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 (181–190)
Maybe TomorrowDAY6
A gem of a track by the boys’ band DAY6 that unfolds from a gentle rock-ballad melody into a powerful sound.
Released as a digital single in May 2025, the song was composed by all members, with lyrics penned by Young K delivering a warm message about living in the present while believing in hope for tomorrow.
Arriving about eight months after their September 2024 album “Band Aid,” this release took first place on MBC’s music program “Show! Music Core.” It’s the perfect song for calm evenings or times when you need encouragement.
Don’t Say You Love MeJIN
In May 2025, BTS’s Jin released a ballad notable for its serene, contemplative piano tones.
Known as a member of the popular boy group BTS, he crafted this gem from his album Echo—a stirring track that delicately portrays the end of love and lingering attachment.
Blending nostalgia and freshness in English lyrics within a pop genre, it carries a retro vibe while Jin’s gentle vocals sink deep into the heart.
The music video unfolds emotionally charged performances with actress Shin Se-kyung against the beautiful backdrop of Singapore.
Fans also anticipate it being performed on his first solo world tour, RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR, which begins in June 2025.
It’s a highly recommended song for anyone seeking to soothe their heart in a calm, unhurried moment.
DROP TOPMEOVV
A track I’d recommend to anyone who loves music wrapped in freshness and dynamism.
MEOVV, a five-member multinational girls’ group that debuted in September 2024, released it in May 2025 as the title track of their 1st EP, “MY EYES OPEN VVIDE.” It opens with a laid-back mood perfect for a summer drive and unfolds into a vibrant pop anthem.
Member Gawon took part in crafting the song’s narrative, infusing it with a free-spirited sensibility.
The music video—renowned for its blend of sharpness and softness in the sound and its stunning visuals—is also a hot topic.
With a star-studded production team including THE BLACK LABEL’s TEDDY, this release lets you fully experience MEOVV’s appeal.
Fly UpRIIZE
A thrilling title track from RIIZE, the boy group proudly presented by SM Entertainment, taken from their album “ODYSSEY,” released in May 2025.
It’s a powerful dance number infused with the essence of 1950s rock ’n’ roll, unfolding a high-velocity sound together with a choir.
The lyrics, expressing a desire to connect people around the world through music and dance, embody the group’s vision.
The music video was filmed in Los Angeles and features a collaboration with 38 dancers.
It’s set to become a signature work for RIIZE, vividly capturing artists and fans growing together.
Starting in July 2025, their first Asia tour, titled “RIIZING LOUD,” will kick off, with performances planned in Japan—making them even more unmissable.
May the TENDERNESS be with you! (feat. KARINA of aespa)JANNABI
Jannabi, a skilled Korean indie rock band, will release a collaborative track with Karina from K‑pop group aespa in April 2025.
Featured on the album “Sound of Music Pt.1,” the song beautifully blends a grand orchestral arrangement with Karina’s clear, airy vocals.
It unfolds a world full of warmth and love, resulting in a heartwarming piece that also showcases Jannabi’s signature retro flair.
It seems to have captivated fans at their solo concert “All the Boys and Girls 2025,” held at Jamsil Arena in Seoul.
It’s a perfect song for a quiet night with someone special—or whenever your heart needs a little healing.
Countdown!TWS
Packed with TWS’s charm, this refreshing track weaves energetic drums with polished synths.
Included on the April 2025 mini album “TRY WITH US,” it carries a message that recalls those youthful moments that shone precisely because they were reckless.
International songwriters like Matthew Tishler and Grayson DeWolfe took part in the production, bringing a global sound to the music.
From April 29 to May 4, TWS became the first 5th‑generation boy group to achieve a six‑trophy “grand slam” across major music shows.
It’s the perfect song for when you need the courage to take on a challenge or want an uplifting listen with friends.
1999MARK
A refreshing pop tune colored by funky guitar riffs and brassy sounds.
Showcasing the skills he honed through NCT’s unit activities to the fullest, Canada-born Mark makes his long-awaited solo debut with his first solo album, “The Firstfruit.” With an impact reminiscent of a movie title, this work is packed with sound design that exquisitely blends a variety of instruments and orchestration, set against the world on the eve of the millennium in 1999.
Behind-the-scenes stories about the album are also available on Apple Music’s radio show “on your MARK.” With its grand sense of scale and vibrant musicality, this is a track that moves you as he breaks through boundaries.