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 Songs in South Korea: Hit Song Compilation (251–260)
Traffic light(신호등)Lee Mujin(이무진)
Lee Mujin, who drew attention on the survival show ‘Sing Again’—a program giving talented yet lesser-known singers a shot at a comeback—released in May what became one of 2021’s signature hits and his defining song.
Thanks to the quality of the composition, it steadily grew in popularity.
Titled ‘Traffic Light,’ the song’s lyrics portray a life journey where the road ahead is uncertain—something anyone can relate to.
Mujin’s distinctive, memorable voice creates a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
The brass parts fit perfectly, and the buoyant, bouncing chorus melody is fun and uplifting.
It’s an acoustic classic that radiates warmth.
Beautiful WomanLee Ye Joon
A new release from South Korean singer Lee Ye-jun in January 2025.
It’s a poignant ballad that sings of deep sorrow and regret after losing a loved one.
The arrangement is simple yet emotionally powerful, and Lee Ye-jun’s clear, crystalline vocals are striking.
Moments of parting and the wish to be loved once more are expressed through the beautiful harmony of piano and strings.
It’s the perfect song for soothing the pain of heartbreak or reflecting on someone dear to you.
Boys Like Girls (Feat. Gist, Jayci yucca)Leellamarz
Leellamarz, also known as Kim Min-gyeom, the rapper who appeared on Show Me the Money 5.
His new track Boys Like Girls was released in October 2023.
It charted on platforms like YouTube and Melon, and features guest verses from rappers Jist and Jayci Yucca.
The title carries the nuance of liking pretty women, and the lyrics overall give off a playful, mischievous vibe.
Heavenly Ever After (천국보다 아름다운)Lim Young Woong
A gem of a ballad crafted by Lim Young-woong, a trot singer who enjoys immense popularity in South Korea.
Released in April 2024 as part of the OST for the JTBC drama “You’re Beautiful Even in Heaven,” the song exquisitely blends trot and ballad styles, harmonizing warm, rich vocals with delicate expression.
It gently wraps feelings of parting from a loved one—and the hope of meeting again—in a soft, resonant embrace.
This track fully showcases the prowess of the artist who won overwhelming support on the 2020 program “Mr.
Trot.” In step with the drama’s storyline, it’s a heartwarming piece you’ll want to listen to while thinking of someone dear.
Warmth(온기)Lim Young Woong(임영웅)
This is a mid-tempo track released in May 2024 by Lim Young-woong, a male singer who enjoys overwhelming popularity in South Korea.
It’s one of the double singles alongside “Home,” and was written and composed by Young-woong himself.
The song expresses a powerful sense of companionship that stands by you no matter what difficulties or tragedies you face.
His delicate vocals really sink in.
It’s the kind of song that can save you when you’re going through tough times.
The title carries a meaning similar to “Warmth” in Japanese, allowing you to feel a gentle encouragement even within a desolate, dystopian atmosphere.
The Child of Beginnings (Hajimari no Ko) — Starting With YouMAKTUB
A standout track released by singer-songwriter Maktub in January 2025.
It features a melody line reminiscent of J-pop band sounds and captivating lyrics that sing of deep love.
Notably, it romanticizes philosophical themes such as the meaning of existence and the passage of time.
True to Maktub—nicknamed a “master of sound”—the song resonates deeply with listeners.
Since debuting in 2011, this accomplished artist has produced numerous hits, and this new, more adventurous work is sure to touch many hearts as well.
It’s a perfect song for when you want to take a new step forward or feel the bond with someone important.
1999MARK
A refreshing pop tune colored by funky guitar riffs and brassy sounds.
Showcasing the skills he honed through NCT’s unit activities to the fullest, Canada-born Mark makes his long-awaited solo debut with his first solo album, “The Firstfruit.” With an impact reminiscent of a movie title, this work is packed with sound design that exquisitely blends a variety of instruments and orchestration, set against the world on the eve of the millennium in 1999.
Behind-the-scenes stories about the album are also available on Apple Music’s radio show “on your MARK.” With its grand sense of scale and vibrant musicality, this is a track that moves you as he breaks through boundaries.