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!
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Trendy songs from South Korea: Hit song roundup (81–90)
See that?NMIXX
An energetic dance tune that fuses diverse, distinctive talents is opening up a new frontier for NMIXX.
Released in August 2024 as the title track of their 3rd mini-album, “Fe3O4: STICK OUT,” it skillfully blends electropop and hip-hop.
Already creating a buzz, it took first place on the Korean music show SBS Inkigayo.
With a theme of self-expression and emphasizing individuality, the song celebrates a free way of living unbound by others’ expectations and stereotypes.
Its rhythmic beat and addictive melody stand out, and the confident performance is a major draw.
It’s a perfect pick-me-up when you want to feel positive.
Bubble GumNewJeans
NewJeans deliver a cute, playful, bubblegum-like track this time around.
Featured on their double single “How Sweet,” released in May 2024, it’s also been used in a Japanese shampoo commercial.
The song captures the frustration and bittersweetness of being in love, wrapped in a poppy, happy vibe.
Its heart-fluttering sound evokes the excitement of a budding romance and is downright dreamy.
This track is perfect for anyone who wants to brighten their days with energy and cheer.
It’s a song packed with the charm of NewJeans, the five-member girl group from Korea.
Right NowNewJeans
NewJeans, the five-member girl group from Korea capturing global attention.
Their latest work, released ahead of their Japan debut, features a sophisticated sound that blends pop and electronic elements.
Scheduled for release in June 2024, it’s already creating a buzz, having been selected for commercials in both Japan and Korea.
Collaborating with contemporary artist Takashi Murakami, the rainbow flower visuals evoke a supernatural world, while lyrics that reflect young people’s emotions and experiences resonate widely.
With Pharrell also contributing to the songwriting, this ambitious project boasts a star-studded creative team.
It’s drawing attention as a track that proposes a new form of K-pop.
That That (prod. & feat. SUGA of BTS)PSY
PSY’s return.
It’s a thrilling, explosive track that blows away the gloomy mood.
It also made waves because BTS’s Suga produced it and took part.
Beyond racking up YouTube views, it’s topping various streaming services and charts in Korea.
Its comical world-building is distinctive, and as expected, PSY’s music is irresistibly catchy and leaves a strong impact.
Great to listen to, sing, and dance to.
The music video is hugely popular worldwide, showing truly borderless reach.
MOUNTAINSStray Kids
A powerful track by Stray Kids, an eight-member boy group from South Korea.
Released in July 2024 as part of the album ATE, it uses the metaphor of “climbing a mountain” to express facing difficulties head-on in pursuit of one’s dreams.
With its epic sound and hard-hitting message, it’s guaranteed to light up a live show.
You can really feel the intensity unique to a “self-producing idol” group, with the members themselves involved in the production.
In 2023, they won numerous music awards, including Artist of the Year (Daesang).
Be sure to check out this gripping song that showcases the high musicality of Stray Kids.
GGUMYEONJUN
Yeonjun of the Korean K-pop boy group TOMORROW X TOGETHER released his first solo project in September 2024.
It’s an energetic track grounded in hip-hop with an electro edge, powerfully expressing his dreams and ambition.
True to its title, which means “dream,” it conveys a performer brimming with confidence.
The song achieved global success, topping the iTunes Top Songs chart in over 32 countries.
The music video—featuring dynamic visuals and a touch of humor—is also a must-see.
It’s a perfect pick when you want to believe in your talent and push toward your dreams.
Trendy Korean songs: A collection of hit songs (91–100)
GOOD SO BADZEROBASEONE
A song by ZEROBASEONE, a fifth-generation K-pop boy group from South Korea, is creating a buzz.
It’s the title track of their 4th mini album, “CINEMA PARADISE,” released in August 2024.
The track features exhilarating synth-pop with an energetic beat.
The lyrics, expressing deep feelings for someone and emotions that sometimes turn confusing, leave a strong impression.
Phrases like “It’s blindingly amazing” and “The whole universe says, don’t miss it” are repeated, conveying the frustration of love and an irresistible pull.
Actor Yoo Ji-tae appears in the music video, and the diverse performances by the nine members are also a highlight.