Trendy songs in South Korea: A roundup of hit songs

SPOT! (feat. JENNIE)ZICO

ZICO (지코) ‘SPOT! (feat. JENNIE)’ Official MV

Rapper Zico’s collaborative track with BLACKPINK’s Jennie was released in April 2024.

This stylish piece blends hip-hop and R&B, expressing the sense of unity found with friends you meet at a night party through liberating lyrics.

You can soak up the excitement of the night while dancing to its rhythmic beat.

It’s got an irresistibly cool, urban vibe—perfect for celebrating Zico’s 10th anniversary as a solo artist.

An ideal song for nights when you want to feel a bit more grown-up or go all out with your friends.

If I have you onlyNerd Connection

If I have you only (My love X Nerd Connection) (그대만 있다면 (여름날 우리 X…

A heartfelt ballad about a poignant farewell by Nerd Connection, a band drawing attention in the Korean music scene.

It conveys a powerful sentiment that a loved one’s presence is everything, and that nothing else is needed as long as that person is there.

This is a remake of a song released by Weather Forecast in 1999, used as a collaborative track for the film “여름날 우리 (One Summer Story),” capturing the hearts of many.

Released in August 2023, it has steadily remained near the top of the charts into 2024, becoming a long-running hit.

It’s a song that seems destined to be loved by many, offering warm comfort and solace to those who have experienced heartbreak.

WE GO UPBABYMONSTER

BABYMONSTER – ‘WE GO UP’ M/V

BABYMONSTER of YG Entertainment will release their second mini-album, “WE GO UP,” in October 2025.

The title track of the same name is a hip-hop dance number notable for its bold brass sound.

Powerfully voicing their determination to “climb higher,” it carries themes of self-affirmation and taking on challenges.

Its sharp rhythms and energetic arrangement seem to symbolize the group’s growth and drive to improve.

The music video surpassed 30 million views in three days, and its action-packed visual direction became a hot topic.

It’s perfect as background music when you want to believe in yourself and move forward, or when you’re facing a new challenge—the kind of song that gives you a courageous push.

If It Were MeNa Yoon Kwon & D.O.

[Special Clip] 나윤권(Na Yoon Kwon) & 도경수(Doh kyung Soo) – ‘나였으면’

Veteran balladeer Na Yoon Kwon—unrivaled when it comes to singing aching love—and D.O., the main vocalist of EXO, have realized a dream collaboration.

The beloved ballad that drew attention as part of the 2004 drama Crown Prince’s First Love OST and was included on the album Addiction has been reborn with a fresh touch in November 2025.

Its plaintive portrayal of unrequited love—the heart-wrenching thought, “If only I were the one by their side”—tightens the chest.

Na Yoon Kwon’s deep, resonant voice intertwines with D.O.’s warm yet wistful vocals, drawing listeners into an even more dramatic development.

It’s perfect for those long autumn nights when you feel lonely and want to quietly lose yourself in the music.

I’ll Never Love AgainWOODZ

[MV] WOODZ(우즈) _ I’ll Never Love Again

Having completed his military service, WOODZ makes a full-fledged return as a solo artist.

Featured on his digital single released in September 2025, this track is a love ballad with an introspective theme that reexamines the small routines of daily life from a fresh perspective.

The aching finality—like a letter going up in flames—and the protagonist’s struggle with the idea that they can never love the same way again are rendered on a grand scale through a dramatic, cinematic sound.

While rooted in pop, the song weaves in rock and alternative elements, showcasing his wide-ranging musicality.

The time he spent confronting himself during his service seems to lend the work added depth.

It’s a song that will resonate with everyone—pressing forward despite regret over a lost love.