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!
- A Korean song you often hear on TikTok. Trending K-pop.
- K-POP Popularity Rankings [2026]
- Guaranteed to hit repeat: Energetic K-pop songs that will lift your mood
- Korean karaoke songs: beloved tunes from popular ballads to K-pop
- K-POP Masterpieces & Best Hits [Latest and Classic Popular Songs + Editor’s Select]
- [Korean popular music] Popular trot songs. Masterpieces by trot singers.
- Nothing but famous and hit songs! K-pop tracks recommended for Gen Z
- K-POP and Korean tear-jerker songs: tracks that deeply resonate and bring you to tears
- [2026] Cool! K-pop dance tracks that make you want to move
- Stylish K-pop and Korean songs. Songs with a nice vibe.
- Popular K-pop and Korean songs that brighten up YouTube Shorts
- [2026] A roundup of popular K-POP hits that were trending this year
- Today's recommendation! K-pop songs
Trendy Korean Songs: Hit Song Compilation (241–250)
Couple (커플)Jeong Eun Ji x Seo In Guk
Thirteen years later, the two artists reunite for a long-awaited collaboration.
Jung Eun-ji and Seo In-guk, who co-starred in Reply 1997, remake a song originally released in 1998 by first-generation boy group SECHSKIES.
Released in March 2025, this version showcases a captivating harmony as their vocal tones blend beautifully.
Layered melodies and vocals preserve the bright, breezy charm of the original while skillfully incorporating contemporary sounds for a fresh finish.
Eun-ji, renowned as Apink’s main vocalist, brings a clear and luminous voice, while Superstar K winner Seo In-guk adds his soothing tone—their combination evoking a sweet yet wistful feeling of romance.
It’s a perfect track for time spent with someone special or as a companion on a drive.
Set Me Free Pt.2JIMIN
BTS enjoys overwhelming popularity not only in South Korea but around the world.
Jimin, the group’s lead vocalist and dancer, released “Set Me Free Pt.2” in 2023, a track notable for its striking intro that prominently features a choir.
From there, the powerful vocals delivered by Jimin and the track’s digitally programmed beats come in without a moment’s pause and are absolutely electrifying.
Be sure to check out the music video too, where a large group of dancers in black outfits perform a flawless, perfectly synchronized routine.
Is it still beautifulJinjoo park, Ailee, Mijoo, Haewon(해원)(NMIXX)
This work is a remake of a classic winter song by a four-member unit formed on the variety show “What Shall We Do When We Play?” Led by Ailee, known for her powerful vocals, the group brings together NMIXX’s Haewon, Park Jin-ju, and former Lovelyz member Mijoo.
They’ve given a modern twist to Kim Yeon-woo’s moving 1999 ballad, captivating listeners with warm harmonies that showcase each member’s unique character.
The poignant lyrics and melody make it a perfect track to enhance the winter atmosphere.
The show also delves into their interpretations of the heartfelt lyrics and behind-the-scenes stories from the recording process.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to with someone special.
3D (feat. Jack Harlow)Jung Kook
A love song by BTS’s golden maknae, Jung Kook.
Released ahead of his first solo album ‘GOLDEN’ in November 2023, this track drew buzz much like the global hit ‘Seven.’ It’s an American-style R&B love song that sings of a heartbeat of love.
It might fit perfectly with the feelings you have when a vague emotion starts to become more certain.
The contrast with the languid rap by Jack Harlow—the new-generation star rapper who rose to prominence from TikTok with ‘Whats Poppin’—is cool as well.
Jung Kook’s sleek charm shines through in full, and it’s awesome!
Hate YouJung Kook
Jungkook, a member of BTS.
Let me introduce “Hate You” from his solo album Golden.
While the album features many pop songs with an American vibe, this track is a moist, emotive ballad.
It delicately conveys the complex feeling of hating someone precisely because you love them.
The quiet melody also beautifully highlights his vocals.
Incidentally, the music video has drawn attention for being filmed in Japan.
Standing Next to YouJung Kook
Jungkook, the golden maknae of BTS and a solo artist who captivates many, released “Standing Next to You” as the title track of his first solo album, GOLDEN.
It’s a polished pop song that shines with a cool sophistication reminiscent of Michael Jackson.
You’ll be drawn into the world he builds with his uniquely stylish touch.
This is exactly what it means to be enthralled—by both the sound and the visuals.
Be sure to pay attention to Jungkook’s wild charm as he conveys a powerful message of love—an incredibly cool masterpiece.
Mr.KARA
Girls group KARA.
The song “Mr.” is included on their second album.
It portrays a woman who falls in love at first sight.
Now, some of you might feel something is off here.
In fact, the version familiar in Japan is a translated one with altered lyrics.
Why not enjoy it with that difference in mind as well? Also, the hip dance in the chorus is a highlight.
So this is definitely a track you should check out in the video.
IglooKISS OF LIFE
The title track from KISS OF LIFE’s third mini album, LOSE YOURSELF, released in July 2023.
This piece is a powerful number themed around confidence and temptation.
Member Belle participated in composing, and the upbeat rhythm and catchy chorus are striking.
Through metaphorical expressions, it conveys an allure that captivates those around.
With touches of R&B and hip-hop, it boasts a contemporary sound.
The lyrics portray a confident female image and convey to listeners the importance of self-expression.
You Were Beautiful (My love X Kim Min-seok (MeloMance))Kim Min-seok
A collaboration track for the film “One Summer (여름날 우리).” Released on Tanabata in 2023 by Kim Minseok of the pop unit Melomance, known for their refined, resonant sound.
It’s a sensuous ballad with an emotional feel, a remake of a song originally released by the band DAY6 in 2017.
The lyrics evoke the emotions of heartbreak, bringing back memories shared and the beauty of a loved one.
Kim Minseok’s soft, sweet vocals infuse the song with a different, forward-looking warmth.
Shiny Star(2020)Kyoung Seo
This is the debut song of rising sensation Kyungseo, which drew a lot of attention.
It was released in November 2020.
It’s a remake of Yang Jung Seung’s hit track.
Beyond its original widespread recognition, its easy-listening style—well-suited to the tastes of the 2020s and beyond—likely helped drive its success.
Not only did it compete for the top spot on digital charts and music shows against the hugely popular BTS, it also ranked sixth on Melon’s 2021 year-end chart.
The song features quintessentially Korean, emotionally rich lyrics and a gentle melody that are truly lovely.
Kyungseo’s clear voice further enhances the song’s charm, making it a perfect companion for peaceful moments with someone you love.
It’s a very beautiful, heartwarming love song.