A roundup of popular K-pop songs that trended in 2022
Looking back at K-pop in 2022, the most striking thing—also noted by international music media—was the dominance of girl groups.
While third-generation groups like BLACKPINK continued to enjoy global popularity, fourth-generation acts such as LE SSERAFIM, NewJeans, and NMIXX debuted, and earlier fourth-gen debut groups like (G)I-DLE and IVE made major breakthroughs.
With the big news of BTS going on hiatus and comebacks from BIGBANG and Girls’ Generation, 2022 truly felt like a year of transformation.
Curious which songs defined K-pop in 2022? Be sure to check this article to find out.
- K-POP that was popular in 2021. Korea’s best hit songs
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- A Korean song you often hear on TikTok. Trending K-pop.
- K-POP Popularity Rankings [2026]
- Summary of Korean female idols: Introducing popular K-pop girl groups
- K-POP Masterpieces & Best Hits [Latest and Classic Popular Songs + Editor’s Select]
- Guaranteed to hit repeat: Energetic K-pop songs that will lift your mood
- What is the ranking of popular songs by (G)I-DLE?
- K-pop to color your Instagram stories: recommended Korean songs
- K-pop Idols of a New Era! Ranking of aespa’s Most Popular Songs
- [Cute Korean Songs] K-POP used on TikTok
- PENTAGON Popular Song Ranking [2026]
- Jay Park Popular Song Rankings [2026]
Summary of popular K-POP songs that trended in 2022 (11–20)
AttentionNewJeans
NewJeans’ music is already generating major buzz, and their debut single “Attention” is a must-hear.
Drawing on 90s R&B influences, its sound skillfully fuses a Y2K vibe with Gen Z sensibilities.
The lyrics, which capture the bittersweet feelings of someone in love, deliver a message that deeply resonates with the new generation.
Released digitally in July 2022, the track earned platinum certification in Korea and has surpassed 100 million streams.
It’s a captivating song that really speaks to young people—perfect for dance performances at school festivals and similar events.
Yet to Come (The Most Beautiful Moment)BTS
Let me introduce “Yet to Come (The Most Beautiful Moment),” which drew major attention with its Grammy nomination.
This track was released by the well-known boy group BTS and serves as the lead single from the album Proof.
Its content looks back on their activities to date while imagining the future ahead.
Combined with the situation of being just before their hiatus, it resonated deeply with many fans.
WA DA DAKep1er
Released in January 2022 as a debut track, Kep1er’s song boldly proclaims a fearless challenge toward their dreams.
Born from a Korean survival show, the nine-member girl group delivers a powerful statement of intent that captivates listeners with its rhythmic beat and catchy melody.
The music video quickly drew attention, surpassing 100 million views in about three months.
With energetic sound and uplifting lyrics, the song has garnered wide support, especially among younger audiences.
It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for concerts, parties, and many other occasions.
That That (prod. & feat. SUGA of BTS)PSY
A collaboration track by Korean singer PSY and BTS’s SUGA was released in April 2022.
The song is a catchy, high-energy party tune themed around the joy of reveling in freedom and a sense of release after the pandemic.
PSY’s trademark humor and SUGA’s polished production blend seamlessly, resulting in an irresistible track that grabs listeners instantly.
Upon release, it quickly climbed the charts on platforms like Spotify and iTunes, and sparked major buzz by surpassing 50 million YouTube views within 75 hours.
It’s a perfect pick for lighting up the dance floor or giving yourself a refreshing mood boost.
WHEN I MOVEKARA
KARA is a girl group formed in 2007, known as a driving force behind the rise of K-pop.
In 2022, the year they celebrated their 15th anniversary, they released “WHEN I MOVE,” their first new song in about seven years.
It’s an up-tempo track with a strong groove.
The lyrics depict the exhilaration that comes from music, accurately conveying the song’s theme.
Be sure to check out the sharp, precise choreography as well.
ELEVENive
This song brilliantly captures the exhilaration of the moment you fall in love, when the world starts to sparkle like a kaleidoscope.
It opens with an exotic melody, settles down briefly, then explodes with emotion in the chorus—a truly breathtaking structure.
The lyrics vividly evoke a confident girl who discovers her own charm and captivates the one she loves.
Released in December 2021 as the title track of the single album “ELEVEN,” this debut song took first place on a music show just one week after debut and ultimately won 13 trophies.
If you want to relive that invincible feeling of being completely absorbed in something, listening to this track might just send your mood soaring.
FEARLESSLE SSERAFIM
This is the landmark debut release from LE SSERAFIM, a girl group whose name is an anagram of “IM FEARLESS.” It portrays a strong will to move forward fearlessly—unfazed by others’ gazes and accepting even one’s scars as part of oneself.
The restrained sound and addictive bassline coolly underscore their unshakable resolve.
Their debut EP, FEARLESS—titled after this track—sold over 170,000 copies on its release day in May 2022.
It’s sure to give a powerful push to anyone who wants to stay true to themselves without being swayed by others’ opinions!
In conclusion
Looking back, K-pop in 2022 was marked not only by the overwhelming strength of the third generation, but also by the debut of fourth-generation groups that signaled a transformative shift leading into 2023 and beyond. If you’re a Western music fan who became interested in K-pop thanks to NewJeans’ dramatic rise in 2023, be sure to check out K-pop from 2022 as well!