A Classic of Korean City Pop [KOREAN CITY POP]
In recent years, Japanese city pop has become beloved around the world.
Whether you usually listen to K-pop or not, many of you are probably interested, right?
While the definition has broadened and there are many ways to interpret it, it evokes a refined, “urban” feel.
In Korea, although that stylish approach hasn’t often produced explosive hits, starting around 2018 there’s been a noticeable increase in retro-style releases, and their charm has maintained strong support.
In this article, we’ll spotlight some classic tracks from this Korean take on city pop!
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Korean City Pop Masterpieces [KOREAN CITY POP] (1–10)
Give Me The Lightuju
Uju is a Korean singer-songwriter who handles everything from sophisticated city pop to unadorned acoustic pop.
Give Me The Light is included on her debut mini-album, Sunday Seoul Ep.1, released in 2017, and is known as an early signature song that helped raise her profile.
Once you hear the urbane groove, her refined vocals, and the meltingly smooth chorus, you’ll be amazed at the high caliber of Korean city pop.
Try putting this track on as BGM—whether for a late-night drive playlist or whenever you want to create a chic atmosphere.
새벽 공기 (Dawn)Rainbow note
Let me introduce Dawn, a track by Rainbow Note, the female duo leading Korea’s city pop scene.
Formed in 2019, Rainbow Note are also at the forefront of the “newtro” boom—combining “new” and “retro”—that’s garnered attention in their home country and here in Japan as well.
Their artwork is unified by vintage anime-style illustrations, which should appeal to fans of Night Tempo.
Released in 2022, their song Dawn is a gem that exemplifies the cutting edge of Korean city pop, with sophisticated production perfect for urban nights and a smooth, beautiful melody.
It’s an ideal companion for a night drive—don’t miss it!
City Breeze & Love SongKIM HYUN CHUL
Said to be the pioneer of Korean city pop, Kim Hyun-chul released this in 2021.
Its gentle, breezy sound lifts your spirits—an effortlessly stylish tune.
Blending an urban vibe with an AOR-inspired soundscape, it layers the thrill of romance over the shimmer of the city.
The balance of Kim Hyun-chul’s tender vocals and polished flair is irresistible, as is the timbre of the horns in the interlude.
Perfect not only for weekend mornings, but also for strolls and vacation resort downtime—any restful moment that calls for a little lift.
Korean City Pop Masterpieces [KOREAN CITY POP] (11–20)
One More Time (with Kirin, Horan)Bronze
Seeing the artwork and fonts for the album East Shore, which includes One More Time, any city pop fan can’t help but grin.
The artwork is by Hiroshi Nagai, who designed the iconic cover for Eiichi Ohtaki’s historic masterpiece A LONG VACATION, and the one capturing the hearts of city pop and AOR fans is none other than Korean star producer BRONZE.
A key producer at the popular label 8BALLTOWN, all of his solo releases feature covers unified by Hiroshi Nagai’s artwork.
BRONZE’s One More Time is an irresistibly catchy, flawless killer duet tune, with guest vocals that highlight a supremely mellow groove.
If you’re looking for summer background music, be sure to check out BRONZE’s work.
아름다워Yun Suiru (Yun Suil)
Yoon Soo-il debuted in 1977 and shifted to being a rock artist in 1981.
Because he produced many songs themed around the city, he came to be called a founder of city music.
Although this track was released in 1984, it still feels strikingly modern and stylish today.
In fact, NewJeans covered this song for an LG commercial.
The guitar’s soft, floating rhythm is wonderfully soothing.
The lyrics vividly depict seascapes and have a vibe that connects with Japanese pop as well.
Of course, it wasn’t labeled city pop at the time of its release, but amid the recent boom and the trend of digging into domestic tracks, it’s said to have been rediscovered by the MZ generation.
Afterlife (Feat. OOHYO)SPACECOWBOY
Space Cowboy is a music producer and singer-songwriter known for working on songs for Korean girl group Lovelyz, among others.
He’s also known for his distinctive, slightly mysterious look—usually appearing in media and music videos wearing a white mask and sunglasses.
Featuring singer OOHYO, his track “Afterlife” is a comfortable, ’80s-style synth-pop tune.
It’s a popular song within the “newtro” trend that’s gaining attention among young people in Korea, and its sound aligns with U.S.
and U.K.
trends as well, so I’d recommend it to Western pop fans too.
By the way, he’s known to be fond of Japan and well-versed in Japanese culture and music, so if you’re interested, be sure to check out his other tracks as well!
Merry Go RoundRisso, BNJX
A stylish number with a city-pop vibe.
It’s included on Seoul Drive, a collaborative album by singer-songwriter Riso—who has provided guide vocals and backing vocals for KARA and GFRIEND—and BNJX.
The music video also has an evocative, 80s-inspired atmosphere.
It brings to mind Mariya Takeuchi’s “Plastic Love,” while the distinctly Korean, sweet mood leaves a strong impression.