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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Trending songs in Korea: Hit song roundup (221–230)
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.
Don’t know youHeize
“Things you only realize after a breakup”—that’s the theme of the heartbreak song ‘널 너무 모르고 (Don’t Know You).’ It’s a 2017 hit by R&B artist Heize, known for her refined songwriting and delicate emotional expression.
Said to be drawn from real experience, the song reflects on how she didn’t truly know her lover.
Though she tried hard while wishing for happiness, she regrets the little time they actually spent together.
The intensity of the music video is a bit frightening, but perhaps it’s a way of breaking free.
HAPPENHeize
Haze, an R&B artist known for her high-quality tracks, released this song in May 2021.
It was included on her first album after moving to P NATION, headed by the globally known PSY.
Even among her many strong releases, this one stood out as a major hit, ranking 13th on Melon’s year-end chart.
Its sound and melody, steeped in sentimental elements and a uniquely wistful atmosphere, stir emotions that are hard to put into words.
It’s a track that will likely resonate with each listener’s own sensibilities.
It captures that feeling of déjà vu—like something you’ve felt somewhere before—and traces the mysterious interplay of coincidence and destiny.
Stranger (feat. 10CM)Heize
A popular R&B artist known for her strong songwriting, Heize released this track in December 2023.
It’s the title song of her 8th mini-album, “Last Winter.” The lyrics portray a breakup, capturing the feelings of lovers who, due to small misunderstandings and a growing sense of discord, can no longer truly connect.
Deep down they want to stay together, but they keep hurting each other… In the end, they decide to part ways for each other’s sake, and the song conveys a lingering helplessness and remorse.
The emotive duet with 10cm’s Kwon Jung-yeol adds even more poignancy to the piece.
VingleVingle (Prod. R.Tee)Heize
Heize is a Korean singer-songwriter who is also active as a TV personality.
Her name is pronounced “Haze.” Although she’s juggling two careers, her ability as an artist is top-tier, and she consistently energizes the scene with stylish tracks.
Her new song is “VingleVingle (Prod.
R.Tee).” It’s a track shaped around the contemporary trend of synth-pop, with a drop that leaves a strong impact.
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.
Trending songs in South Korea: Hit song roundup (231–240)
on the street (with J. Cole)j-hope
Have you listened to “On the Street,” which has reached number one on music charts in multiple countries? It’s a track by J-Hope, known as a member of BTS, in collaboration with rapper J.
Cole.
The song is a message to fans, expressing gratitude and a love for music.
The lyrics and J-Hope’s skillful flow are outstanding, of course, but it’s also worth enjoying as a collaboration between global superstars.
Plus, the music video featuring the two of them is incredibly powerful.
