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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!

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

May the TENDERNESS be with you! (feat. KARINA of aespa)JANNABI

잔나비 [JANNABI] – 사랑의이름으로! (feat. 카리나 of aespa) M/V
May the TENDERNESS be with you! (feat. KARINA of aespa)JANNABI

Jannabi, a skilled Korean indie rock band, will release a collaborative track with Karina from K‑pop group aespa in April 2025.

Featured on the album “Sound of Music Pt.1,” the song beautifully blends a grand orchestral arrangement with Karina’s clear, airy vocals.

It unfolds a world full of warmth and love, resulting in a heartwarming piece that also showcases Jannabi’s signature retro flair.

It seems to have captivated fans at their solo concert “All the Boys and Girls 2025,” held at Jamsil Arena in Seoul.

It’s a perfect song for a quiet night with someone special—or whenever your heart needs a little healing.

You & MeJENNIE

JENNIE – ‘You & Me’ DANCE PERFORMANCE VIDEO
You & MeJENNIE

A solo song by Jennie, the main rapper of the globally popular girl group BLACKPINK, released digitally in October 2023.

She performed it during her solo stage on the world tour spanning 2022 to 2023.

It blends a mature mood with Jennie’s charisma and cuteness in a lovely way.

The song expresses the feelings you experience when you first fall in love and the sense of “with this person, maybe…,” singing about those special emotions and depicting a love story set in a world just for two.

ZENJENNIE

JENNIE – ZEN (Official Video)
ZENJENNIE

Jennie’s solo track is included on the album Ruby and will be released in March 2025.

The Cleopatra-inspired visual aesthetics, sharp choreography, and rich, low-register vocals leave a strong impression.

She sings about profound themes such as self-actualization and transcending material values.

The lyrics, which convey resilience and individuality, reflect Jennie’s inner growth.

This song marks a step forward in her musical evolution.

The music video drew significant attention, surpassing 7 million views within a day of its release.

It’s a recommended track for anyone determined to stay true to themselves.

Love HangoverJENNIE & Dominic Fike

JENNIE & Dominic Fike – Love Hangover (Official Video)
Love HangoverJENNIE & Dominic Fike

A song that skillfully captures both the sweetness and bitterness of love has been born from a collaboration between BLACKPINK’s Jennie and American singer-songwriter Dominic Fike.

Set to a mid-tempo pop tune, it portrays the wavering emotions within a bond that can’t be severed.

Released in January 2025 as the lead single from Jennie’s debut album, Ruby, the track is accompanied by a music video filmed in Mexico City.

The MV features a unique direction that reflects the song’s worldview, where an unlucky incident happens on every date.

It’s a captivating track with a bittersweet mood that anyone with experience in love can relate to.

Fast ForwardJEON SOMI

JEON SOMI (전소미) – ‘Fast Forward’ M/V
Fast ForwardJEON SOMI

Jeon Somi, a former member of I.O.I born from the first PRODUCE 101 and now a solo artist who captivates with exceptional charisma.

“Fast Forward” is the title track from her 2023 EP GAME PLAN.

It’s an uplifting dance number, and the transition from the catchy, Western pop–style chorus peak to the cooldown section is incredibly cool.

The confident, high-energy message—like “I want you to pay more attention to me”—is also empowering!

FLOWERJISOO

JISOO – ‘꽃(FLOWER)’ M/V
FLOWERJISOO

JISOO’s solo track “FLOWER,” from BLACKPINK, is an addictive song included on her 2023 album ME.

What’s especially captivating is the mysterious, voice-like sound you hear in the chorus.

The melody is incredibly catchy—you’ll want to listen to it over and over.

The music video is divided into chapters with rapid scene changes, so it never gets boring.

Be sure to check it out along with the song!

Hellojoy

JOY 조이 ‘안녕 (Hello)’ MV
Hellojoy

Among the hit songs of 2021, the one I personally want to recommend is Hello.

It’s the title track from Red Velvet’s Joy’s special album consisting entirely of remakes, which also marked her solo debut.

While retaining the emotional essence of Park Hye-kyung’s original, it adds a driving energy that creates an even brighter, more exhilarating mood.

There’s a line about blowing away the clouds in your head, and that’s exactly how it feels—refreshingly uplifting.

Joy’s bright, endlessly soaring vocals are a perfect match, making this a superb cover.