The show’s continued success proves that audiences are hungry for stories behind the music, and for a deeper understanding of the sounds that have shaped their lives. Keep checking archyde.com for more breaking news and in-depth coverage of the global music scene.
Reported by Park Ji-hye, [email protected], and the bnt news entertainment team, [email protected]
