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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!

Trendy Songs in South Korea: Hit Song Compilation (141–150)

SOSFIFTY FIFTY

FIFTY FIFTY (피프티피프티) ‘SOS’ Official MV
SOSFIFTY FIFTY

In September 2024, FIFTY FIFTY from Korea delivers a bittersweet number.

Its enchanting worldview—woven from beautiful synth sounds and an energetic rhythm—is captivating.

The lyrics, which depict breaking free from loneliness and anxiety and the journey toward self-acceptance, truly resonate.

An English version is also included as the title track of the mini-album “LOVE TUNE.” Marking a fresh start following member changes, this song carries special significance.

Its comforting melody and lyrics will gently encourage anyone ready to take a new step forward.

FASHO (Feat. pH-1, HAON, TRADE L, Woodie Gochild, BIG Naughty, Sik-K, 박재범, lIlBOI)GroovyRoom

GroovyRoom – ‘FASHO (Feat. pH-1, HAON, TRADE L, Woodie Gochild, BIG Naughty, Sik-K, 박재범, lIlBOI)’ MV
FASHO (Feat. pH-1, HAON, TRADE L, Woodie Gochild, BIG Naughty, Sik-K, 박재범, lIlBOI)GroovyRoom

A lavish collaboration track produced by GroovyRoom.

It weaves together distinctive raps from artists who represent the Korean hip-hop scene.

The danceable beat, which samples T-ARA’s “DAY BY DAY,” is particularly striking.

It was included on H1GHR MUSIC’s compilation album in July 2024.

The lineup features a diverse array of rappers like pH-1 and HAON, whose performances are a highlight.

Showcasing GroovyRoom’s refined production prowess, this track is recommended not only for Korean hip-hop fans but also for dance music lovers.

If you’re interested in K-pop, be sure to check it out.

NAHwasa

화사 (HWASA) – ‘NA’ MV
NAHwasa

Hwasa, an artist from South Korea known for many wonderful, self-affirming songs, delivers the same spirit in this track released in September 2024, carrying the message: “Let’s be confident in our own style.” Her uniquely probing lyrics truly resonate.

The idea of living freely without worrying about others’ eyes is also expressed in a video piece set in Paris.

With PSY as producer, the sophisticated sound shines, blending pop and R&B.

Listening to this song makes you feel energized, like, “If I don’t love myself, who will?!”

SNEAKERSITZY

ITZY “SNEAKERS” M/V @ITZY
SNEAKERSITZY

Released in July 2022 as the title track of ITZY’s fifth mini-album “CHECKMATE,” “SNEAKERS” is a song that exudes ITZY’s cool “going my way” style.

Unlike their previous title tracks, it offers a fresh presentation with a softer vibe, and it feels like ITZY’s charm shines even brighter here.

It’s also performing great on domestic music charts like Melon.

Slip on your favorite sneakers and press play—this is a track that will empower everyone who wants to live true to themselves!

UNTOUCHABLEITZY

ITZY “UNTOUCHABLE” M/V @ITZY
UNTOUCHABLEITZY

A track from ITZY that celebrates self-affirmation and an indomitable spirit has arrived.

It’s the title song from their album “Born To Be,” released in January 2024.

A dance-pop number that fuses mid-tempo EDM with fierce guitar sounds, it features an especially memorable chorus refrain.

Its encouraging lyrics give you the energy to face the world’s challenges.

Alongside ITZY’s powerful performance, this is a song that gives us a push of courage.

Highly recommended for those brimming with confidence who want to forge their own path in this world!

HolssiIU

IU ‘홀씨(Holssi)’ MV
HolssiIU

The tracks on Korean songstress IU’s sixth mini album, “The Winning,” express a thirst for freedom and a spirit of challenge.

Released in February 2024, this song features a unique sound that fuses R&B and hip-hop elements, captivating listeners’ ears.

The lyrics convey a strong desire to overcome difficulties and spread one’s wings freely, delivering a message that anyone can relate to.

It’s the perfect song for moments when you want to take a new step forward or feel the freedom your heart longs for.

IU’s emotionally rich vocals are sure to give courage to those who listen.

ShopperIU

A track from IU, a singer-songwriter who represents South Korea, featured on her sixth mini-album, The Winning.

It’s an expansive song that layers her bright, expressively nuanced vocals over a retro electropop sound.

Released in February 2024, the track portrays infinite desire and the boundlessness of its pursuit, conveying the importance of chasing the dreams we had as children without letting them be trampled.

It carries a message about the preciousness of dreaming and how those dreams stem from our inner desires.

The music video—framed like a fantasy film—also deserves attention.

It’s a work that lets you savor a new side of IU.