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: A Compilation of Hit Songs (171–180)
Lonely NightOnestar(임한별)
A ballad that keeps you company on a wistful night.
This new song by South Korean artist Lim Han-byul was released in August 2024.
A former member of Monday Kiz, Lim Han-byul is known as a highly skilled singer-songwriter.
The track delicately captures the feelings that make you want to drink alone on a lonely night.
Filled with regret over lost love and days that won’t return, Lim Han-byul’s emotive vocals strike a chord.
A recommended listen for anyone looking to soothe a hurting heart.
FAMOUSALLDAY PROJECT
ALLDAY PROJECT is a co-ed Korean group that brings together five members with unusual backgrounds, including a chaebol heiress and a world-class dancer.
This is the title track from their debut album, FAMOUS, released in June 2025.
Its urban, hip-hop-based sound and brimming confidence make it instantly addictive.
It feels like a declaration of their resolve to “stay true to themselves no matter what,” forged through overcoming many trials—and just listening somehow gives you strength.
Within only ten days of debut, this song won first place on a music show and became emblematic of the group.
If you listen to it when you’re anxious before a big challenge, it’ll lift your spirits and make you think, “A bright future is definitely waiting!”
WICKEDALLDAY PROJECT
An exhilarating sound that breaks down genre barriers is the appeal! This is the debut work from the co-ed group ALLDAY PROJECT.
They’ve also made waves for their uniquely varied members—ranging from a chaebol heiress and an international dancer to a popular rapper.
This track blends Brazilian funk and trap, infused with the bite and provocative confidence that lurk behind a glamorous world.
Included on their single album “FAMOUS,” released in June 2025, the group clinched first place on a music show just 10 days after debut! Put it on when you want a boost and a shot of confidence—it’ll push you to think, “I’ll be the me no one can copy!”
EXTRAJEON SOMI
This is a track by solo artist Jeon Somi, who has the distinction of taking first place on the survival show Produce 101.
Released in July 2025, the song is a cool dance tune that marks a departure from her previous poppy image, expressing the frustration of dealing with someone who isn’t satisfied no matter how much you give.
Fans will also love the wordplay that nods to her career.
Following releases like the EP Game Plan, it showcases a new facet of her ongoing evolution.
It’s the kind of song that says, “Treat yourself better!”—a boost of confidence when you need it.
LIKE YOU BETTERfromis_9
fromis_9, the girl group that has revamped its lineup and made a fresh start.
Featured on their mini-album “From Our 20’s,” released in June 2025, this track is a refreshing pop-rock number that hints at their brilliant future.
Synths and guitar riffs with an ’80s vibe build into an effervescent chorus that grabs you in an instant.
The lyrics celebrate the joy of becoming an even better version of oneself after meeting someone special—truly a song that boosts your self-esteem! The story of them taking first place on a music show right after restarting as a five-member group also seems to symbolize the song’s positive energy.
It’s a perfect summer tune to lift your spirits; play it on a drive or while hanging out with friends, and you’re sure to have an even better time.
Not a DreamSong Sohee(송소희)
A dreamlike track that fuses tradition and modernity by Song Sohee, a commanding presence in Korea’s traditional music scene.
Incorporating elements of Gyeonggi folk songs, it resonates with a beautiful harmony between heritage and contemporary pop sounds.
Premiered at the indoor music festival “The Glow 2025” in February 2025, the piece has been creating a buzz in Korea.
Written and composed by Song Sohee herself, it breaks new ground beyond the bounds of traditional music, paired with her expressively rich vocals.
Portraying emotions that sway between dreams and reality through pure, soaring high notes and an exceptional ear for pitch, this is the perfect song for moments of calm or self-reflection.
JUMPBLACKPINK
This is BLACKPINK’s first new group song in about two years and ten months, showcasing their global prowess.
Seamlessly blending hard club sounds with dance-pop, the track has captivated many fans with its irresistibly energetic melody that won’t leave your head.
It celebrates the bond between girls and the liberating thrill of partying through the night without being tied down, lifting your spirits just by listening.
Premiered during their world tour that kicked off in July 2025, it became a worldwide hit, topping Billboard’s global chart.
The music video, which evokes a superhero vibe, is a must-see.
Put it on before a party with friends, and you’re guaranteed to get hyped in the best way.
Zombie (feat. DRIP TARKO)MilliMax
Milimax is a young producer based in South Korea.
This work is a hip-hop track released in May 2025.
It caught fire through a dance challenge on social media, sparking so much buzz that related videos surpassed 82 million.
With a trap-style beat interwoven with an addictive hook, the sound will have your body moving before you know it.
It depicts the inward struggle of a protagonist who can’t express their feelings to the person they like and feels emotionally numb.
If you’re experiencing a bittersweet unrequited love, you may find it deeply relatable.
Killin’ It Girl (feat. GloRilla)j-hope
A bold, sexy hip-hop number from BTS’s beacon of hope, j-hope.
Released in June 2025, it created a major buzz, even reaching No.
30 on the UK charts.
It powerfully captures the irresistible, magnetic pull of the moment you fall in love.
The clash between j-hope’s rhythmic rap and guest rapper GloRilla’s gritty flow is thrilling, giving the track an energy that makes you want to replay it over and over.
It’s the perfect song for lifting your mood and boosting your confidence!
Hide-and-seekPLAVE
This is the highly anticipated first Japanese single from PLAVE, a Korean virtual group that debuted in 2023.
Despite being a Japanese-language track, it’s taken Korean music charts by storm and garnered major attention.
The sound blends K-POP’s energetic dance vibes with classic pop elements, making it irresistibly uplifting.
The title “Kakurenbo” (Hide-and-Seek) hints at the push-and-pull of romance and the heartfelt wish to be found—feelings that are impossible not to relate to.
Their emotive vocals and performances, as compelling as those of a real-life group, are truly moving.