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: A Compilation of Hit Songs (171–180)
EXTRAJEON SOMI
This is a track by solo artist Jeon Somi, who has the distinction of taking first place on the survival show Produce 101.
Released in July 2025, the song is a cool dance tune that marks a departure from her previous poppy image, expressing the frustration of dealing with someone who isn’t satisfied no matter how much you give.
Fans will also love the wordplay that nods to her career.
Following releases like the EP Game Plan, it showcases a new facet of her ongoing evolution.
It’s the kind of song that says, “Treat yourself better!”—a boost of confidence when you need it.
LIKE YOU BETTERfromis_9
fromis_9, the girl group that has revamped its lineup and made a fresh start.
Featured on their mini-album “From Our 20’s,” released in June 2025, this track is a refreshing pop-rock number that hints at their brilliant future.
Synths and guitar riffs with an ’80s vibe build into an effervescent chorus that grabs you in an instant.
The lyrics celebrate the joy of becoming an even better version of oneself after meeting someone special—truly a song that boosts your self-esteem! The story of them taking first place on a music show right after restarting as a five-member group also seems to symbolize the song’s positive energy.
It’s a perfect summer tune to lift your spirits; play it on a drive or while hanging out with friends, and you’re sure to have an even better time.
BATTER UPBABYMONSTER
This is the debut song by BABYMONSTER, YG Entertainment’s first girl group in seven years since BLACKPINK.
In stark contrast to their pre-debut, heart-touching ballad “DREAM,” this track is a hip-hop number overflowing with YG’s signature color.
As a debut song from a K-pop group, it broke 50 million views in record time at the time.
The bold, ambition-forward style is seriously cool.
When you think of YG, groups with monster-scale impact like BIGBANG and BLACKPINK come to mind, and BABYMONSTER exudes that same sense of potential.
In the latter half of the song, you can feel a vibe reminiscent of BIGBANG’s party tunes, which is sure to lift your mood!
DREAMBABYMONSTER
BABYMONSTER is a girl group born from the documentary program “Last Evaluation.” Their pre-debut track is “DREAM.” The song portrays sleepless nights filled with worries and a strong determination to face challenges.
It starts as a gentle ballad, gradually builds in power, and even features a call-and-response section in the latter half.
It’s the kind of song that can slowly lift your spirits when you’re feeling down.
Kitschive
Girls group IVE.
With hits like LOVE DIVE and After LIKE, they’ve released many catchy tracks.
Among them, Kitsch stands out for its highly addictive chorus where the title repeats.
Another plus is that the non-chorus sections differ between the first and second halves, so you won’t get bored.
The poppy, bright melody lines contrast with the hook in the chorus that suddenly drops you, and the more you listen, the more that sensation becomes addictive.
Trendy Songs in South Korea: Hit Song Compilation (181–190)
Off The Recordive
IVE is an extraordinary, boundary-defying girl group whose momentum has shown no signs of slowing since their debut.
Their song Off The Record is one of the triple title tracks from their 1st EP, I’VE MINE.
While it’s a rare, more subdued track within IVE’s discography, their elegant allure remains intact.
The lyrics, which portray the emotions of love that seeks stimulation and lays bare instinct, feel refined through IVE’s unique color.
It’s a stylish number with a comfortable groove and richly expressive vocal work from all members.
FIESTAIZ*ONE
The long-awaited title track that colors their first full-length album, crafted by the group as they built their career since their 2018 debut.
It became a hit, landing in the Top 50 of Melon’s year-end chart, and you could even call it their signature song.
Among IZ*ONE’s tracks, its particularly light and breezy melody is easy to listen to and fits a variety of situations.
Above all, it was moving that it was delivered after overcoming a hiatus.
“FIESTA” means celebration or party in Spanish, and it brims with IZ*ONE’s dazzling charm, like flowers in full bloom.
The lyrics are uplifting, so it’s also a great song to give you strength during big moments.