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 Compilation (181–190)
Dear(눈물참기)QWER
QWER is a girls’ band composed of members with diverse backgrounds, including creators and Shion, formerly of NMB48.
The lead track from their mini-album “In a Million Noises, I’ll Be Your Harmony,” released in June 2025, is an emotional number that empathizes with the frustrating feeling of wanting to cry but being unable to.
All members participated in writing the lyrics, and the song portrays the struggles and resolve that come with chasing a dream—it’s truly heart-wrenching.
The fusion of powerful vocals and band sound is wonderful as well.
Highly recommended for anyone persevering while enduring something.
I DO MEKiiiKiii
With a powerful track themed around self-expression and honoring individuality, KiiiKiii—debuting under STARSHIP Entertainment in March 2025—delivers a fresh charm.
The five members’ diverse personalities and talents blend seamlessly with a free-spirited sound.
Its bohemian aesthetic and liberating musicality appear to resonate deeply with Gen Z values.
Released as a pre-single from the mini-album “UNCUT GEM,” the song has drawn significant attention, soaring to No.
1 on YouTube’s trending chart right after its release.
Overflowing with down-to-earth lyrics that stay bright and forward-looking even amid an imperfect reality, this song gently encourages anyone ready to take a new step forward.
THUNDERSEVENTEEN
A song packed with SEVENTEEN’s new challenge as they mark the milestone of their 10th debut anniversary.
Taken from their May 2025 album “HAPPY BURSTDAY,” it features a comfortably resonant EDM-based dance-pop sound.
With lyrics themed around thunder and lightning, it powerfully portrays being reborn into a new self through taking on challenges, symbolizing SEVENTEEN’s very own rebirth.
Composed by Woozi and BUMZU, with leader S.Coups also joining the composition, the track showcases their musical evolution.
It’s the perfect song for moments when you want to gear up for a new stage or transform yourself.
I Feel GoodBOYNEXTDOOR
This track stands out with its powerful guitar riffs and funk-infused sound.
BOYNEXTDOOR, a six-member boy group, released it in May 2025 as the lead track from their 4th mini-album, “No Genre.” Members Jaehyun, Taesan, and Woonhak took part in the production, resulting in an intuitive, exhilarating piece.
The song features liberating lyrics with a positive message, and its dynamic choreography—featuring an homage to Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean”—is another highlight.
The album sold over 700,000 copies on its first day, debuting at No.
1 on Korea’s Hanteo Chart.
It’s perfect for when you want to boost your mood or feel free.
Maybe TomorrowDAY6
A gem of a track by the boys’ band DAY6 that unfolds from a gentle rock-ballad melody into a powerful sound.
Released as a digital single in May 2025, the song was composed by all members, with lyrics penned by Young K delivering a warm message about living in the present while believing in hope for tomorrow.
Arriving about eight months after their September 2024 album “Band Aid,” this release took first place on MBC’s music program “Show! Music Core.” It’s the perfect song for calm evenings or times when you need encouragement.
Don’t Say You Love MeJIN
In May 2025, BTS’s Jin released a ballad notable for its serene, contemplative piano tones.
Known as a member of the popular boy group BTS, he crafted this gem from his album Echo—a stirring track that delicately portrays the end of love and lingering attachment.
Blending nostalgia and freshness in English lyrics within a pop genre, it carries a retro vibe while Jin’s gentle vocals sink deep into the heart.
The music video unfolds emotionally charged performances with actress Shin Se-kyung against the beautiful backdrop of Singapore.
Fans also anticipate it being performed on his first solo world tour, RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR, which begins in June 2025.
It’s a highly recommended song for anyone seeking to soothe their heart in a calm, unhurried moment.
DROP TOPMEOVV
A track I’d recommend to anyone who loves music wrapped in freshness and dynamism.
MEOVV, a five-member multinational girls’ group that debuted in September 2024, released it in May 2025 as the title track of their 1st EP, “MY EYES OPEN VVIDE.” It opens with a laid-back mood perfect for a summer drive and unfolds into a vibrant pop anthem.
Member Gawon took part in crafting the song’s narrative, infusing it with a free-spirited sensibility.
The music video—renowned for its blend of sharpness and softness in the sound and its stunning visuals—is also a hot topic.
With a star-studded production team including THE BLACK LABEL’s TEDDY, this release lets you fully experience MEOVV’s appeal.
Fly UpRIIZE
A thrilling title track from RIIZE, the boy group proudly presented by SM Entertainment, taken from their album “ODYSSEY,” released in May 2025.
It’s a powerful dance number infused with the essence of 1950s rock ’n’ roll, unfolding a high-velocity sound together with a choir.
The lyrics, expressing a desire to connect people around the world through music and dance, embody the group’s vision.
The music video was filmed in Los Angeles and features a collaboration with 38 dancers.
It’s set to become a signature work for RIIZE, vividly capturing artists and fans growing together.
Starting in July 2025, their first Asia tour, titled “RIIZING LOUD,” will kick off, with performances planned in Japan—making them even more unmissable.
Fraktsiya (Feat. 이영지)MARK
This is a track released in December 2024 by Mark, a member of NCT and a Korean Canadian artist.
Built on a hip-hop foundation, it features a collaboration with popular Korean rapper Lee Young Ji.
The lyrics are striking, likening his hectic schedule and multifaceted activities to those of a “spy.” Mark and Lee Young Ji’s powerful rap performances blend seamlessly, resulting in a compelling track.
This is Mark’s fourth digital single and serves as a pre-release for his first solo album, scheduled for April 2025.
Highly recommended for those who want to enjoy a fusion of K-pop and hip-hop.
바라만 본다(Foolish Love)MSG WANNABE (M.O.M)
MSG WANNABE is a music group born from the variety show How Do You Play? hosted by the national MC Yoo Jae-suk.
This is a medium-tempo number by M.O.M, one of the teams.
Spurred by the show’s massive response, it became a long-running hit and ranked 11th on Melon’s year-end chart.
It’s a love song about earnest, unrequited love.
The single-minded devotion it conveys is truly moving.
The overwhelming harmony delivered by vocalists with distinct individual charms is also thoroughly compelling.
