Hit songs that colored Korea's 1990s: Kayo (K-pop) pop music.
These days, K-pop has become beloved worldwide.
In today’s Reiwa-era Korea, J-pop—nostalgic yet refreshingly new—is starting to catch on, and songs that incorporate retro flavors are gaining popularity.
Korea’s 90s tracks are packed with the charms of mainstream pop that also seem connected to Japanese music!
Some of you may have discovered certain songs through covers by K-pop artists.
From emotionally rich ballads to irresistibly catchy tunes that still resonate today—there are so many wonderful classics.
Be sure to check them out!
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Hit songs that colored Korea’s 1990s. Kayo (pop) (1–10)
Reflection of You in Your SmileShin Sunghun (Shin Sunhun)
Shin Seung Hun is a quintessential Korean singer-songwriter who has remained popular for many years.
He debuted in 1990 and immediately scored a hit with 1.4 million copies sold.
He continued to release hit tunes and has been loved by many fans up to the present.
One of his classic songs is “Reflection of You in Your Smile.” It’s similar to Japan’s “Get Along Together” or “Mou Ichido Yoru wo Tomete,” crafted as a sweet pop ballad.
Don’t Leave MeJ.Y. Park
Park Jin-young, the South Korean singer-songwriter better known as J.Y.
Park or JYP.
Many people in Japan may be familiar with him as well.
He has been active since the 1990s and continues to work as an entrepreneur today.
Among his works, the song I especially recommend is “Don’t Leave Me.” It’s a memorable track with production that evokes the club scene of the time and smooth vocals.
It’s perfect for those who enjoy revival-style works that capture the feel of a bygone era.
불멸의 사랑chosongmo (cho-sonmo)
Cho Sung-mo, a Korean singer-songwriter known as the “Prince of Ballads,” debuted in the late 1990s and has continued dropping hit tunes not only throughout the ’90s but all the way from the 2000s to today.
He’s especially popular among madams.
Among his songs, the one I particularly recommend is ‘Immortal Love’ (불멸의 사랑).
True to his title as the Prince of Ballads, his expressive, emotionally rich singing stands out in this track.
The music video is also intricately crafted, so be sure to check it out.
Hit songs that colored Korea’s 1990s. Kayo pops (11–20)
pure-hearted코요태(Koyote)
Coyote is a three-member co-ed vocal group.
While co-ed idol groups are fairly common now, they were rare in the 1990s.
They are a great group that laid the groundwork for such co-ed idols.
Their song ‘순정 (Pure Love)’ is one of their classics.
Many of you might recognize it because DJ OZMA covered it as “Junjo ~Sunjung~.”
If you like high-voltage, upbeat tracks, be sure to check it out!
Poisonomu jonfa
Uhm Jung-hwa, a female singer often hailed as the Madonna of Korea and the queen of K-pop, captivates with songs born from her beautiful looks and voice—each one moving and impactful.
Among her discography, a particularly recommended track is “Poison.” It features a sound that blends club music with Korean pop sensibilities, giving off a vibe similar to Japan’s “Dancing Hero.” It also has qualities reminiscent of Japanese 1980s idol songs, so be sure to check it out.
Dreams Come TrueS.E.S
S.E.S.
is a female idol group that gained popularity in the 1990s.
It’s pronounced just as written: S-E-S.
Known as part of the first generation of Korean idols, they had a major influence on modern female idol groups.
Among their songs, the one I especially recommend is “Dreams Come True.” As you’ll notice when you listen, the musical style is crafted similarly to artists like Mai Kuraki or Hikaru Utada in Japan.
It’s upbeat with plenty of soothing elements, so be sure to check it out.
달팽이Panic
Panic is a Korean band known for their distinctive musical style that blends modern rock with alternative, techno sounds, and Black music.
They were hugely active in the 1990s and had a significant influence on today’s Korean rock scene.
Among their songs, a work I especially recommend is Dalpaengi (Snail).
This piece is a relaxed, piano-centered track, yet you can sense a rock tone in parts of the vocals.
It’s a perfect pick for those who love romantic ballads.