K-POP that was popular in 2021. Korea’s best hit songs
K-pop has spread into the mainstream and is now loved by many people.
In 2021, BTS kept up the momentum from the previous year’s release of “Dynamite” while scoring a hit with “Butter,” further accelerating their popularity beyond just K-pop fans.
Solo tracks by girl group members, including BLACKPINK’s Rosé, also became major hits.
You also can’t miss the new-generation solo artists and the sleeper hits that climbed back up the charts!
It felt like there were many bright songs that broke through the mood of the time, giving listeners energy.
Let’s look back and listen to this collection of K-pop hit songs that defined 2021!
- K-pop that was popular in 2020. Korea’s best hit songs.
- A roundup of popular K-pop songs that trended in 2022
- [2026] A roundup of popular K-POP hits that were trending this year
- A Korean song you often hear on TikTok. Trending K-pop.
- Stylish K-pop and Korean songs. Songs with a nice vibe.
- Spring K-POP Festival! Korean spring songs that colorfully resonate with the heart
- K-pop idols who debuted in 2019! Introducing ITZY’s popular songs
- Trendy songs in South Korea: A roundup of hit songs
- K-POP Masterpieces & Best Hits [Latest and Classic Popular Songs + Editor’s Select]
- BLACKPINK’s Greatest Hits Collection | A BLINK Best for Both Newcomers and Diehard Fans
- BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) Masterpiece Collection | A comprehensive songbook that both newcomers and devoted fans can enjoy
- [Cute Korean Songs] K-POP used on TikTok
- BLACKPINK Popular Song Rankings [2026]
K-pop that was popular in 2021: Korea’s Best Hit Songs (11–20)
Traffic light(신호등)Lee Mujin(이무진)
Lee Mujin, who drew attention on the survival show ‘Sing Again’—a program giving talented yet lesser-known singers a shot at a comeback—released in May what became one of 2021’s signature hits and his defining song.
Thanks to the quality of the composition, it steadily grew in popularity.
Titled ‘Traffic Light,’ the song’s lyrics portray a life journey where the road ahead is uncertain—something anyone can relate to.
Mujin’s distinctive, memorable voice creates a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
The brass parts fit perfectly, and the buoyant, bouncing chorus melody is fun and uplifting.
It’s an acoustic classic that radiates warmth.
NAKKA(with IU)AKMU (Akdong Musician)
NAKKA (with IU) is a song that exotically portrays the dynamics between a man and a woman.
Created by the sibling pop duo AKMU, it is included on their album Next Episode.
The song conveys a declaration of eternal love to a lover.
However, rather than a happy mood, it carries a subtly sorrowful nuance—that’s the key point.
Also, be sure to pay attention to the parts featuring singer-songwriter IU.
Fresh AdventureLABOUM
LABOUM is a girl group that debuted in 2014.
When it comes to their hit song in 2021, it would be Fresh Adventure.
In fact, it was originally released in 2016.
Yet five years later, it climbed to the top of the music charts.
The charm of the song lies in its girly sound and lyrics that convey the excitement of diving into an unknown world.
Listening to it will surely put you in a positive mood.
A Japanese-language version has also been released, so try checking and comparing the lyrics.
ASAPSTAYC
The title track from STAYC’s second single album “STAYDOM,” released less than a year after their debut.
Crafted by the duo Black Eyed Pilseung and Jeong Gun, it features an impressively catchy melody.
The lyrics are cute, depicting the fluttery feelings of falling in love and the excitement of hoping to meet an ideal person.
Released in April 2021, the song sparked the “#ASAP_challenge” on TikTok, known for its distinctive “stepping” dance that matches the unique rhythm, with approachable choreography adding to its charm.
The track surpassed 20 million views within nine days of release, accelerating STAYC’s rise in popularity.
WeekendTaeyeon
Weekend, which became the biggest hit solo track by a girl group member in 2021.
It’s a single released in July by Taeyeon, a Girls’ Generation member and one of Korea’s premier vocalists.
It ranked 35th on Melon’s year-end chart.
The fresh dance number features a breezy sound with a hint of funk that feels delightful.
The lyrics about weekend fun and Taeyeon’s soft, richly colored vocals are guaranteed to lift your mood! Perfect as travel BGM, for unplanned free time, and even in the middle of a busy day.
It lightens the heart and refreshes you.
ThunderousStray Kids
Released in 2021, Stray Kids’ track “Thunderous,” known for its addictive trap beat, is themed around “Sorikkun,” a traditional Korean folk performing art, and features powerful choreography with hip-hop elements.
The chorus includes many groove-based moves, so both strength and body fluidity are crucial—be mindful of foundational techniques like body waves and musicality.
It’s also important to make big movements when hitting strong accents.
In addition, the formation work that leverages the number of members is striking, so synchronizing everyone’s breathing and timing will make it perfect!
MONEYLiSA
Lisa, known as a member of BLACKPINK.
While BLACKPINK is a stylish group with hip-hop influences, Lisa’s solo work explores a more authentic hip-hop style.
Among her tracks, the one especially popular on TikTok is MONEY.
The song is primarily rap-based, but the chorus is sung melodically.
Its catchy chorus has led to widespread use as background music for dance videos in many countries.
In conclusion
I introduced K-pop hits from 2021. There were so many buzzworthy tracks, from chart-climbing comeback hits to new-generation artists! Looking back and researching again, I got the impression that the year’s hit songs were the kind you want to listen to on repeat. Every track is great, so be sure to give them all a listen!