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 Korean songs: Hit song roundup (381–390)
I Missed You (보고싶었어)WSG WANNABE (Sa-Fire)
This is the debut song by 4FIRE, a team from the women’s group WSG WANNABE born out of MBC’s variety show “Hangout with Yoo?” Composer Cho Young-soo, who has also worked on SG Wannabe’s songs, wrote the music.
It’s a light, R&B-flavored pop track that brightly sings about a bittersweet breakup.
The vocals by singer NAVI, SOLE, Kwon Jin Ah, and comedian Um Ji-yoon are pleasant to listen to, and together with the catchy melody, it makes you want to hum along.
ENGLANDYANGHONGWON
An emotional track released in May 2024 by Yang Hong-won, a standout in the Korean hip-hop scene.
Included on the album SLOWMO, the song reflects on his experiences and struggles at the age of 19.
Its delicate melodic lines layered with lyrics vividly portray the loneliness within.
The realistic depiction of youth will surely resonate with many.
It’s a memorable work filled with Yang Hong-won’s signature musicality—perfect for moments when you want to face yourself or are seeking music that stays close to the heart.
SunfishYounha
A track included on the seventh album celebrating the 20th anniversary of Korean singer-songwriter Younha’s debut in 2024.
Its refreshing pop-rock sound evokes the summer sea.
While the acoustic guitar’s pleasant riff stands out, the lyrics carry a profound message.
Centered on themes of new beginnings and hope for the future, it conveys a powerful sense of charting one’s own course in life.
It was also featured in a commercial for a famous Korean jewelry brand, where its upbeat rhythm pairs well with the positive lyrics.
It’s a perfect song to soundtrack a drive or a seaside outing.
I Think I DidYoo Hwe Seung
The song, which sings of a bittersweet love, is unforgettable thanks to the vocals of Yoo Hwe-seung, the lead singer of the popular Korean band N.Flying.
Released in May 2024, it was featured on the soundtrack of the drama “Lovely Runner.” Yoo Hwe-seung is also active as a solo artist and musical theater actor.
Beginning with a scene of spending the night with friends, the lyrics express feelings for someone special and resonate deeply.
The song’s charm lies in its skillful portrayal of the frustration and inner conflict that come with love.
In the moments where the protagonist musters the courage to confess their feelings, you’ll find yourself drawn into a melody that seems to synchronize with the movements of the heart.
It’s a track we especially want to share with anyone struggling in love.
Set The Toneaespa
Aespa’s music is characterized by its distinctive sound that fuses hyperpop and EDM.
This track carries a message about being freed from everyday stress through the power of music and enjoying uninhibited self-expression.
Released as part of the May 2024 album “Armageddon,” it performed well on many music charts.
Showcasing Aespa’s unique performance style, this song is perfect for parties, drives, or any time you want something a little special.
Be sure to give it a listen—it’s a track packed with the charm of the four-member girl group from South Korea.
NEURON (with 개코, 윤미래)j-hope
The song by South Korean artist j-hope is filled with passionate emotion.
Centered on themes of self-discovery and spiritual awakening, it overflows with positive energy that can nourish life.
Featured on the album “HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1,” released in March 2024, it has drawn attention not only for his work as a BTS member but also for his solo artistry.
Rich in hip-hop elements, the piece stands out for its moving lyrics and melodies.
Its message—about the importance of persevering and reexamining our connections with others—is compelling.
Give it a listen when you feel lost in life or need a boost in motivation.
Girls Never DietripleS
The title track from tripleS, a 24-member girl group from South Korea, off their full-length album ASSEMBLE24.
Selected by fan vote, this song centers on the strength and self-affirmation of young women.
It carries a message of believing in yourself and moving forward without being defeated by hardship.
Released in May 2024, the album marks an important milestone as the group’s full-group debut.
Riding the momentum of winning the Rookie of the Year award at the 2023 MAMA Awards, its powerful pop sound and energetic vocals inspire courage in listeners.
A perfect track for anyone who wants to live true to themselves.
I WillHa Dong Qn
Ha Dong-kyun, a ballad singer from South Korea known for his sweet yet bittersweet vocals, released this work in April 2021.
It’s a remake of a song by his debut-era group 7Dayz, brought back after 22 years.
With his rich, resonant voice, he beautifully portrays the aching feelings of being bound by lost love and fading memories.
The interplay between past recollections and present emotions comes through, making your heart swell.
It’s a highly recommended track for anyone nursing heartbreak or wishing to dwell on feelings for someone dear.
파도(Summer Wave)순순희(GITAE, YOON JI HWAN)
This song fully captures the refreshing spirit of summer.
It was released in July 2024 by the Korean ballad trio SoonSungHee.
The lyrics vividly depict the sound of waves and seaside scenery, leaving a strong impression.
Set to a buoyant melody led by guitar and synthesizer, it conveys the liberating feeling of summer and relaxed moments in nature.
With the uniquely emotive vocals characteristic of SoonSungHee, it brings a cool breeze to listeners’ hearts.
It’s the perfect track for days when you want to unwind by the beach or reminisce about summer memories.
잠수이별 (Ghosting) (Prod. 코드 쿤스트)우원재 (Woo) & meenoi (미노이)
Ghosting has been lighting up the domestic charts since August 2022.
It’s a collaboration between rapper Woo Won Jae and singer-songwriter meenoi.
Over a chill-tinged track, they sing about a tangled romantic relationship.
The temperature gap between a man who can’t let go and a woman who’s fed up feels very real—if you’ve been in that situation, it’ll hit home.
They use the expression “to dive” to mean leaving messages on read without replying, and the song portrays a breakup that fades away as one person suddenly cuts contact.
The feeling is like sinking; the languid, ennui-laced vocals make it all the more heartrending.