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 Korean songs. Hit song collection (191–200)
무지개 (Rainbow)임영웅(Lim Young Woong)
In recent years, Lim Young-woong has become arguably the hottest singer in South Korea’s trot scene.
“Rainbow” is a medium-tempo track included on his first full album, IM HERO, released in May 2022.
This song has also ranked high on various charts.
Its gentle, breezy acoustic guitar–based sound is pleasantly soothing.
The encouraging lyrics—inviting you to take a break together—and Lim Young-woong’s tender vocals are truly healing.
오래된 노래허각、임한별、이무진、이진성、김희재、#안녕
A project track that brings together six of Korea’s top powerhouse vocalists.
It was produced for SBS’s music program “The Listen: The Time I Spent With You.” The lyrics delicately portray the feelings of nostalgically recalling a past love, and the song’s appeal lies in its dynamic progression—from an acoustic atmosphere to a grand string arrangement.
Released as a digital single on June 16, 2024, it gained strong popularity across music streaming platforms.
It’s the perfect song for healing the pain of heartbreak or reflecting on cherished memories.
May the TENDERNESS be with you! (feat. KARINA of aespa)JANNABI
Jannabi, a skilled Korean indie rock band, will release a collaborative track with Karina from K‑pop group aespa in April 2025.
Featured on the album “Sound of Music Pt.1,” the song beautifully blends a grand orchestral arrangement with Karina’s clear, airy vocals.
It unfolds a world full of warmth and love, resulting in a heartwarming piece that also showcases Jannabi’s signature retro flair.
It seems to have captivated fans at their solo concert “All the Boys and Girls 2025,” held at Jamsil Arena in Seoul.
It’s a perfect song for a quiet night with someone special—or whenever your heart needs a little healing.
Countdown!TWS
Packed with TWS’s charm, this refreshing track weaves energetic drums with polished synths.
Included on the April 2025 mini album “TRY WITH US,” it carries a message that recalls those youthful moments that shone precisely because they were reckless.
International songwriters like Matthew Tishler and Grayson DeWolfe took part in the production, bringing a global sound to the music.
From April 29 to May 4, TWS became the first 5th‑generation boy group to achieve a six‑trophy “grand slam” across major music shows.
It’s the perfect song for when you need the courage to take on a challenge or want an uplifting listen with friends.
1999MARK
A refreshing pop tune colored by funky guitar riffs and brassy sounds.
Showcasing the skills he honed through NCT’s unit activities to the fullest, Canada-born Mark makes his long-awaited solo debut with his first solo album, “The Firstfruit.” With an impact reminiscent of a movie title, this work is packed with sound design that exquisitely blends a variety of instruments and orchestration, set against the world on the eve of the millennium in 1999.
Behind-the-scenes stories about the album are also available on Apple Music’s radio show “on your MARK.” With its grand sense of scale and vibrant musicality, this is a track that moves you as he breaks through boundaries.
Sadder Than YesterdayWoody
A delicately rendered rearranged version of a classic by Woody that portrays the pain of parting.
It’s a remake of a song originally sung by Kim Gun-mo in 2011, illuminated by Woody’s signature emotional expression.
The deepening sorrow over time is carefully conveyed through resonant piano and a rich yet gentle vocal tone.
The simple yet refined layering of sounds leaves a lingering resonance that grips the heart.
Coinciding with this release, Woody will also hold a solo concert, “Woody, Live,” at the Gurumare Theater in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on April 19 and 20.
It’s a song we hope you’ll listen to when you want to quietly reflect on your heart or face precious memories.
Heavenly Ever After (천국보다 아름다운)Lim Young Woong
A gem of a ballad crafted by Lim Young-woong, a trot singer who enjoys immense popularity in South Korea.
Released in April 2024 as part of the OST for the JTBC drama “You’re Beautiful Even in Heaven,” the song exquisitely blends trot and ballad styles, harmonizing warm, rich vocals with delicate expression.
It gently wraps feelings of parting from a loved one—and the hope of meeting again—in a soft, resonant embrace.
This track fully showcases the prowess of the artist who won overwhelming support on the 2020 program “Mr.
Trot.” In step with the drama’s storyline, it’s a heartwarming piece you’ll want to listen to while thinking of someone dear.
poppopNCT WISH
You can hear a refreshing dance-pop track that captures a cute worldview and the flutter of first love on the lead single from boy group NCT WISH’s album “poppop,” released in April 2025.
Set to a bursting melody, a powerful bassline, and vibrant percussion, the song paints a picture of romance.
NCT WISH is a promising new act born from a joint project between SM Entertainment and Avex Trax, produced by BoA.
They’ve shown remarkable success, winning first place on the music show THE SHOW in just about 20 days after their debut.
Packed with Y2K sensibilities and the bright energy of Gen Z, this track is a perfect companion for a drive or a date.
춘몽HYUN SEO
A track released in February 2025 by R&B singer Hyunseo.
Its approachable style and lyrics depicting longing leave a strong impression.
The melodious sound and rhythmic beat blend seamlessly, resonating deeply with listeners.
It’s a song that showcases the profound sensitivity he’s known for, which was highly praised on the EP “ABOUT MY DARK CLOUD Part.1.” It evokes a mood perfect for pensive moments, feelings of yearning, and a springtime setting.
Midnight Walk (밤 산책)IU
This song is striking for its depiction of deep nocturnal scenery and delicate emotional nuance.
The voice of popular singer-songwriter IU resonates as if seeping into the stillness of the night.
Set to a gentle piano melody, it carefully portrays the feeling of walking alone through the late-night streets while immersing oneself in past memories.
Released in March 2025 as part of the OST for the Korean drama “Good Job Today,” it is a heartwarming ballad that accompanies the life story of a girl and a boy set on Jeju Island.
It’s a song I highly recommend for sleepless nights or quiet moments when you’re thinking of someone dear—it will rest gently against your heart.