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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Trending songs in South Korea: A compilation of hit songs (161–170)
Zombie (feat. DRIP TARKO)MilliMax
Milimax is a young producer based in South Korea.
This work is a hip-hop track released in May 2025.
It caught fire through a dance challenge on social media, sparking so much buzz that related videos surpassed 82 million.
With a trap-style beat interwoven with an addictive hook, the sound will have your body moving before you know it.
It depicts the inward struggle of a protagonist who can’t express their feelings to the person they like and feels emotionally numb.
If you’re experiencing a bittersweet unrequited love, you may find it deeply relatable.
Killin’ It Girl (feat. GloRilla)j-hope
A bold, sexy hip-hop number from BTS’s beacon of hope, j-hope.
Released in June 2025, it created a major buzz, even reaching No.
30 on the UK charts.
It powerfully captures the irresistible, magnetic pull of the moment you fall in love.
The clash between j-hope’s rhythmic rap and guest rapper GloRilla’s gritty flow is thrilling, giving the track an energy that makes you want to replay it over and over.
It’s the perfect song for lifting your mood and boosting your confidence!
Trendy Songs in South Korea: A Compilation of Hit Songs (171–180)
Billyeoon Goyangi (Do the Dance)ILLIT
ILLIT has been on a roll since their 2024 debut.
This track is the lead single from their third mini-album “bomb,” released in June 2025.
Its dreamy sound—reportedly sampled from the 1989 anime film The Five Star Stories—really stands out.
The theme is unique, depicting a protagonist who’s so nervous on a first date that they’re spaced out, like a “borrowed cat.” Even so, the invitation to “dance together” and have fun blends with ILLIT’s signature magical-girl worldview, gently comforting a heart that might shy away.
It’s a song that gives you the courage to enjoy yourself as you are.
Hide-and-seekPLAVE
This is the highly anticipated first Japanese single from PLAVE, a Korean virtual group that debuted in 2023.
Despite being a Japanese-language track, it’s taken Korean music charts by storm and garnered major attention.
The sound blends K-POP’s energetic dance vibes with classic pop elements, making it irresistibly uplifting.
The title “Kakurenbo” (Hide-and-Seek) hints at the push-and-pull of romance and the heartfelt wish to be found—feelings that are impossible not to relate to.
Their emotive vocals and performances, as compelling as those of a real-life group, are truly moving.
Dear(눈물참기)QWER
QWER is a girls’ band composed of members with diverse backgrounds, including creators and Shion, formerly of NMB48.
The lead track from their mini-album “In a Million Noises, I’ll Be Your Harmony,” released in June 2025, is an emotional number that empathizes with the frustrating feeling of wanting to cry but being unable to.
All members participated in writing the lyrics, and the song portrays the struggles and resolve that come with chasing a dream—it’s truly heart-wrenching.
The fusion of powerful vocals and band sound is wonderful as well.
Highly recommended for anyone persevering while enduring something.
IF I SAY, I LOVE YOUBOYNEXTDOOR
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.
Seven (feat. Latto)Jung Kook
BTS is a boys’ idol group that boasts immense popularity not only in South Korea but also in Japan.
Among its members, Jung Kook’s “Seven (feat.
Latto)” is a dance-pop track with a stylish, cool vibe that leaves a strong impression.
This song showcases his sexy, powerful vocals, and it’s an easy-to-listen-to number that’s recommended not only for his fans, but also for those who’ve only heard BTS or don’t usually listen to K-pop.
Latto’s featured rap part is a must-hear as well!
