The K-pop universe is full of dazzling groups, but every now and then, one idol steps into the solo spotlight and completely changes the game. These solo releases don’t just top charts; they spread across TikTok, dominate playlists, and turn into global anthems that everyone knows, even outside the K-pop fandom.
So, what makes a K-pop idol’s solo song go viral? It’s more than stunning visuals or powerful vocals. The magic often comes from a mix of addictive melodies, relatable lyrics, and moments perfectly crafted for sharing, remixing, and replaying online.
Here are 10 viral solo releases that broke records, started global challenges, and proved that sometimes, one voice is enough to unite millions.
1. Any Song by Zico
Zico’s Any Song didn’t just top charts, it kicked off the worldwide dance challenge trend. Released in 2020, its breezy hook and playful choreography made it the perfect TikTok anthem.
The #AnySongChallenge exploded, with idols, celebrities, and fans everywhere joining in. Over 5 million TikTok videos were created within months, and the track ruled Korea’s streaming charts for more than seven weeks. Even today, its 300M+ YouTube views remind us how one challenge reshaped K-pop marketing forever.
2. On the Ground by Rosé (BLACKPINK)
Rosé’s debut single On the Ground made history the second it dropped. With 41.6 million YouTube views in 24 hours, it became the most-watched video by a Korean female soloist at release.
The heartfelt lyrics about self-discovery resonated worldwide, leading to 300M+ Spotify streams and countless covers and reaction videos. Rosé proved she wasn’t just part of BLACKPINK, she was a solo star in her own right.
3. Gangnam Style by PSY
Before TikTok existed, PSY gave the world Gangnam Style. It became the first video to hit 1 billion views on YouTube and now sits at over 4 billion.
The goofy horse-riding dance went viral globally, spawning endless parodies, celebrity recreations, and even topping the Billboard Hot 100. More than just a viral hit, Gangnam Style put K-pop on the world map.
4. Eight by IU (feat. SUGA of BTS)
IU and BTS’s SUGA teamed up for Eight, and the result was pure magic. With 36.6 million YouTube views in 24 hours and 200M+ Spotify streams, it became one of IU’s biggest hits ever.
Fans around the world connected deeply to its nostalgic, healing message, leading to over 2 million covers across YouTube and TikTok. It’s a song that feels personal yet universal.
5. SOLO by Jennie (BLACKPINK)
Jennie’s SOLO was more than just a debut; it was a statement. The track hit 100M YouTube views faster than any female K-pop soloist at the time, and today it sits at over 300M.
Its bold message of independence sparked global dance covers and trended on social media for weeks. Jennie set the bar high for future K-pop solo debuts.
6. POP! by Nayeon (TWICE)
Nayeon’s POP! was everything fans wanted: bright, fun, and addictive. The song debuted at No. 1 in Korea and quickly reached 120M+ Spotify streams.
Its cheeky choreography blew up on TikTok, inspiring over 1 million dance videos. With its glittery visuals and catchy energy, POP! made Nayeon the first TWICE member to shine as a soloist.
7. Peaches by Kai (EXO)
Kai reinvented himself with the dreamy R&B hit Peaches. Its hypnotic choreo spread across TikTok, generating 3M+ fan-made videos.
The song racked up 100M Spotify streams in six months and 150M YouTube views, proving Kai could captivate audiences solo just as much as with EXO.
8. LALISA by Lisa (BLACKPINK)
Lisa’s LALISA was a global explosion. With 73.6M YouTube views in just 24 hours, it set a new soloist record. It has since surpassed 1B views and earned 180M+ Spotify streams.
The song’s choreography fueled over 5 million TikTok videos, while Lisa’s showcase of Thai culture turned the track into a worldwide celebration of identity and pride.
9. Eyes, Nose, Lips by Taeyang (BIGBANG)
Not every viral song is upbeat. Taeyang’s Eyes, Nose, Lips became one of K-pop’s most iconic ballads. It dominated Korean charts, won multiple Song of the Year awards, and has over 160M Spotify streams.
The emotional delivery inspired countless covers, keeping the track alive online more than a decade later. It’s proof that raw emotion can go just as viral as a flashy dance.
10. Gotta Go by CHUNG HA
Back in 2019, CHUNG HA’s Gotta Go lit up the K-pop scene and quickly became a viral dance anthem. With its addictive beat and sultry vibe, the song racked up over 130 million streams and the music video crossed 120 million views.
What really made it explode was the choreography, especially the unforgettable “clock-ticking” hand move. Fans around the world jumped in, creating countless TikTok and YouTube dance covers. The track topped Korean digital charts and cemented CHUNG HA’s status as a powerhouse soloist, proving she could pair stunning vocals with unforgettable stage presence.
Conclusion
K-pop keeps evolving, and the next big viral solo hit could drop any day. As idols experiment with new sounds and fans create trends faster than ever, soloists will continue shaping the global music conversation.
These 10 songs prove that when personality, performance, and platforms collide, one idol’s solo track can echo worldwide. And with each new release, the viral bar just gets higher.
