Trendy songs in South Korea: A roundup of hit songs

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.

Welcome to the ShowDAY6

DAY6(데이식스) “Welcome to the Show” M/V

A four-member rock band from South Korea, DAY6 has released a new song with the full lineup for the first time in about three years.

It’s a track from their 8th mini-album, “Fourever,” released in March 2024.

Incorporating elements of post-Britpop and progressive house, the song expresses gratitude and determination toward those who stand with us on the grand stage of life—thankfulness for the one who chose you, and the resolve to overcome an uncertain future.

Actors Yoo Seung-ho and Choi Hee-jin appear in the music video, enhancing its narrative feel.

It’s an uplifting piece with DAY6’s signature heart-stirring melodies and a warm message.

비의 랩소디(Rhapsody of Sadness)임재현(Lim Jae Hyun)

Rhapsody of Sadness

This is a poignant love song by ballad singer Lim Jae-hyun.

The piece calmly conveys the sorrow and lingering feelings of a breakup.

Released as a digital single in December 2023, it’s a remake of a hit originally released by Choi Jae-hoon in 2000.

It topped Melon’s monthly chart in January 2024 and went on to become a long-running hit.

The beautiful lyrics, which use rain as a metaphor for sadness, are particularly striking.

Lim Jae-hyun’s emotive vocals vividly bring this bittersweet story to life.

It’s sure to resonate with anyone carrying the pain of heartbreak.

I also recommend enjoying it together with the music video.

GO!CORTIS

CORTIS (코르티스) ‘GO!’ Official MV

CORTIS, drawing attention as the next presence following BTS and TOMORROW X TOGETHER, is a truly young creator crew that champions “collaborative creation,” with every member handling everything from songwriting and composing to choreography.

This work is the opening intro track for their debut EP, COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES, released in August 2025.

It’s a hip-hop tune where razor-sharp synths race over a minimal trap beat, serving as a musical statement of intent for the group.

You can feel a powerful drive to break fixed ideas—almost as if their name’s ethos of “coloring outside the lines” has been turned directly into sound.

Listen to it when you’re starting something new; their passion will come through, and it will surely give you courage!

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.

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.

DUETZICO, Lilas (Ikuta Rira)

ZICO (지코), Lilas (YOASOBI’s ikura) ‘DUET’ Official MV

This talked-about release teams up Zico—renowned as both a rapper and producer—and Lila Ikuta, one of Japan’s leading singer-songwriters.

Dropped in December 2025, the collaboration single also drew attention for its comical dance in the music video.

Riding a dazzling track that fuses hip-hop and pop to perfection, their rap and vocals playfully trade lines like a real conversation.

As their voices blend beyond borders and language barriers, just listening makes your heart lift.

It sparked a huge reaction, including a performance on the year-end Music Station SUPER LIVE 2025.

Highly recommended if you’re looking for an uplifting duet.