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)
Sadder Than YesterdayWoody
A delicately rendered rearranged version of a classic by Woody that portrays the pain of parting.
It’s a remake of a song originally sung by Kim Gun-mo in 2011, illuminated by Woody’s signature emotional expression.
The deepening sorrow over time is carefully conveyed through resonant piano and a rich yet gentle vocal tone.
The simple yet refined layering of sounds leaves a lingering resonance that grips the heart.
Coinciding with this release, Woody will also hold a solo concert, “Woody, Live,” at the Gurumare Theater in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on April 19 and 20.
It’s a song we hope you’ll listen to when you want to quietly reflect on your heart or face precious memories.
Trendy Korean songs. Hit song collection (191–200)
Heavenly Ever After (천국보다 아름다운)Lim Young Woong
A gem of a ballad crafted by Lim Young-woong, a trot singer who enjoys immense popularity in South Korea.
Released in April 2024 as part of the OST for the JTBC drama “You’re Beautiful Even in Heaven,” the song exquisitely blends trot and ballad styles, harmonizing warm, rich vocals with delicate expression.
It gently wraps feelings of parting from a loved one—and the hope of meeting again—in a soft, resonant embrace.
This track fully showcases the prowess of the artist who won overwhelming support on the 2020 program “Mr.
Trot.” In step with the drama’s storyline, it’s a heartwarming piece you’ll want to listen to while thinking of someone dear.
poppopNCT WISH
You can hear a refreshing dance-pop track that captures a cute worldview and the flutter of first love on the lead single from boy group NCT WISH’s album “poppop,” released in April 2025.
Set to a bursting melody, a powerful bassline, and vibrant percussion, the song paints a picture of romance.
NCT WISH is a promising new act born from a joint project between SM Entertainment and Avex Trax, produced by BoA.
They’ve shown remarkable success, winning first place on the music show THE SHOW in just about 20 days after their debut.
Packed with Y2K sensibilities and the bright energy of Gen Z, this track is a perfect companion for a drive or a date.
춘몽HYUN SEO
A track released in February 2025 by R&B singer Hyunseo.
Its approachable style and lyrics depicting longing leave a strong impression.
The melodious sound and rhythmic beat blend seamlessly, resonating deeply with listeners.
It’s a song that showcases the profound sensitivity he’s known for, which was highly praised on the EP “ABOUT MY DARK CLOUD Part.1.” It evokes a mood perfect for pensive moments, feelings of yearning, and a springtime setting.
Midnight Walk (밤 산책)IU
This song is striking for its depiction of deep nocturnal scenery and delicate emotional nuance.
The voice of popular singer-songwriter IU resonates as if seeping into the stillness of the night.
Set to a gentle piano melody, it carefully portrays the feeling of walking alone through the late-night streets while immersing oneself in past memories.
Released in March 2025 as part of the OST for the Korean drama “Good Job Today,” it is a heartwarming ballad that accompanies the life story of a girl and a boy set on Jeju Island.
It’s a song I highly recommend for sleepless nights or quiet moments when you’re thinking of someone dear—it will rest gently against your heart.
FlowerOVAN
A standout medium-tempo number released in March 2025 by Obang, a Korean singer-songwriter known for his rich sensibilities.
The gentle tones of the acoustic guitar blend seamlessly with his soft vocals, delivering a message of love and hope.
With delicate melodic lines and a sophisticated arrangement that resonates deeply, this piece is said to have been written by Obang as a proposal to his wife.
Throughout, a quiet yet emotionally stirring soundscape unfolds.
It’s a song that gently embraces life’s transitions and the anticipation of new beginnings—perfect as soothing background music for peaceful moments or when thinking of someone special.
Not a DreamSong Sohee(송소희)
A dreamlike track that fuses tradition and modernity by Song Sohee, a commanding presence in Korea’s traditional music scene.
Incorporating elements of Gyeonggi folk songs, it resonates with a beautiful harmony between heritage and contemporary pop sounds.
Premiered at the indoor music festival “The Glow 2025” in February 2025, the piece has been creating a buzz in Korea.
Written and composed by Song Sohee herself, it breaks new ground beyond the bounds of traditional music, paired with her expressively rich vocals.
Portraying emotions that sway between dreams and reality through pure, soaring high notes and an exceptional ear for pitch, this is the perfect song for moments of calm or self-reflection.