The popular YA book-turned-Netflix original series, To All the Boys I've Loved Before introduced to the public a wide range of obsessions: from a refreshing Instagram-worthy aesthetics, Lara Jean's cute fashion (played by Lana Condor), to the Internet boyfriend Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo) who set hearts all over the world aflutter.
But there's one more thing that the series shed light on for mainstream audiences: more interest in K-pop.
While the official movie soundtrack is filled with indie, throwback ballads, and pop music that are perfect for those slow dance moments and break-up, make-up scenes, K-pop songs were played not only to represent part of Lara Jean's ethnicity (her character is Korean-American) but also to add excitement to the story.
Here are some of the K-pop hits from the previous to the last of the series' installment:
Kill This Love by BLACKPINK
When Lara Jean was still trying to find the meaning of being "the perfect girlfriend" for Peter in the second movie, To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You, she decided to cheer him on his lacrosse game complete with a cheerleader outfit and a killer soundtrack.
BLACKPINK's "Kill This Love" served as the theme song for LJ's fierce and dedicated love for Peter, but was also a premonition for the breakdown of their relationship.
BLACKPINK actually won the 2019 People's Choice Award for Music Video for this song, aside from several other awards in Korea.
It has also reached a whopping 1.2 billion views on YouTube as of writing!
Gee by Girls' Generation
Setting the scene for the Covey family's exciting trip to Seoul is the iconic catchy, bubblegum pop hit from Girls' Generation.
When "Gee" first hit the streets of Korea in 2009, it caused a major splash worldwide, putting the spotlight on the girl group and cementing their image as the "nation's ideal girls" that they still have to this day.
It was named "Song of the Decade" at the Melon Music Awards as well as claiming the status of one of the group's best-selling songs.
The lyrics talk about the thrilling feeling of falling in love, and it perfectly fits the opening scenes of the movie as LJ and her family become enamored with the beauty of Korea.
Q&A by Cherry Bullet
Cherry Bullet is a 7-member girl group responsible for the hit, "Q&A." The song had all the elements of what we all know and love about K-pop: catchy lyrics and foot-tapping beats, synchronized dance sequences, colorful MV, and of course, irresistibly cute girls.
It plays as the Covey family goes back to their home in Oregon, as an upbeat and cheerful end to their wonderful trip. The MV is a must-watch and you'll surely fall for Cherry Bullet's charms.
Pretty Savage by BLACKPINK
It seems like one of the makers of the film is a BLINK as another song from BLACKPINK made it into the series.
This time it's "Pretty Savage," an electrifying trap song that fits the group's sassy and ferocious image.
The song played while Lara Jean was packing for her school trip to New York, bringing sneakers (for walking) and heels (for style) adhering to the touristy stereotypes of city slickers who are always on the go.
Here's a clip of BLACKPINK's epic live stage performance on The Late Late Show with James Corden:
We're sad that the To All the Boys trilogy ended, but we're happy to see that these K-pop songs and Korean culture, travel, and tradition references are putting the spotlight on the Covey sisters' rich Korean heritage for all the world to see!
