[Korean Oldies · Genre-Free] Songs from Korea you’ll want to listen to now—nostalgic Korean tracks
Beginning with Korean popular music like trot and moving through the groundbreaking work of Seo Taiji and Boys—hailed by some as “the cultural president”—Korean pop opened up new horizons.
Thanks to pioneers like the idol groups H.O.T.
and S.E.S., we also saw an increase in freer, more open forms of expression.
In Japan, hit songs by groups such as Girls’ Generation, KARA, and Wonder Girls—who helped spark the K-pop movement—were once fondly shared on social media under the hashtag “#KoreanOldies.” In this article, we’ve chosen to spotlight timeless masterpieces and nostalgic hits that defined eras in Korean music, regardless of genre.
Let’s take our time and enjoy these Korean oldies—still fresh and wonderful even today!
- [Korean popular music] Popular trot songs. Masterpieces by trot singers.
- Hit songs that colored Korea's 1990s: Kayo (K-pop) pop music.
- [K-POP] Korean songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: classic crowd-pleasers
- K-POP and Korean tear-jerker songs: tracks that deeply resonate and bring you to tears
- [Exquisite Ballad Songs] K-pop that touches the soul. Korean Ballads
- An emotional Korean song. A gently moving, sensitive masterpiece.
- Trendy songs in South Korea: A roundup of hit songs
- Korean karaoke songs: beloved tunes from popular ballads to K-pop
- [Japan–Korea Spotlight Again] Feature on Korean Enka Singers, Trot Singers
- Guaranteed to hit repeat: Energetic K-pop songs that will lift your mood
- Nothing but famous and hit songs! K-pop tracks recommended for Gen Z
- [2026] Cool! K-pop dance tracks that make you want to move
- K-pop and Korean love songs: Love songs that really capture the Korean view of romance
[Korean Oldies · Genre-Free] Songs You Want to Hear Now! Nostalgic Korean Tracks (21–30)
Battery of Love (Ai no Battery)홍진영
Known for songs like “To Live” and active in both dramas and films, trot singer Hong Jin-young—often called the “Goddess of Trot”—made her debut with “Love Battery.” The lyrics have a girlish, idol-pop feel, and the breezy, disco-inflected sound is striking.
Her coquettish vocals are sure to make your heart skip a beat.
It’s a perfect introductory trot track even for those who mainly listen to today’s K-pop!
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.
[Korean Oldies, Genre-Free] Songs You Want to Listen to Now! Nostalgic Korean Tracks (31–40)
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.
몽키매직 (Monkey Magic)Dr. Lee
Lee Pak-sa, the artist who pioneered the uniquely Korean genre known as techno-trot, made waves with his groundbreaking style that combines traditional trot music with danceable synthesizer sounds.
This work, a cover of a Japanese anime song, captivates with its energetic beat and catchy melody lines.
In his performance on episode 3 of Mnet’s show Trot X, he enthralled the audience with flamboyant costumes and distinctive dance moves.
It became a song loved by a wide range of listeners, from younger generations to older audiences.
It’s the perfect track to lift your spirits—whether on a weekend drive or at a party.
하루김범수
Singer Kim Bum-soo, who has worked on numerous Korean drama OSTs, is known for signature songs like “Bogoshipda (I Miss You).” His track “Haru (One Day),” included on his 2000 release Remember, is a ballad distinguished by its classical sound.
His overwhelming vocal prowess is truly soothing, and the delicate timbre of the strings is another highlight.
With its symphonic atmosphere, it’s a perfect song to listen to when you want to relax.
어머나장윤정
Singer Jang Young-jun, dubbed the “Queen of Trot,” is beloved by audiences across generations and is known for her glamorous, cute looks.
The title track from her 2004 release, Omona, won numerous awards.
Its melody evokes the distinctive nostalgia of classic Korean pop.
The song had such impact that it reshaped the image of trot at the time.
When you hear this breezy Korean tune, you can’t help but start dancing.
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.
