K-Pop is a vibrant and infectious genre that has taken the global music scene by storm in recent years. With its lively beats, addictive melodies, and charismatic performers, K-Pop has become a powerful and influential force in the industry. It has not only amassed a massive fanbase but has also made its mark in Hollywood.
Hollywood, as the global entertainment hub, has embraced K-Pop and incorporated its music into various movies over the years. This collaboration has added a unique flavor to Hollywood productions while bringing more recognition to the appeal of K-Pop. It showcases the cultural reach and talent of South Korea on an international stage.
To celebrate the wide enjoyment of K-Pop around the world, let’s explore a list of 10 K-Pop songs that have made it into Hollywood movies.
1. “Rising Sun” by TVXQ – Featured in Fast & Furious (2009)
In the opening scene of the movie Fast & Furious, the song “Rising Sun” by TVXQ was featured. Although the song gained recognition through the movie, it was already a huge success when released in South Korea in 2005. It even won the “Most Popular Music Video” award at the Mnet KM Music Video Festival.
2. “Nobody” by Wonder Girls – Featured in Penguins of Madagascar (2014)
The hit song “Nobody” by Wonder Girls, released in 2008, was featured in the animated movie Penguins of Madagascar. The song’s retro dance-pop vibe perfectly matched the movie’s story and characters. “Nobody” was not only a game-changer in the K-Pop industry but also the first song by a Korean artist to enter the US Billboard Hot 100.
3. “Fantastic” by RM (feat. Mandy Ventrice) – Featured in Fantastic Four (2015)
RM, the leader of BTS, collaborated with American singer Mandy Ventrice to create the song “Fantastic” for the movie Fantastic Four. The lyrics of the song align with the film’s theme of challenges and struggles faced by superheroes. Although the song didn’t break any records on the charts, it helped increase BTS’s presence in the entertainment industry.
4. “As If It’s Your Last” by BLACKPINK – Featured in Justice League (2017)
The hit song “As If It’s Your Last” by BLACKPINK was featured in the movie Justice League. Combining dance, house, reggae, and moombahton styles, the song quickly rose to the top of Billboard’s World Digital Songs chart upon its release.
5. “Hangover” by PSY (feat. Snoop Dogg) – Featured in Black Panther (2018)
“Hangover,” a collaboration between PSY and Snoop Dogg, was featured in the Marvel movie Black Panther during a scene in a bustling casino. As one of the first South Korean artists to gain worldwide recognition, PSY’s track gained immediate attention and achieved millions of views on its music video.
6. “Zimzalabim” by Red Velvet – Featured in Trolls World Tour (2020)
Red Velvet’s catchy hit “Zimzalabim” made it into the animated film Trolls World Tour, where the group also lent their voices for the Korean version. The song’s energetic vibe perfectly matched the colorful Trolls, and it was praised as an experimental anthem.
7. “Russian Roulette” by Red Velvet – Featured in Trolls World Tour (2020)
Another song by Red Velvet, “Russian Roulette,” was featured in Trolls World Tour. The lively rhythm and animated nature of the song added an extra layer of color and fun to the movie.
8. “Friends” by BTS – Featured in Eternals (2021)
BTS, one of the most popular K-Pop groups worldwide, had their song “Friends” featured in the Marvel movie Eternals. The group’s music has gained immense popularity globally, and their presence in Hollywood movies further solidifies their success.
K-Pop has undoubtedly made its mark in Hollywood, and these songs showcase the widespread enjoyment of K-Pop not only in Korea but all over the world.
