Stylish K-pop and Korean songs. Songs with a nice vibe.

POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.

K-pop has become familiar as a standard.

The more you come to love Korean music, the more you get drawn into its vivid colors and exquisitely balanced worlds.

Beyond cutting-edge styles, the retro moods and time-honored charms are delightful, too.

In recent years, even idol groups have been actively incorporating stylish, trend-forward elements, and it feels like there are more easy-to-listen-to melodies as well.

In this article, we’ve carefully selected a variety of songs that capture Korea’s stylish vibe.

Be sure to find tracks that match your taste and have fun with them!

Trendy K-pop and Korean songs. Songs with a nice vibe (211–220)

Sunday Night DriveJay Park

박재범 (Jay Park) – ‘Sunday Night Drive’ Official Audio (KO/EN/JP/CN)

Sunday Night DriveJay Park

Jay Park, the Korean American singer known by the nickname “Jay Park.” His “Sunday Night Drive” is supreme dance-pop, pairing a mellow track with chill-out vocals.

This work is what you might call stylish K-pop.

It would be perfect for a night drive, matching the vibe perfectly.

The lyric “The studio’s already a party” is also appealing; its laid-back tone carries a passionate message, and the more you listen, the more it draws you in!

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Love Me CrazyLIM KIM, JAMIE

[STATION] LIM KIM (림킴) X JAMIE (제이미) ‘Love Me Crazy’ MV

Love Me CrazyLIM KIM, JAMIE

A collaborative track by Lim Kim—who, after performing in the duo Togeworl as Kim Ye-rim, has stepped beyond the confines of K-pop—and Korean R&B artist Jamie.

The project, part of SM STATION, was released in February 2023.

It’s a stylish, mood-driven love song that portrays confidently making a move on someone you like.

Sometimes a long time passes with neither side taking the first step, but the mature, relaxed vibe here is wonderful.

As the saying goes, “there’s no need to rush love,” so let this song encourage you while you’re in love!

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MADELEINELIMELIGHT

LIMELIGHT – “MADELEINE” MV

MADELEINELIMELIGHT

“MADELEINE” is a song about the feeling of falling in love.

It’s a refreshing summer tune by LIMELIGHT, a girl group that includes Miyu from Girls Planet 999 and officially debuted in 2023.

The title refers to a madeleine.

The song captures the desire to spend sweet moments with someone you love, making it especially relatable for those in a relationship.

You’ll be drawn in by its dreamy worldview, flowing melody, and the members’ crystal-clear, expressive performances.

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새벽 공기 (Dawn)Rainbow note

[레인보우 노트(Rainbow note)] 새벽 공기 (Dawn) Official Music Video

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!

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On Your SideYoungTak

[MV] YoungTak(영탁) _ On Your Side(니편이야)

On Your SideYoungTak

This is musician Yeontak’s first new song of 2023, following his rise to prominence on the audition show “Tomorrow Is Mr.

Trot.” It presents a different image from trot, showcasing Yeontak’s all-around talent and brilliance.

An elegant number with an urban R&B vibe, it exudes a stylish mood.

The lyrics feel dreamlike, with a touch of ennui that gives it a mature atmosphere.

Yeontak’s expressive, sensitive vocals are also soothing, making this a perfect pick when you’re in the mood for a refined, relaxing track for adults.

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Cocktail ParadiseYun Seokcheol, Sejin

[MV] Yun Seokcheol(윤석철), Sejin(세진) _ Cocktail Paradise(칵테일 파라다이스) Live Clip

Cocktail ParadiseYun Seokcheol, Sejin

Cocktail Paradise is a pop number I highly recommend for this summer.

It’s a collaboration between jazz pianist Yoon Seok Cheol, who’s active across a wide range of genres, and Park Sejin from the female acoustic duo Rooftop Moonlight.

The rhythm evokes the open, resort-like mood, and the soft, pleasant melody will have your body moving before you know it! There’s a subtle addictive quality, too, but the tones they create and the vocals offer a warm, soothing touch.

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Sing the spring(봄을 노래하다)40

[MV] 40(Forty) _ Sing the spring(봄을 노래하다)

Sing the spring(봄을 노래하다)40

A spring song by Forty, a singer-songwriter active in the Korean indie scene.

Its soft, emotionally rich vocals and delicate melodic lines are captivating.

Warm and inviting, the track heralds the arrival of spring and lets you feel the season’s fresh breath.

Although it was released in April 2013, its charm remains undimmed.

Hair dancing in the spring breeze, the scent of flowers, and fluttering hearts—its message warms the hearts of those in love and makes you want to listen while picturing springtime scenes.

It’s also a perfect song for those quiet moments after you wake up in the morning.

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