Trendy songs in South Korea: A roundup of hit songs

GoldenHUNTR/X, EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI, KPop Demon Hunters Cast

“Golden” Official Lyric Video | KPop Demon Hunters | Sony Animation

This is a song by Huntrix, a fictional K-pop group born from the Netflix film “KPOP Girls! Demon Hunters.” The vocals are performed by powerhouse Korean American artists Lee Eun-jae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami.

The track is an epic electropop number that captures the group’s resolve as they live as idols by day and fight as spirit hunters by night.

Their declaration to “believe in the power that sleeps within and carve out our destiny” mirrors the life of Lee Eun-jae, who has pursued her dreams for many years.

The song’s storytelling is sure to move some listeners to tears.

Despite being a fictional group, they reached No.

1 on the Billboard Global 200 in July 2025.

If you’re ready to take a new step forward, this song will surely make your heart shine.

What You WantCORTIS

CORTIS (코르티스) ‘What You Want’ Official MV

Cortis, a promising newcomer who burst onto the scene with an unconventional sound.

Debuting from BIGHIT MUSIC—the label behind BTS—in August 2025, their first single is a powerful track that sets hearts ablaze.

Serving as the face of their EP “COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES,” the song’s sound is strikingly fresh, boldly fusing 60s rock guitars with hip-hop beats.

It carries a fiery message: cross the lines for what you want.

Their treadmill-running stage performance embodied that sense of sprinting momentum, conveying just how serious they are.

Put this on when you want to break through your current limits, and you’ll feel a strong push forward.

Farewell Once AgainLEE CHANGSUB

Farewell Once Again (한번 더 이별)

An emotional ballad that evokes memories of a bittersweet parting.

The singer is Changsub, who shines as the lead vocalist of the boy group BTOB.

This work is a cover of the classic released by Sung Si-kyung in October 2007, depicting the heartache of facing a love that was supposed to have ended.

From the quiet piano melody to the grand expansion with strings, the sound intertwines with Changsub’s breath-catching vocals, stirring up a poignant feeling as you listen.

It was released in August 2025 as a collaborative track for “Just For Meeting You.” Highly recommended not only for fans of Lee Changsub but also for anyone who loves moving ballads.

It will gently keep you company on a sentimental night.

Eternal MomentLim Young Woong

임영웅 ‘순간을 영원처럼’ Official M/V

A moving ballad by Lim Young-woong, whose music video—praised as being like a short film—has also become a hot topic.

His overwhelming expressive power shines as he masterfully sings everything from trot to pop.

The lyrics, which portray a heartfelt desire to etch the fleeting yet beautiful moments of life into memory forever, are deeply touching.

His warm yet delicate vocals further enrich the song’s poetic world.

As the title track of the album “IM HERO 2,” released in August 2025, its music video surpassed one million views just three days after release.

This work may be perfect for a quiet night of reflecting on precious memories.

Wrapped in a grand, emotional sound, you’ll find solace in his gentle voice.

COLORNCT WISH

NCT WISH 엔시티 위시 ‘COLOR’ MV

NCT WISH, a boy group that gained popularity as a spinoff from NCT, has been turning heads in Japan as well, winning numerous rookie awards since their 2024 debut.

This is the title track from their third mini-album, released in September 2025.

The song is an electro-pop number characterized by powerful synthesizers.

It unfolds with a jazzy chord progression, and the rhythm shifts dynamically in the chorus—just listening is guaranteed to lift your spirits! The work carries a confident message about freely shaping the future in their own colors, which aligns perfectly with their style.

If you play it when you’re ready to take on something new, its energetic sound will give you a push forward.

CHA CHA CHA (feat. G-DRAGON)Vince

Vince – ‘차차차 (CHA CHA CHA) (feat. G-DRAGON)’ ANIMATED VISUALIZER

Vince, the ace producer behind numerous hits including BLACKPINK’s “Shut Down,” has released a track featuring BIGBANG’s G-DRAGON.

It’s the very definition of a charismatic collaboration.

This stylish song blends hip-hop and R&B with a light Latin cha-cha rhythm, evoking a refreshing summer-night vibe.

Vince’s sweet, soft vocals create a floating sensation that intersects smoothly with G-DRAGON’s charismatic rap, producing a pleasing chemical reaction.

Arriving about a year and nine months after his 2023 EP “The Drive,” this release is perfect for a night drive or whenever you’re in the mood to feel a bit more sophisticated, wrapping you in a grown-up atmosphere.

IF I SAY, I LOVE YOUBOYNEXTDOOR

BOYNEXTDOOR (보이넥스트도어) ‘오늘만 I LOVE YOU’ Official MV

This is a digital single by the boy group BOYNEXTDOOR, released in January 2025.

The lyrics, themed around self-loathing and lingering feelings after a breakup, are striking, and the contrast with its upbeat dance-pop sound is particularly appealing.

The track won first place for the first time on Mnet’s music program M Countdown, aired on January 16, marking an important work that showcases BOYNEXTDOOR’s musical growth.

Its content resonates with those who have experienced heartbreak and inner conflict, making it a recommended BGM when you want a boost or to look forward.