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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Trending songs in South Korea: A compilation of hit songs (161–170)
Girlsaespa
The title track “Girls” from aespa’s second mini-album Girls, released in July 2022 by the Korean multinational four-member girl group aespa.
This song features quintessential aespa elements—sleek, futuristic sound effects and distinctive synthesizer phrases that are incredibly cool! Additionally, the structure of the pre-chorus (the B section) is particularly inventive: it inserts a punchy, rap-like highlight before flowing into the sung melody, then transitions naturally into the chorus.
The way the arrangement keeps listeners engaged feels exactly like one of aespa’s signature strengths!
HAPPY(prod.hedyy)차노을
The track by Chanoul, a young rapper and singer from South Korea, delivers a positive sound packed with innate brightness.
Released as a digital single in May 2024, it was produced by Heddy.
To overcome the challenge of making new friends, they shot the music video with help from Chanoul’s father, and the video gained traction on social media.
Its bright dance beat and catchy phrases feel great to listen to, making it a song that lifts your spirits.
It’s the perfect track for days when you’re feeling a bit down or when you’re taking on something new.
멸종위기사랑LEE CHANHYUK
Lee Chan-hyuk, the creator behind the music of sibling duo AKMU.
Having confronted the profound theme of “death” in his 2022 solo work ERROR, he returned with a track included on his second album EROS, released in July 2025.
This piece questions the value of love—a precious thing on the verge of extinction—as if it were something endangered.
Blending a nostalgic 1960s pop sound with majestic, gospel-like choral arrangements, it paints a sweeping sonic landscape.
It’s a song that helps you rediscover the essential emotions we tend to lose sight of in everyday life.
Recommended for nights when you want to mull things over while savoring the meaning of the lyrics.
Immerse yourself in Lee Chan-hyuk’s worldview, which consistently brings us deeply philosophical music.
Soda PopSaja Boys
This is a track by the group Saja Boys from the Netflix animated film “KPOP Girls! Demon Hunters.” Though fictional, they’ve been stirring up the real music scene—ranking on U.S.
music charts by July 2025.
At first listen, it’s a classic idol song with the fizz and freshness of popping soda! But the lyrics aren’t a sweet love song; they actually express the very desires of their true identities: demons that devour souls.
That duality—the sparkling idol façade and the dark nature hidden beneath—really grabs you, doesn’t it? You might just get hooked on the sweet melody of this piece, the “first trap” in the story.
IF I SAY, I LOVE YOUBOYNEXTDOOR
This is a digital single by the boy group BOYNEXTDOOR, released in January 2025.
The lyrics, themed around self-loathing and lingering feelings after a breakup, are striking, and the contrast with its upbeat dance-pop sound is particularly appealing.
The track won first place for the first time on Mnet’s music program M Countdown, aired on January 16, marking an important work that showcases BOYNEXTDOOR’s musical growth.
Its content resonates with those who have experienced heartbreak and inner conflict, making it a recommended BGM when you want a boost or to look forward.
Seven (feat. Latto)Jung Kook
BTS is a boys’ idol group that boasts immense popularity not only in South Korea but also in Japan.
Among its members, Jung Kook’s “Seven (feat.
Latto)” is a dance-pop track with a stylish, cool vibe that leaves a strong impression.
This song showcases his sexy, powerful vocals, and it’s an easy-to-listen-to number that’s recommended not only for his fans, but also for those who’ve only heard BTS or don’t usually listen to K-pop.
Latto’s featured rap part is a must-hear as well!
Roller CoasterNMIXX
NMIXX is a six-member girl group that debuted with “O.O” in 2022.
Their 2023 release “Roller Coaster” is an encouraging anthem that lifts listeners’ spirits.
The chorus—about “riding a shooting-star roller coaster and racing ahead through the wind”—is sure to resonate with anyone who wants to charge forward without looking back.
When you hit a big wall in your studies or work, put on this song and power right through it!
MarsD.O
A heartwarming love song released from D.O.’s mini-album “Blossom.” Published in May 2024, it portrays the courage of two people—different like planets—nurturing their love.
D.O.’s gentle vocals convey deep emotion to listeners.
Set to a melodious pop sound, it’s a warm track that celebrates the importance of love.
Coinciding with this release, D.O.
also announced his first solo concert tour, “Bloom.” It might be fun to listen while imagining a romance with an alien.
You’ll surely want to enjoy this song with someone special.
ERROR 405JD1
The second digital single released in May 2024 by JD1, an AI idol from South Korea.
It’s a track that fuses EDM and pop, featuring a catchy melody and an impressive synthesizer riff.
The lyrics, themed around human relationships and the confusion of the digital age, are delivered with emotionally rich vocals.
The song depicts an AI experiencing the “error” of first-time romantic feelings and, despite the confusion, interpreting it positively—an original and striking concept.
Its funky, fresh sound evokes a summer romance.
A track that showcases JD1’s youthful charm and performance.
No Sad Song For My Broken HeartK.will
A ballad released by K.will in June 2024.
It’s included on the album “All The Way” and was produced by the renowned producer Yoon Sang.
This track showcases the delicate, soul-stirring vocals of K.will, a highly skilled singer from Korea.
The lyrics are memorable for conveying a positive message while portraying the sorrow of parting.
The gentle arrangement highlights K.will’s warm yet powerful voice.
It’s a song that stays close to those dealing with heartbreak or emotional wounds, offering empathy and comfort.
The music video features Seo In-guk and Ahn Jae-hyun, unfolding an emotional storyline.