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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Trendy Korean Songs: Hit Song Compilation (241–250)
IglooKISS OF LIFE
The title track from KISS OF LIFE’s third mini album, LOSE YOURSELF, released in July 2023.
This piece is a powerful number themed around confidence and temptation.
Member Belle participated in composing, and the upbeat rhythm and catchy chorus are striking.
Through metaphorical expressions, it conveys an allure that captivates those around.
With touches of R&B and hip-hop, it boasts a contemporary sound.
The lyrics portray a confident female image and convey to listeners the importance of self-expression.
I DO MEKiiiKiii
With a powerful track themed around self-expression and honoring individuality, KiiiKiii—debuting under STARSHIP Entertainment in March 2025—delivers a fresh charm.
The five members’ diverse personalities and talents blend seamlessly with a free-spirited sound.
Its bohemian aesthetic and liberating musicality appear to resonate deeply with Gen Z values.
Released as a pre-single from the mini-album “UNCUT GEM,” the song has drawn significant attention, soaring to No.
1 on YouTube’s trending chart right after its release.
Overflowing with down-to-earth lyrics that stay bright and forward-looking even amid an imperfect reality, this song gently encourages anyone ready to take a new step forward.
You Were Beautiful (My love X Kim Min-seok (MeloMance))Kim Min-seok
A collaboration track for the film “One Summer (여름날 우리).” Released on Tanabata in 2023 by Kim Minseok of the pop unit Melomance, known for their refined, resonant sound.
It’s a sensuous ballad with an emotional feel, a remake of a song originally released by the band DAY6 in 2017.
The lyrics evoke the emotions of heartbreak, bringing back memories shared and the beauty of a loved one.
Kim Minseok’s soft, sweet vocals infuse the song with a different, forward-looking warmth.
Shiny Star(2020)Kyoung Seo
This is the debut song of rising sensation Kyungseo, which drew a lot of attention.
It was released in November 2020.
It’s a remake of Yang Jung Seung’s hit track.
Beyond its original widespread recognition, its easy-listening style—well-suited to the tastes of the 2020s and beyond—likely helped drive its success.
Not only did it compete for the top spot on digital charts and music shows against the hugely popular BTS, it also ranked sixth on Melon’s 2021 year-end chart.
The song features quintessentially Korean, emotionally rich lyrics and a gentle melody that are truly lovely.
Kyungseo’s clear voice further enhances the song’s charm, making it a perfect companion for peaceful moments with someone you love.
It’s a very beautiful, heartwarming love song.
Fresh AdventureLABOUM
LABOUM is a girl group that debuted in 2014.
When it comes to their hit song in 2021, it would be Fresh Adventure.
In fact, it was originally released in 2016.
Yet five years later, it climbed to the top of the music charts.
The charm of the song lies in its girly sound and lyrics that convey the excitement of diving into an unknown world.
Listening to it will surely put you in a positive mood.
A Japanese-language version has also been released, so try checking and comparing the lyrics.
Trendy Songs in South Korea: Hit Song Compilation (251–260)
Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard’s wifeLE SSERAFIM
A track included on their first full album, UNFORGIVEN.
The beat and choreography are quintessentially LE SSERAFIM and super cool! While LE SSERAFIM is known for their bold, powerful style, this song seems to depict a more introspective mindset, as if they’re facing themselves.
It also feels like it portrays the dilemma of moving between the idol persona and their true selves.
I hear the English lines in the intro were written by Yunjin.
It’s a song packed with their appeal—an unwavering inner strength that goes beyond the typical “girl crush.”
UNFORGIVEN (feat. Nile Rodgers)LE SSERAFIM
A track with a vibe that blends hip-hop and punk.
It’s the title song of their first full album, UNFORGIVEN, released on May 1, 2023.
The English refrain will definitely get stuck in your head.
It samples the main theme OST from the American Western “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.” Nile Rodgers’ guitar riff and the members’ cool, aggressive performance are seriously impressive.
It’s a bold, LE SSERAFIM-style anthem about breaking taboos.
This is K-pop that truly signals the dawn of a new era.