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 in South Korea. Hit song collection (111–120)
HaegeumAgust D
A hip-hop track released under BTS’s Suga’s solo moniker, Agust D.
It’s included on the album D-DAY, released on April 21, 2023.
Written, composed, and produced by himself, the lyrics are infused with the key theme of “freedom,” and Agust D’s relentless flow carries a powerful, insistent message.
Perhaps it points to the problems of our information-saturated era and the chaotic side of social media.
It really makes you think.
While it has a heavy, weighty feel, it’s also a meaningful song about “liberation,” conveying a wish for facing one another and mutual respect.
The PlanetBTS
A new song by BTS released in May 2023, recorded before Jin and Hobi enlisted.
It was chosen as the theme song for the anime “BASTIONS,” and its message brimming with hope is truly encouraging.
The lively melody lines so characteristic of BTS and their vocal work are delightful.
The message about overcoming things together resonates even more because it’s sung by BTS.
With its bright, uplifting mood, it fits any situation, and personally, it’s a song I’d love to take along on a trip.
SomebodyD.O
A love song I recommend for the sentimental autumn season.
It’s the title track of D.O.’s 2nd mini album, “Expectation.” A pop number with an acoustic feel and a slightly wistful mood, it captures the longing of waiting for someone who will love you just as you are.
D.O.’s sweet vocals are heartwarming, and the song is sure to soothe you when you need to unwind.
Be sure to watch it together with the story-driven music video featuring D.O.
himself and actress Lee Jae-in.
Cream SodaEXO
Debuting in 2012 with the mini-album “MAMA,” EXO has become a pioneering presence among boy idol groups.
Among their many tracks, “Cream Soda” is a top recommendation: a dance-pop song that blends a mellow vibe with their cool image.
While many of their songs are aggressive, this one has a moderately relaxed tone, making it perfect to play casually as background music in your room.
TempoEXO
EXO debuted simultaneously in South Korea and China in 2014, and then made their Japanese debut in 2015.
Their “Tempo” is the lead track from their fifth album, DON’T MESS UP MY TEMPO, released in 2018.
The flow from the catchy vocal melodies into the powerful hook never gets old no matter how many times you listen! The mid-song break where it’s just the vocals also feels very fresh and really sticks in your head.
It’s a thrilling song with rapid-fire shifts, and once you get hooked, there’s no getting out!
I Love My BodyHwasa
Hwasa, the youngest member of MAMAMOO, shines with an even more distinctive charm as a solo artist.
Many of her songs are filled with self-affirmation, and “I Love My Body” carries the message, “Let’s be confident in our own style.” The lyrics—so uniquely Hwasa—ask what’s genuine and really resonate.
What we call complexes might, in other words, be a person’s unique strengths.
The distinctive rhythm is fun, and listening to this track gives you a boost, making you think, “If I don’t love myself, who will?!”
Tick-TackILLIT
A song by the five-member Korean girl group ILLIT that captures the complex emotions of teenagers.
It’s included on their second mini-album, “I’LL LIKE YOU,” released in October 2024.
The lyrics, which focus on the wavering feelings of love and the struggle for self-expression, leave a strong impression.
Unique expressions appear throughout, such as depicting the inner heart as a hectic cabinet.
Paired with a refreshing sound that feels like a snapshot of youth, the track resonates deeply with listeners.
Also noteworthy are the face-covering hand dance that hints at a trend on social media and the addictive rhythm that mimics the ticking of a clock.