Slip into the K-Pop life

SLIP INTO THE K-POP LIFE

10 Pre-debut Songs every K-Pop stan should listen to

Nowadays one can't tell the difference between a pre - debut song, debut song or a comeback. The outstanding production and performances are raising the bars for the K-Pop industry day by day. The trend of debut projects and survival shows has helped in the creation of various pre-debut tracks, sometimes even mini albums! These pre-releases not only help gain a fan following but also give the fans a glimpse at the type of music they should expect from the group. Here are some of the pre-releases, by various boy groups, that really left me wanting more.


"Give up on your nonsense dreams"
Hellevator - Stray Kids
Release - 7th October, 2017

With its cathartic rap style to the pensive vocal pre-chorus, to the drop that makes the song so catchy; Stray Kids earned a name in the international K-Pop market just with their pre-debut track, Hellevator. Hailing from JYP Entertainment, the boy group produced this song during their survival show, 'Stray Kids', giving us a teaser of their hard hitting and aggressive production + performances to come in the near future. From the sick dance moves to the relate-able lyrics about teenage angsty, Stray Kids have been able to catch the hearts of many millennial. To enjoy more of Stray Kids' pre-debut music check out their album - Mixtape.
Stray Kids - Mixtape


"Because this is not the end."
Last Song - Oneus & Onewe
Release - 21st September, 2018

Co-produced by brother groups, Oneus and Onewe, this song sounds perfect to be sung in a stadium full of people; chanting the lyrics with the groups. With an infusion between pop and rock, this song has a fresh and upbeat vibe. Showcasing the brotherhood feelings in the lyrics, the song gives across the message of wanting to relive moments that the brother groups shared and the struggles they went through while working on their debut project 'I Shall Debut'. There is a beautiful transition from questioning to realization in the lyrics. Last Song is the perfect song to listen to uplift your mood on a bad day.
Oneus and Onewe - Last Song

"I want to always breathe near you."
Going Crazy - Treasure
Release - 28th December, 2018

This cute upbeat love song went from a 28 members song to a 13 members song during the course of YG Entertainment's survival show, YG Treasure Box. Although during the first listen it may seem like a generic pop song but thanks to its catchy chorus and the duo rap between Haruto and Hyunsuk the song seems to get better after every listen. The lyrics capture the essence of sweet puppy love that everyone has experienced at least once in their life! If you've just fallen in love this song is perfect for you 💗 We're waiting for Treasure's debut!
Treasure - Going Crazy

"Don't underestimate me, only regret will remain."
Runners High - 3RACHA
Release - 12th April, 2017

Produced by CB97, better known as Bang Chan from Stray Kids, this song was first posted on 3RACHA's official SoundCloud. Who is 3RACHA you might ask? They are the production team or the rap team of Stray Kids, consisting of members Bang Chan, Seo Changbin and Han Jisung. The name 3RACHA comes from the hot sauce, Siracha and 3 as in the 3 members. 3RACHA has been producing and releasing songs since 2016 but they still haven't officially debuted under JYP Entertainment as 3RACHA. One of their most popular songs, Runner's High has a modern hip-hop rap style and a beat that is highly addictive, with lyrics that motivate you to not give up and move forward. The boys have more than 40 songs registered under their names so you might want to check these lyrical geniuses out. 😃
Runner's High - 3RACHA

"I go from zero to a hundred real quick."
Hollywood - AB6IX
Release - 26th April, 2019

First introduced to the public during the second season of Produce 101, the then one minute song shot the 4 boys who performed it to instant fame on the show. During their debut project, 'Brand New Boys', this song helped the 5th member, Jeon Woong to finally debut after many years of training. The choreography is outstanding and fits extremely well with the intensity of the song. With elements of dance trap music, the rap parts and the last chorus perfectly complete the song. The most impactful line "Welcome to My Hollywood" starts off the song and the lyrics make one feel like they've reached the AB6IX Kingdom! Check them out to get to know "who they are"😉
AB6IX - Hollywood

"Dont hesitate anymore and come to me shooting star"
Shooting Star - NewKidd02 
Release - 25th July, 2018

Debuting under J-Flo Entertainment, this 7-member group was well known even before their debut because of their various dance covers and pre-debut tracks. With an old-school K-Pop sound and a bright concept, this song is refreshingly upbeat from the very first moment. A mix of retro pop beat and a standout chorus, this song is s huge summertime bop. A fresh love song, Shooting Star gives you the feeling of love during its first stage; where one is ready to do anything for the other. The easy-going, soft dance moves go beautifully with the adorable lyrics. See your uwu machine explode after watching this music video!
New Kidd02 - Shooting Star


"Even if only one word reaches you, it is still precious"
From - KQ Fellaz (Ateez)
Release - 2nd July, 2018

Now known as the monster rookies - Ateez, KQ Fellaz wrote and co-produced this song during their show 'KQ Fellaz American Training'. Produced along with EDEN, the same man that produced their hit debut song, Pirate King, this song has a more melodic vibe in contrast to their now hard hitting and strong music. The catchy chorus and the clean cut dance moves along with the poetic lyrics really make From the definition of an underrated bop! This is one song that everyone should have on their road trip playlist ^-^
KQ Fellaz- From


"The unfamiliar stares I get make me feel good"
Switch - SM Rookies 
Release - not official

Although now considered a bonus track on NCT 127's album, NCT #127, Switch was originally a pre-debut song which SM Rookies performed at various events and concerts. With an amazing melody and a tropical airy beat, Switch tends to get stuck in ones head easily. The lyrics talk about trying to find ones way even through the struggles and not giving up. The choreography is easy to catch on and you might just find yourself dancing to it whenever the song plays. Do check this amazing track! 💚
NCT127 ft.SR 15B - Switch


"I'll be your pilot" 
Super Special - VeriVery
Release - 21st September, 2018

This song was the Original Sound Track for VeriVery's reality show named 'Now VeriVery : Real Road Movie'. The music video gives a kind of introduction to all 7 members of the group. The bright and cheerful concept along with the fun close ups make the music video lively and adorable. The choreography has great formations and the well flowing movements. With promising vocals and rapping, this group had me hyped for their debut. the cute soft song with the 90s retro beat makes the listener realize how young the 7 members are and how they have a great future ahead of them!
VeriVery - Super Special

"I only smile at you, I'm a fool"
I'm Your Boy - The Boyz
Release - 12th October, 2017

I'm Your Boy was a pre-debut song that all the members of The Boyz wrote, collectively. Stating that their fans are their first love, the boy group wrote this song as a gift for their fans. Recorded in a major chord, in their amazingly sweet voices' I'm Your Boy attacks every person who listens to it. Heavenly vocals along with a beautiful rap flow all packed with out of the world visuals, this boy group with 12 members will make it difficult for you to choose a bias! "Your K-Pop boy doesn't care about you" how many times have we K-Pop stans heard this? This song proves all those statements wrong! Make sure to check them out but beware they claim you instantly! 😉💙
The Boyz - I'm Your Boy

A special mention to -
• History - EXO
• Shining Diamond - Seventeen
• Don't Recall - Kard
• Hieut - Monsta X
• Pick Me - Produce 101

With so many K-Pop groups releasing pre-debut track, I guess its time to "Slip into the K-Pop life"😉❤️