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 (141–150)
SWEATZEROBASEONE
A pre-release track from ZEROBASEONE, a 5th-generation K-pop boy group formed through the global audition program BOYS PLANET, taken from their 3rd mini album You Had Me at Hello.
Released digitally in April 2024, the song is an exciting house-genre dance track that expresses the heat of summer and the joy of love.
Featuring distinctive synth melodies and R&B vocals, its refreshing, energetic rhythm heightens the summer vibe.
The music video leaves a strong impression with the members dancing under the sun, enveloping viewers in a sense of openness.
It’s a catchy, upbeat tune that amplifies the mood of summer.
Armageddonaespa
Known for their bold attitude and powerful tracks, aespa released a new song in May 2024.
It’s also gaining attention as the theme song for the popular Korean anime “Bleach.” The track features an impressive fusion of electropop and K-pop with a strong, driving sound.
Its theme—emerging into a new beginning from deep darkness—is expressed through energetic beats and a catchy melody.
Futuristic sound effects are used effectively, drawing listeners in.
The confident lyrics are also appealing, as they seem to awaken the listener’s inner strength.
It’s the perfect song for when you need the courage to face challenges.
Girlsaespa
The title track “Girls” from aespa’s second mini-album Girls, released in July 2022 by the Korean multinational four-member girl group aespa.
This song features quintessential aespa elements—sleek, futuristic sound effects and distinctive synthesizer phrases that are incredibly cool! Additionally, the structure of the pre-chorus (the B section) is particularly inventive: it inserts a punchy, rap-like highlight before flowing into the sung melody, then transitions naturally into the chorus.
The way the arrangement keeps listeners engaged feels exactly like one of aespa’s signature strengths!
Trendy songs in South Korea. Hit song roundup (151–160)
HAPPY(prod.hedyy)차노을
The track by Chanoul, a young rapper and singer from South Korea, delivers a positive sound packed with innate brightness.
Released as a digital single in May 2024, it was produced by Heddy.
To overcome the challenge of making new friends, they shot the music video with help from Chanoul’s father, and the video gained traction on social media.
Its bright dance beat and catchy phrases feel great to listen to, making it a song that lifts your spirits.
It’s the perfect track for days when you’re feeling a bit down or when you’re taking on something new.
THUMPING(쿵쿵쿵)Kim Min Seung
This song has been gaining popularity on TikTok and Instagram.
With a lively rhythm and heartwarming tones, it gently expresses the fluttery excitement of being in love.
The heartbeat-like tempo evokes emotions that everyone has felt before.
Released in September 2015, it drew major attention as part of the original soundtrack for a popular Korean drama.
Kim Min-sun’s soft vocals match beautifully with the carefully woven melody line, and more users are enjoying it on social media through dance videos and lip-syncs.
It’s a recommended track when you want to share the feeling of being in love or express a sense of excitement.
STARGAZERSISEGYE IDOL
Released in May 2025 as a signature work by the virtual-space idol group Isege Idol, this track stands out for its cosmic atmosphere woven from electronic sounds and grand synthesizers.
It serves as the title track of the six-song EP “Stargazers” and was also chosen as the official theme song for “이세계 페스티벌.” True to the group’s identity, it’s a forward-looking dance number that embodies a new idol image transcending the boundary between virtual and real.
Highly recommended for those who want to feel the evolution of K-pop or are seeking a fresh musical experience.
123-78BOYNEXTDOOR
A sophisticated track that fuses jazz and R&B, showcasing a new frontier for BOYNEXTDOOR.
Since their debut a year and a half ago, they’ve made remarkable strides, and this piece stands out as a bold musical experiment from their album “No Genre.” Member Woongnak contributed to the lyrics, weaving the loss of love into poetic lines.
The delicate melodies and refined chord progressions sprinkled throughout the medium tempo gently envelop the sense of heartache.
Following its release in May 2025, the song reached No.
6 on Korea’s Melon chart.
It’s a perfect choice not only for those looking to overcome the pain of love, but also for anyone seeking music with a warm touch amid an urbane atmosphere.