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)
like JENNIEJENNIE
An ambitious work unveiled in March 2025 by Jennie, BLACKPINK’s globally acclaimed main rapper.
It beautifully balances a sophisticated style with an innovative sound born from collaborations with international artists.
Fusing hip-hop and dance-pop, the track radiates an overwhelming presence through her powerful expressiveness, brimming with her unique charm.
Released as part of her first solo full-length album, “Ruby,” it stands out for its deep themes of self-definition and conviction.
Showcasing her growth as an artist, it’s also a must-see in “The Ruby Experience” performances in Los Angeles, New York, and Seoul.
A perfect song for those eager to explore new possibilities in music.
HOTLE SSERAFIM
A captivating pop tune that skillfully weaves together elements of rock and disco.
It’s the title track of LE SSERAFIM’s mini-album “HOT,” released in March 2025.
Even without knowing the ending, the song’s strong resolve to forge one’s own path pierces the heart alongside the members’ powerful vocals.
With contributions from Ali Tamposi, who worked on BTS’s “IDOL,” this marks the group’s first song centered on the theme of love.
Directed by Yang Yoon-Na, the music video unfolds a fantastical world that moves between the boundaries of reality and dreams.
It’s a track that powerfully propels all who wish to live true to themselves.
Perfect NightLE SSERAFIM
Delivered while Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard’s Wife continues its hit run, the track “Perfect Night” is LE SSERAFIM’s first English single, released through a collaboration with the shooter game Overwatch 2.
Its gentle groove, perfect for letting your shoulders relax, feels so good.
I’m moved once again by LE SSERAFIM’s performance, which links to the happiness you feel when spending fun times with friends.
I’m sure many people will be saved by the song’s kind, comforting message.
It’s truly a magical, wonderful track.
New JeansNewJeans
NewJeans is a five-member girl group.
They’ve always had many distinctive tracks like “OMG” and “Ditto,” but “New Jeans,” released in 2023, is a dance tune that blends elements from various genres, further refining their unique style.
Instead of a simple EDM-style structure that makes you want to start dancing right away, it features a mysterious melody where you can’t quite tell where the chorus is, paired with a shady-sounding synthesizer.
Once you hear it, its addictiveness will have you hooked!
NIGHT DANCERimase
Amid the rising popularity of J-POP since around 2022, this might well be one of the standout smash hits.
It spread rapidly through TikTok dance challenges—now essential to modern music trends—with participation from popular groups like IVE and Stray Kids, making it beloved by a wide audience.
It was also shocking to see it become the first J-POP song to rank on Korea’s important Melon Top 100 chart.
The laid-back, ennui-tinged vocals and melodies are easy to listen to and offer a different kind of addictive appeal from K-POP.
Its message of enjoying the night freely perfectly captures the allure of music.
LIKE THATBABYMONSTER
BABYMONSTER’s track “LIKE THAT,” released by YG Entertainment, is a pop number infused with the signature groove of global singer-songwriter Charlie Puth.
Moved by Ahyeon’s cover, Puth contributed the song, which expresses the feelings of being in love in a straightforward way.
The performance—singing with single-minded desire to get closer to the one they love over a catchy melody—leaves a strong impression.
It’s one of the tracks on the mini-album “BABYMONS7ER,” released in April 2024.
Perfect not only for when you’re in the midst of romance, but also for sparking lively love-talk with friends!
Set The Toneaespa
Aespa’s music is characterized by its distinctive sound that fuses hyperpop and EDM.
This track carries a message about being freed from everyday stress through the power of music and enjoying uninhibited self-expression.
Released as part of the May 2024 album “Armageddon,” it performed well on many music charts.
Showcasing Aespa’s unique performance style, this song is perfect for parties, drives, or any time you want something a little special.
Be sure to give it a listen—it’s a track packed with the charm of the four-member girl group from South Korea.