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Trendy songs in South Korea: A roundup of hit songs

These days, K-culture—centered around K-pop—has become mainstream in Japan, hasn’t it?

One of the defining elements of K-culture is surely its music.

Here, we’ll be introducing some of the latest hit songs from Korea!

We’ve picked out tracks lighting up various charts: not only songs by popular idols, but also artists with enduring support in genres like trot and ballads, as well as Japanese songs that are gaining popularity in Korea.

There are countless amazing masterpieces, so feel free to use summaries like this as a starting point and dive deeper!

Trending songs in Korea. Hit song roundup (71–80)

CASE 143Stray Kids

Stray Kids “CASE 143” M/V
CASE 143Stray Kids

An eight-member male idol group, Stray Kids.

They were formed in 2017 through the survival audition program ‘Stray Kids.’ Among their many songs, ‘CASE 143’ stands out for its chorus, which features a distinctive, almost candy-in-your-mouth vocal tone that becomes addictive.

The repeated hook gets stuck in your head and won’t let go.

Beyond that, the track also features beautiful melodies and rap parts, making it a very compelling listen.

TWICE

TTTwice

TT, released in 2016 by TWICE, a Korean girl group active mainly in Asia and the United States.

Known as the song that propelled their name to widespread recognition, its dance featuring the “TT pose” also became a hot topic in Japan.

Over a modern, danceable beat, their versatile vocals unfold, and the chorus phrases and dance parts that leverage the characteristics of Korean convey their glossy, cute charm.

It’s K-pop where lyrics depicting a bittersweet romance and an addictive melody resonate.

TOMBOY(G)I-DLE

(여자)아이들((G)I-DLE) – ‘TOMBOY’ Official Music Video
TOMBOY(G)I-DLE

TOMBOY marked their first comeback as a five-member group following Soojin’s departure.

It serves as the title track of their first full-length album, I NEVER DIE.

The song topped real-time charts and achieved an all-kill.

It’s a provocative, heavy-hitting rock number that showcases (G)I-DLE’s signature strong style.

The lyrics, which prioritize living true to oneself over being bound by romance, may catch you off guard.

You can really feel their edgy appeal.

Nice GuyBOYNEXTDOOR

BOYNEXTDOOR (보이넥스트도어) ‘Nice Guy’ Official MV
Nice GuyBOYNEXTDOOR

This is a pop number released in September 2024 by the six-member Korean boy group BOYNEXTDOOR.

Its rhythm and melody, which embrace each other like an affectionate couple, are striking.

The lyrics, filled with optimism, reflect the feelings of young people stepping onto a new stage in life.

Produced by Zico of KOZ Entertainment, with the members also participating in writing and composition.

In the music video, the members are shown working at a pizza shop, conveying a bright and energetic vibe.

It’s a song that will surely give you a boost when you want to feel confident or take a new step forward.

PopcornD.O

도경수 Doh Kyung Soo ‘Popcorn’ MV
PopcornD.O

A sweet love song that compares feelings of romance to popcorn.

It’s a pre-release track from D.O., the main vocalist of EXO, off his solo mini album “Blossom.” Set to a catchy melody, it expresses the joy of being in love and those special, fluttery feelings.

In the music video, D.O.

sings happily while surrounded by popcorn—an image that really stands out.

The colorful, cute visuals perfectly match the song’s bright vibe.

Released in April 2024, the song topped the iTunes Top Albums chart in 28 countries.

It’s a great pick when you want to feel butterflies or boost your mood.

Starry NightFIFTY FIFTY

FIFTY FIFTY (피프티피프티) ‘Starry Night’ Official MV
Starry NightFIFTY FIFTY

FIFTY FIFTY’s new song radiates the charm of a fantastical night sky.

Released in August 2024, this track marks an important new beginning for the group.

Set against a cosmic backdrop, the lyrics strikingly convey the strength of love and mutual support.

With a lively beat and dreamy melody, it beautifully portrays the duo’s fateful encounter and their relationship that shines together.

The music video leaves a lasting impression with scenes of the members chasing stars.

This is their first comeback as a five-member group.

It’s the perfect song for anyone who wants to bask in the feeling of love while sensing the vastness of the universe.

Lucky Girl SyndromeILLIT

ILLIT (아일릿) ‘Lucky Girl Syndrome’ Official MV
Lucky Girl SyndromeILLIT

I’LL-IT, a Korean girl group that just debuted in March 2024.

It’s a cheerfully upbeat track with a strong message: if you believe in yourself and declare you’re a lucky girl, you can attract good fortune.

Its worldview, which evokes the imagination and everyday life of teenagers, is also appealing.

The song is included on their debut mini-album “SUPER REAL ME,” and features themes that boost positivity and self-confidence.

This work expresses the importance of appreciating small everyday joys, and it seems to be particularly popular among women in their teens and twenties.

With its bright vocals that give you energy, it’s a perfect track for how you’re feeling right now.