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!
- [Korean Oldies · Genre-Free] Songs from Korea you’ll want to listen to now—nostalgic Korean tracks
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- A roundup of hit love songs from the ’90s
- [K-POP] Korean songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: classic crowd-pleasers
- An emotional Korean song. A gently moving, sensitive masterpiece.
- Guaranteed to hit repeat: Energetic K-pop songs that will lift your mood
- Trendy songs in South Korea: A roundup of hit songs
- [Exquisite Ballad Songs] K-pop that touches the soul. Korean Ballads
- K-pop and Korean love songs: Love songs that really capture the Korean view of romance
- [K-R&B] A Special Feature on Classic Korean R&B Songs
- Nothing but famous and hit songs! K-pop tracks recommended for Gen Z
- Stylish K-pop and Korean songs. Songs with a nice vibe.
- [Korean Drama OSTs] Classic Popular Songs That Color the Story: Best Masterpieces
Hit songs that colored Korea’s 1990s. Kayo pops (11–20)
난 행복해Isora (I Sora)
Lee Sora is a highly skilled singer-songwriter who is beloved by many fans.
She is an impressive female vocalist known for her remarkable ability to convey emotion and the stable vocal technique that supports it.
Among her songs, the one I especially recommend is ‘난 행복해’ (I’m Happy).
Her husky voice creates a sense of melancholy, while her unwaveringly clear high notes leave a strong impression.
The melody strongly reflects elements of Korean pop, yet her vocals evoke a Western influence.
It’s a beautiful work that shines through that contrast.
In conclusion
I’ve been introducing songs that were hits in Korea in the ’90s.
What impression did you get after listening? Didn’t some aspects still feel fun and fresh even now? If you keep following Korean music, I’m sure you’ll get chances to hear these songs somewhere, so it’d be great to get to know them little by little when that happens!