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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!

Trendy Korean songs: A roundup of hit tracks (211–220)

Onion-Hey-Say-YoEZUZ

Onion하세요 – 이짜나언짜나(EZUZ) | MV
Onion-Hey-Say-YoEZUZ

EZUZ is a male hip-hop duo that debuted in 2016.

Released in January 2024, this digital single brims with the duo’s charm and playfulness as they uniquely voice socially minded messages.

With a clever bank-themed concept and contributions from various online creators, it became a hit through social media.

The music video has also gained popularity on YouTube in their home country.

Its simple rhythm and rhymes make it highly addictive and easy for anyone to enjoy.

Recommended for fans of laid-back hip-hop!

CupidFIFTY FIFTY

FIFTY FIFTY (피프티피프티) – ‘Cupid’ Official MV
CupidFIFTY FIFTY

“Cupid” is at the top of the K-pop songs I especially want to recommend from 2023.

It’s gained global popularity, even entering the U.S.

Billboard Hot 100.

In Korea, it’s become a long-running hit in a sort of reimported way thanks to its worldwide success.

The English “Twin Ver.” has been the bigger chart hit.

With its familiar, beautiful melody line and retro vibe, it’s the kind of song that will instantly draw in certain listeners.

There’s a touch of ennui to it, yet it leaves you wrapped in a happy feeling that’s very pleasant.

The members’ harmonies are also wonderful—such a lovely track.

HOME SWEET HOME (feat. TAEYANG & DAESUNG)G-DRAGON

G-DRAGON – ‘HOME SWEET HOME (feat. TAEYANG & DAESUNG)’ Behind the Scenes EP.02
HOME SWEET HOME (feat. TAEYANG & DAESUNG)G-DRAGON

A pop number from G-Dragon featuring his fellow BIGBANG members Taeyang and Daesung.

Released in November 2024, it became a hit that dominated the Korean music charts.

The song overflows with a warm atmosphere that symbolizes the bond with fans.

Blending nostalgia with freshness, its melody and lyrics—heralding G-Dragon’s return—resonate deeply.

It was originally a BIGBANG track, by the way! They gave the first performance at the 2024 MAMA AWARDS, held at Kyocera Dome Osaka, which created a huge buzz.

Packed with the joy of reuniting with fans, the song also showcases the charm of BIGBANG.

Trending songs in Korea: Hit song roundup (221–230)

POWERG-DRAGON

G-DRAGON – POWER (Official Video)
POWERG-DRAGON

A new release from G-DRAGON, a member of BIGBANG who also commands strong charisma as a solo artist.

Dropping in October 2024, it marks his first solo track in about seven years.

Centered on the theme of “power,” this work portrays G-DRAGON’s career, his passion for music, and his resurgence from adversity.

With hip-hop beats and energetic rap as its hallmarks, it showcases his personal strength and influence while reinterpreting what “power” means.

The lyrics, charged with the resolve to push forward despite prejudice and criticism, also serve to empower fans.

The music video stands out with its futuristic and bold visuals.

TOO BAD (feat. Anderson .Paak)G-DRAGON

G-DRAGON – ‘TOO BAD (feat. Anderson .Paak)’ Official Performance Video with RIEHATA
TOO BAD (feat. Anderson .Paak)G-DRAGON

G-DRAGON, a titan of the Korean music scene and leader of BIGBANG, released his album “Übermensch” in February 2025, his first in about 11 years and 5 months.

Featuring Anderson .Paak, the project blends the feel-good vibe of a party tune with profound messaging.

The album contains eight tracks, including “POWER” and a collaboration with his group members, “HOME SWEET HOME,” offering a distinctive soundscape woven from soulful vocals and hip-hop beats.

Marking the kickoff to his first world tour in eight years—set to open at Goyang Sports Complex—this release delivers a track that will get your heart racing in energetic moments, from night drives to parties.

Season of MemoriesGFRIEND

GFRIEND (여자친구) ‘우리의 다정한 계절 속에’ OFFICIAL MV
Season of MemoriesGFRIEND

A song commemorating the 10th anniversary of the girl group GFRIEND’s debut was released in January 2025.

The lyrics, which reflect the group’s history and gratitude to their fans, are notable and sprinkled with phrases that recall their past signature tracks.

Included as the title track of the album “Season of Memories,” it’s an emotional piece quintessentially GFRIEND.

Fans say they can’t stop crying, and it showcases GFRIEND’s musical maturity.

KISS ME (Feat. BIG Naughty)GIRIBOY, BIG Naughty

[Official Lyric Video] 기리보이 (GIRIBOY) – KISS ME (Feat. BIG Naughty)
KISS ME (Feat. BIG Naughty)GIRIBOY, BIG Naughty

Lately, Korean hip-hop has been gaining attention in the Japanese hip-hop scene as well.

This time, I’d like to introduce a particularly accessible and catchy track from Korean hip-hop: “KISS ME (Feat.

BIG Naughty).” It’s a collaboration between rapper Giriboy and BIG Naughty, and it samples the Boy’s Town Gang classic “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”