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 South Korea: Hit song roundup (231–240)
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’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!
Trendy Korean Songs: Hit Song Compilation (241–250)
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.
Set Me Free Pt.2JIMIN
BTS enjoys overwhelming popularity not only in South Korea but around the world.
Jimin, the group’s lead vocalist and dancer, released “Set Me Free Pt.2” in 2023, a track notable for its striking intro that prominently features a choir.
From there, the powerful vocals delivered by Jimin and the track’s digitally programmed beats come in without a moment’s pause and are absolutely electrifying.
Be sure to check out the music video too, where a large group of dancers in black outfits perform a flawless, perfectly synchronized routine.
Is it still beautifulJinjoo park, Ailee, Mijoo, Haewon(해원)(NMIXX)
This work is a remake of a classic winter song by a four-member unit formed on the variety show “What Shall We Do When We Play?” Led by Ailee, known for her powerful vocals, the group brings together NMIXX’s Haewon, Park Jin-ju, and former Lovelyz member Mijoo.
They’ve given a modern twist to Kim Yeon-woo’s moving 1999 ballad, captivating listeners with warm harmonies that showcase each member’s unique character.
The poignant lyrics and melody make it a perfect track to enhance the winter atmosphere.
The show also delves into their interpretations of the heartfelt lyrics and behind-the-scenes stories from the recording process.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to with someone special.
3D (feat. Jack Harlow)Jung Kook
A love song by BTS’s golden maknae, Jung Kook.
Released ahead of his first solo album ‘GOLDEN’ in November 2023, this track drew buzz much like the global hit ‘Seven.’ It’s an American-style R&B love song that sings of a heartbeat of love.
It might fit perfectly with the feelings you have when a vague emotion starts to become more certain.
The contrast with the languid rap by Jack Harlow—the new-generation star rapper who rose to prominence from TikTok with ‘Whats Poppin’—is cool as well.
Jung Kook’s sleek charm shines through in full, and it’s awesome!
Hate YouJung Kook
Jungkook, a member of BTS.
Let me introduce “Hate You” from his solo album Golden.
While the album features many pop songs with an American vibe, this track is a moist, emotive ballad.
It delicately conveys the complex feeling of hating someone precisely because you love them.
The quiet melody also beautifully highlights his vocals.
Incidentally, the music video has drawn attention for being filmed in Japan.
