[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 (41–50)
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!
[Korean Oldies · Genre-Free] Songs You Want to Listen to Now! Nostalgic Korean Tracks (51–60)
HeartbreakinglyMinamichin
Namjin, who is also highly acclaimed as an actor, enjoyed great popularity as a trot singer from the late 1960s to the late 1970s.
His 1967 release “Kasmapge” became such a hit that a feature film of the same title was produced with him in the lead role.
In Japan, Lee Seon-ae’s cover version is well known.
Its appeal lies in the powerful, ornamented vocals and rich vibrato.
The bittersweet melody line and lyrics convey a sense of longing that brings listeners to tears.
If you like enka or kayōkyoku, give it a listen.
Unconditional박상철
Park Sang-chul is a trot singer who has won numerous prestigious awards in Korea, including the top prize on KBS’s National Singing Contest.
His 2005 release “Unconditionally” became a massive hit after being featured on the variety show 2 Days & 1 Night.
The song blends a driving, melodious sound with expansive choral work.
Its message is about rushing to someone’s side whenever they call.
If you enjoy rock or pop, give it a listen.
난 알아요(I Know)서태지와 아이들(Seotaiji and Boys)
Seo Taiji and Boys were a hip-hop group that made a big splash in the early days of what is now globally known as K-pop.
They are known for sparking a movement in the Korean music scene, which had been dominated by ballads and trot.
“I Know,” included on their 1992 release Seotaiji & Boys, is a dance track that showcases skillful rap.
Its emotional synth sounds and rhythmic flow are filled with qualities that connect directly to today’s K-pop.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Where did K-pop begin?” this is a must-listen.
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.
Red Sunset (Crimson Evening Glow)이문세
Singer Lee Moon-se, who is also active as an emcee and radio DJ.
His 1988 release Red Sunset later became a hot topic after being covered by BIGBANG.
You can savor the depth of his high-tone voice, for which he is known as a ballad singer.
The lead synth that rings out over the powerful rock sound is striking.
The dynamically unfolding choral work resonates with emotion.
Please enjoy this classic by a long-beloved Korean entertainer.