Trendy songs in South Korea: A roundup of hit songs

MagneticILLIT

ILLIT (아일릿) ‘Magnetic’ Official MV

ILLIT is a five-member girl group that debuted in March 2024.

Released as their debut track, this song centers on the theme of an irresistible charm likened to powerful magnetism, built on a poppy melody and a catchy refrain.

From its release, it has enjoyed strong support among younger generations in both Japan and Korea, and it has continued to rank near the top of various charts into the second half of the year, becoming a long-running hit.

Produced by HYBE’s chairman, Bang Si-hyuk, it appears on their debut mini-album SUPER REAL ME, which portrays the rich imagination and everyday lives of teenage girls.

Paired with a design that symbolizes the free-spirited nature of youth, it fully expresses ILLIT’s unique world.

It really lets you feel the thrill of that moment when you fall in love.

Who지민 (Jimin)

지민 (Jimin) ‘Who’ Official MV

Jimin, a South Korean artist, delicately portrays the hopes and anxieties of love in his music.

Featured on his album MUSE, released in July 2024, this track expresses the longing for an ideal partner yet to be met.

As a member of BTS and a successful solo artist, he continues to showcase his talent.

Paired with his emotionally rich vocals, the song resonates deeply.

Its lyrics about yearning for a woman he’s never met are relatable to many listeners.

On TikTok, a special page, #Jimin_Who, has also been launched, generating buzz.

It’s a recommended song for those struggling with love or searching for their ideal match.

Supersonicfromis_9

fromis_9 (프로미스나인) ‘Supersonic’ Official MV

Brimming with poppy, catchy charm, fromis_9’s track packs a punch that blows away the summer heat.

Released in August 2024 as the title song of their third single album, it stands out with refreshing vocals and an energetic beat.

Just like its title suggests, it’s full of high-speed momentum and power, racing ahead at sonic speed and instantly grabbing listeners’ hearts.

The lyrics, which depict taking on the unknown and moving toward new worlds, convey the group’s bright, forward-looking appeal.

It’s the perfect number for moments when you want to boost your energy—like summer drives or parties with friends!

T.B.HQWER

QWER ‘고민중독’ Official MV

A track included on QWER’s first mini-album MANITO, by the four-piece girl band formed by SNS sensations including Lee Siyoung, who has a background with NMB.

It’s an uptempo rock number with a J-pop flavor, delivering the anxiety and hesitation of conveying one’s feelings directly through a catchy melody.

The lively drum and bass rhythms intertwine exquisitely with the guitar sound, stirring the listener’s heart.

Outpacing their previous release Discord, it has become a long-running hit, holding strong near the top of the charts.

Released in April 2024, it’s a key song that showcases QWER’s growth in the music scene.

Highly recommended especially for women in their teens and twenties who are struggling with love.

SPOT! (feat. JENNIE)ZICO

ZICO (지코) ‘SPOT! (feat. JENNIE)’ Official MV

Rapper Zico’s collaborative track with BLACKPINK’s Jennie was released in April 2024.

This stylish piece blends hip-hop and R&B, expressing the sense of unity found with friends you meet at a night party through liberating lyrics.

You can soak up the excitement of the night while dancing to its rhythmic beat.

It’s got an irresistibly cool, urban vibe—perfect for celebrating Zico’s 10th anniversary as a solo artist.

An ideal song for nights when you want to feel a bit more grown-up or go all out with your friends.

If I have you onlyNerd Connection

If I have you only (My love X Nerd Connection) (그대만 있다면 (여름날 우리 X…

A heartfelt ballad about a poignant farewell by Nerd Connection, a band drawing attention in the Korean music scene.

It conveys a powerful sentiment that a loved one’s presence is everything, and that nothing else is needed as long as that person is there.

This is a remake of a song released by Weather Forecast in 1999, used as a collaborative track for the film “여름날 우리 (One Summer Story),” capturing the hearts of many.

Released in August 2023, it has steadily remained near the top of the charts into 2024, becoming a long-running hit.

It’s a song that seems destined to be loved by many, offering warm comfort and solace to those who have experienced heartbreak.

EpisodeLEE MU JIN

[MV] LEE MU JIN(이무진) _ Episode(에피소드)

A new song released in December 2023 by South Korean singer-songwriter Lee Mujin.

It features emotive lyrics themed around beautiful memories and parting.

Lee Mujin’s characteristically gentle vocals pair exquisitely with a melody that seems to warm the heart even in the winter cold.

Conveying the purity and poignancy of being in love, this work feels as if it brings an early spring.

Its lyrics, depicting a love that tugs at the heart, are sure to resonate not only with those in love but with everyone.

The sound is bright, but the lyrics are bittersweet—why not give this sentimental track a listen?