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)
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
“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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Trending songs in South Korea: Hit song roundup (231–240)
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.