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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!

Trendy Songs in South Korea: Hit Song Compilation (251–260)

Fraktsiya (Feat. 이영지)MARK

MARK 마크 ‘프락치 (Fraktsiya) (Feat. 이영지)’ MV
Fraktsiya (Feat. 이영지)MARK

This is a track released in December 2024 by Mark, a member of NCT and a Korean Canadian artist.

Built on a hip-hop foundation, it features a collaboration with popular Korean rapper Lee Young Ji.

The lyrics are striking, likening his hectic schedule and multifaceted activities to those of a “spy.” Mark and Lee Young Ji’s powerful rap performances blend seamlessly, resulting in a compelling track.

This is Mark’s fourth digital single and serves as a pre-release for his first solo album, scheduled for April 2025.

Highly recommended for those who want to enjoy a fusion of K-pop and hip-hop.

Trending songs in South Korea: A compilation of hit songs (261–270)

바라만 본다(Foolish Love)MSG WANNABE (M.O.M)

[MSG워너비] M.O.M – 바라만 본다 음악중심 데뷔 무대! (Hangout with Yoo – MSG WANNABE)
바라만 본다(Foolish Love)MSG WANNABE (M.O.M)

MSG WANNABE is a music group born from the variety show How Do You Play? hosted by the national MC Yoo Jae-suk.

This is a medium-tempo number by M.O.M, one of the teams.

Spurred by the show’s massive response, it became a long-running hit and ranked 11th on Melon’s year-end chart.

It’s a love song about earnest, unrequited love.

The single-minded devotion it conveys is truly moving.

The overwhelming harmony delivered by vocalists with distinct individual charms is also thoroughly compelling.

Fact CheckNCT 127

NCT 127 ‘Fact Check (불가사의; 不可思議)’ MV
Fact CheckNCT 127

This is the self-titled lead track from NCT 127’s fifth full-length album, released in October 2023.

It embodies a reaffirmation of NCT 127’s cutting-edge appeal and identity, and the promotions have centered around Seoul as a theme—making it fun to listen while connecting it with the city’s unique charm.

The lyrics seem to align perfectly with their style of breaking existing conventions.

The intense rhythm leaves a distinctly NCT 127–style addictive imprint on your ears! Personally, my highlight is the second half of the chorus where the low and high vocals intertwine.

The well-balanced sense of speed and the smooth, stylish rap feel great and are guaranteed to lift your mood!

PerfumeNCT DOJAEJUNG

NCT DOJAEJUNG 엔시티 도재정 ‘Perfume’ MV
PerfumeNCT DOJAEJUNG

NCT’s unit DoJaeJung—made up of Doyoung, Jaehyun, and Jungwoo—has a title track called “Perfume” on their first album, also titled “Perfume.” This number captivates with its pop sound that showcases their fresh, positive vibe.

Their emotional, top-tier vocals are another must-hear highlight.

The song centers on the theme of love, and its deep lyrics are part of its appeal.

Be sure to check out the lyrics along with the track!

Broken MelodiesNCT DREAM

NCT DREAM 엔시티 드림 ‘Broken Melodies’ MV
Broken MelodiesNCT DREAM

NCT is a male idol group formed in 2016.

Their derivative unit, NCT DREAM, has a standout melancholic pop song called “Broken Melodies.” The group is a seven-member boy band with a diverse mix of nationalities—Korean, Chinese, and Canadian—and their energetic vibe is captivating.

This track in particular features a pleasing contrast between powerful chest voice and languid falsetto, and listening to it will naturally lift your spirits!

When I’m With YouNCT DREAM

NCT DREAM 엔시티 드림 ‘When I’m With You’ MV
When I’m With YouNCT DREAM

This is a new song by NCT DREAM, from their November 2024 album “DREAMSCAPE.” It’s an electronic pop track rooted in house, featuring an addictive chorus.

They sweetly sing about their feelings for “you,” whom they met in a utopia.

Mark participated in crafting the rap, adding the group’s signature bright energy.

Be sure to check out the music video too, which depicts time spent on a train and a leap into the galaxy.

With its refreshing vibe, it could be perfect for hanging out with friends or even a date.

Baggy JeansNCT U

NCT U 엔시티 유 ‘Baggy Jeans’ MV
Baggy JeansNCT U

When it comes to baggy jeans, they give off the vibe of a fashion-savvy pro, and that edgy, cool appeal really stands out.

It’s an irresistibly catchy hip-hop tune that serves as one of the double title tracks from NCT’s 4th album “Golden Age,” released in August 2023.

The song is performed by five of the original debut members.

The shouted calls layered over the repeated low-end sections are incredibly cool! Because the title’s pronunciation resembles the name of the protagonist from the drama “Twenty-Five, Twenty-One,” dance videos combining the two have also become popular.

With its powerful performance and immersive world, it also gives you strength as an anthem for staying true to your own style.