Nineteen years ago today, Girls' Generation (SNSD) officially debuted under SM Entertainment, introducing a nine-member girl group that would become one of the defining acts of K-pop.
Since their debut on August 5, 2007, Taeyeon, Sunny, Tiffany, Hyoyeon, Yuri, Sooyoung, Yoona, Seohyun, and former member Jessica have built a discography that helped shape the Hallyu wave and inspired generations of artists and fans around the world.
As SNSD celebrates its 19th anniversary, here's a look back at nine songs that became milestones in the group's career.
Into The New World
SNSD's debut single remains one of the most iconic introductions in K-pop history. With its uplifting message and powerful vocals, "Into the New World" has endured far beyond its release, becoming a symbol of hope and unity for many fans.
Gee
Cementing their place in K-pop history, Girls’ Generation released their bubblegum track “Gee” in 2009. The song is about first love from a young female perspective and catapulted Girls' Generation to superstardom and became one of the genre's defining hits. Aside from the song, the music video also had iconic scenes with the members portrayed as mannequins who, after the shop owner leaves, come to life and perform the choreography in colored skinny jeans. It also featured SHINEE’s Minho.
In 2023, Rolling Stone named it the greatest song in the history of Korean pop music in 2023, and one of the 250 greatest songs of the 21st century in 2025, ranking it at number 170.
Genie
Discussing the elements of love and relationships, alongside granting the wishes of their partner, “Genie” is one of SNSD’s fan favorites. The song became another commercial success in South Korea and later helped establish SNSD's presence in Japan through its Japanese-language version. The music video was their first video to be filmed in Japan, featuring EXO member Chanyeol.
The Boys
With its bold sound and confident concept, "The Boys" marked one of Girls' Generation's biggest international releases and introduced the group to an even wider audience. It was described as a dance-pop, electropop, and R&B song with elements of hip-hop that lyrically discusses female attractiveness. An English version of the song was released in partnership with Interscope Records as the group expanded its global reach.
Kissing You
Known for its signature lollipop microphone choreography, "Kissing You" highlighted the group's youthful charm during its early years and remains a fan favorite among SNSD's classic releases. The music video featured a cameo from Super Junior's Donghae following a candy theme, with the group members dressed in white and dancing while holding a lollipop.
I Got A Boy
One of the group's most experimental releases, "I Got A Boy" blended multiple musical styles into one track, earning praise for pushing the boundaries of mainstream K-pop. A music video for the song featured hip-hop-inspired dance moves, which won the award for Video of the Year at the first YouTube Music Awards in 2013.
Mr. Mr.
"Mr. Mr." saw Girls' Generation embrace a smoother and more mature sound, further proving their versatility. It was described as an electropop and pop-R&B song that incorporates a hip hop beat and EDM-influenced buildups. As per reports, "Mr.Mr." has a more proactive theme with lyrics prompting a reluctant man to be more courageous towards pursuing the girls, a different approach from the group's common themes.
Lion Heart
Released following Jessica's departure, "Lion Heart" introduced SNSD's eight-member era with a retro-inspired concept. Its catchy melody and vintage aesthetic helped make it one of the group's signature songs from the latter part of their career. The song talks about women falling in love with men who have a cheating heart and how they try to tame him like taming a lion. Its music video became the third most viewed music video on YouTube by a South Korean act in August 2015.
Forever 1
Released to commemorate the group's 15th anniversary, "Forever 1" marked Girls' Generation's long-awaited reunion. The song celebrated the members' enduring friendship and served as a heartfelt tribute to the fans who have supported them through the years.
The music video highlights their individual careers during their hiatus, reflecting their growth as solo artists while also showing how they will always return to their roots as a girl group. The track was named one of the best K-pop videos of the year by Teen Vogue.
Nearly two decades since their debut, Girls' Generation continues to be recognized as one of K-pop's defining acts, bringing the Hallyu wave to different places around the world. Their music has inspired generations of fans and fellow artists, cementing their legacy as among the top K-pop groups of all time.
As the group approaches its 20th anniversary next year, fans continue to look forward to what could be another milestone chapter for the legendary girl group.