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 (121–130)
DittoNewJeans
With production by Min Hee-jin, NewJeans is a girl group that has earned strong support for its fresh, distinctive concept.
“Ditto,” pre-released from their first single “OMG,” is a track that feels nostalgic and tugs at the heart.
Member Minji took part in writing the lyrics.
It’s retro yet polished, with a soft, airy mood.
Alongside lyrics that seem to depict the passage of time and budding feelings of love, the school uniforms and visuals in the music video evoke an emotional layer that overlaps with memories of student life.
ETANewJeans
Get Up is an EP released in 2023 by the Korean girl group NewJeans.
The title track, ETA, is an irresistible number featuring their characteristically expressive vocals and a rhythmic groove.
Notably, the track has a calm, chill-out vibe.
While K-pop often leans toward busy, densely arranged productions, their track offers a mellow, nighttime mood that’s wonderfully pleasant to listen to.
NonstopOH MY GIRL
The title track of OH MY GIRL’s mini album of the same name.
It became a standout hit in their career at the time, winning eight trophies on music shows.
While it’s a Western-style dance number, it’s delightful how you can still feel OMGP’s signature lightness and clarity throughout, especially in the chorus.
The song rhythmically captures the thrill of love, and you’ll likely be hooked after just one listen.
Their cuteness and stylish artistry are beautifully balanced, creating an exquisite, fluttering vibe.
GANGNAM STYLEPSY
Sparked by its hit status on YouTube, “GANGNAM STYLE” drew global attention.
Released in 2012 by PSY, who also works as a music producer, it’s known as a signature K-pop track.
Its horseback-riding dance choreography also became a hot topic, gaining popularity not only in Asia but in the United States and Europe as well.
The uniquely Korean lyrics are a perfect match for the heavy dance beat.
The song’s melodic rhythmic development and PSY’s distinctive vocals are sure to energize listeners.
It’s K-pop that discovered new possibilities for EDM-based dance music.
Trendy Korean songs: Hit song roundup (131–140)
Teddy BearSTAYC
Teddy Bear,” a quintessential cute K-POP song of 2023.
It’s a pop track packed with STAYC’s teen-fresh charm.
Produced by Black Eyed Pilseung—STAYC’s producers who have also worked on songs for TWICE—the song features a catchy, explosive melody and choreography bursting with fun and a colorful worldview.
Since its release, it has been a long-running hit.
It’s also beloved on TikTok through dance challenge videos, and collaborations with celebrities are drawing major attention.
It’s overflowing with adorable appeal!
LALALALAStray Kids
Stray Kids is a boy group that’s been exploding in popularity worldwide and in Japan, even earning their first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen at the end of 2023.
This track, which colors their November 2023 album “樂-STAR,” is a rock tune bursting with powerful appeal.
The pleasing cadence of the line endings makes you want to hum along, and the surge of momentum that kicks in at the chorus is exhilarating.
It’s got that signature Stray Kids addictiveness, too.
Despite its hardness, it feels approachable, and the choreography featuring hand-wave motions has also become a hot topic.
It’s an anthem that cheers you on to cut loose, making it a great party song as well.
A truly outstanding classic whose sheer fun perfectly embodies its title!
S-ClassStray Kids
Released in June 2023 as the title track of the album “★★★★★ (5-STAR),” which at the time broke K-pop’s all-time sales record.
It’s an addictive hip-hop tune—powerful and massive from start to finish.
The worldview and performance, which seem to depict SKZ’s style and sense of scale, are absolutely overwhelming.
The edgy refrain will definitely stick in your head.
Not only does it shine as a one-and-only, it may even capture their way of life.
Everything is out of the ordinary—S-class.
An unmissable track of 2023.