Top 10 K-Pop Stars That Sample Hit Songs

Whatta Man (Good Man) (2016)

Formed on the first season of reality competition show Produce 101, I.O.I had a brief but impactful time in the spotlight. One of their best-known tracks, Whatta Man, samples the iconic Linda Lyndell song What a Man. I.O.Is version puts a sassier twist with some rock edge on this soul classic. And when their voices come together on the chorus, its like a wall of sound. Whatta Man was produced by K-pop hitmaker Ryan S. Jhun, who also produced songs for iconic groups like SHINee and EXO. While the girl group sadly disbanded in 2017, great songs like this last forever.

Distress (2024)

After a difficult 2023, LOONA members Heejin, Haseul, Kim Lip, Jinsoul, and Choerry rebooted the subunit ODD EYE CIRCLE. In 2024, they re-debuted as ARTMS with the album DALL. Short for Devine All Love & Live, the album included the song Distress as a b-side. You may not notice it at first. But this track uses a vocal sample from Ariana Grandes 2015 single Focus. Its a small clip right at the beginning of the song, but unmistakable. Grandes looped and distorted vocals add an air of mystery to this dreamy slow jam. Listening to the members vocals, we wouldnt blame you for missing the sample. Their airy voices fit together perfectly.

Critical Beauty (2017)

Whats the point in saying the obvious? Like pointing out that Pentagons 2017 single Critical Beauty is built around a sample of Elvis Presleys Jailhouse Rock. Were not entirely sure what that song has to do with such a straightforward love song. But the classic vibe the Presley sample provides is undeniable. Still, the Pentagon members bring their own swagger to Critical Beauty. From soaring vocals to unique rap sections. Tie it together with fun choreography and you have one of the groups most memorable tracks. This song also came out before member EDawns departure in 2018. And its always a treat to see the original lineup all together.

War of Hormone (2014)

Before they were world conquering superstars, BTS were just another boy group finding their place in the ever-growing K-pop scene. Their first full-length album Dark and Wild featured the Run-DMC-sampling War of Hormone as its second single. You can hear DMCs iconic aww yeah at the start of the track. And it really sets the scene for the tracks bombastic bad boy energy. When it was released, War of Hormone attracted controversy for having misogynistic lyrics. The group and its company issued an apology, and BTS dont perform this song live anymore. But it still holds a special place in the hearts of many ARMYs.

In Bloom (2023)

When the final winners of Boys Planet were announced, dedicated fans eagerly awaited the newly formed groups debut. Luckily, they didnt have to wait long before In Bloom was released. The bubbly track showcases just how each member earned his spot in the lineup. And if that synth line sounds familiar, thats probably because youre familiar with a-has classic track Take On Me. Fittingly, In Bloom is a high energy song about taking a chance on new love even if it has a rough start. After all, no flower blooms without struggle. And who could resist a bouquet from these guys? Now, if only they had also sampled a-has high note.

Overdose (2014)

Sometimes love is hard to give up even when we know its gotten toxic. EXO explored this theme on their third EP, Overdose, in 2014. Produced by R&B hitmakers The Underdogs, The albums eponymous lead single sampled the iconic Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger by Daft Punk. The repetitive lyrics fit the K-pop song perfectly, considering that it isn't about love as much as its about obsession. The way they warp and loop Daft Punks line work it almost makes it sound like warning. With what the song says about infatuation, we think thats pretty fitting.

Get a Guitar (2023)

There might be something a bit ironic about a boy band telling us to pick up an instrument. But how can we refuse the sentiment from such a talented group of guys? RIIZE debuted strong with the sunny disco-inspired track Get a Guitar. Their follow-up album Riizing continued this pattern with singles like Boom Boom Bass and Talk Saxy. Were looking forward to hearing what instrument we should try out next. Adding a touch of cool factor is a sample of the bassline from Queens Another One Bites the Dust. Thats not to say the sample carries the song. Despite being rookies, the members carry themselves with an easy confidence. And their talent speaks for itself.

Shake It (2015)

Nobody does a summer jam quite like SISTAR. Their 2015 single Shake It is just one example of this. Already a bubbly and energetic love song, its bright energy is established by a sample of Madonnas hit Lucky Star. While Shake It only briefly utilizes its iconic synth flourish, its the perfect opener to this rump-shaking party song. The choreography is endearingly booty-centric. And anyone who can dance in high heels has our respect. Talk about some heavenly bodies! If that werent fun enough, the music video features appearances from their then-recently-debuted labelmates Monsta X.

Into the New World (2007)

From the moment Girls Generation hit the scene, they were destined to be iconic. Their debut track Into the New World samples the guitar riff from The Boys of Summer by Don Henley. And they make great use of the sample. While the Henley classic is a bittersweet ballad that looks back at days gone by, Into the New World looks to a bright but uncertain future. The lyrics about taking charge of your destiny to persevere during hard times actually inspired South Koreans to use it as a protest song. For the groups 15-year anniversary, they sampled Into the New World for their track Forever 1, solidifying its legacy as one of the most important songs in K-pop.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

This Jam Seamlessly Interpolates I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor

A K-Pop Classic That Samples Stacey Q & Grace Jones

Samples Think (About It) by Lyn Collins

Pink Venom (2022)

When BLACKPINK released their second full-length album, they came back with a bang. Pink Venom kicked in the door with their trademark attitude and a triple-whammy of killer song samples. 50 Cents P.I.M.P, Rihannas Pon de Replay, and, naturally, The Notorious B.I.G.s Kick in the Door. Aside from music and incorporated lyrics, BLACKPINKs performance reflects the influence of these samples. Jennies flow definitely takes after Biggies in the first verse. If BLACKPINK had an official theme song, this would probably be it.

Did you notice these popular samples? Which songs do you think should have made our list? Let us know down in the comments.