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: A compilation of hit songs (21–30)
SupernaturalNewJeans
This is the Japanese debut single from NewJeans, the five-member girl group drawing attention from around the world.
Released in June 2024, the track was produced by Pharrell Williams.
It seamlessly fuses a nostalgic ’90s vibe with a fresh new jack swing style.
The members’ emotive vocals and the melody’s sense of nostalgia resonate beautifully.
To mark their Japan debut, they also collaborated with Shibuya 109 and teamed up with contemporary artist Takashi Murakami.
Be sure to check out this track packed with NewJeans’ charm.
I WANTive
Girls idol group IVE.
Their 2023 release “I WANT” is a track that drew attention through a collaboration with Pepsi Cola.
While it has a catchy melody, it also features a variety of instruments brimming with originality, making it a truly satisfying listen! Plus, the music video—lined wall-to-wall with Pepsi Cola and featuring the members’ vibrant choreography that matches the brand’s image—feels great to watch, so be sure to check it out at least once!
Trending songs in Korea: Hit song roundup (31–40)
XOXZive
IVE is an extraordinary, boundary-defying girl group whose momentum since debut shows no signs of slowing.
The title track of their EP “IVE SECRET,” released in August 2025, explodes with cool, mysterious allure.
A hip-hop track where hefty 808 bass is sliced by razor-sharp brass, it pulls listeners straight into its world.
The lyrics, which member Wonyoung participated in writing, center on the theme of “secret signals” shared only between those who are close.
Behind a confident, cool exterior, they paint a sweet and enigmatic message that promises clandestine rendezvous in dreams.
The slightly dangerous, dominant worldview that lures you into a dream realm unbound by reality is simply irresistible.
It’s a highly addictive number you’ll want to sink into during the stillness of the night.
Over The MoonTXT
A heart-throbbing pop tune has arrived from TOMORROW X TOGETHER.
It’s a track from their November 2024 mini-album “The Star Chapter: SANCTUARY,” sparklingly portraying the joy of love.
The fluttering feeling of a crush overflows with an exhilarating sensation that feels like it could reach the moon.
Carried by an up-tempo rhythm, the five members’ captivating vocals shine.
Though it’s a love song, it’s striking how their signature youthfulness and dreamlike worldview blend into it.
It’s the kind of song that makes your heart skip a beat.
The music video is also a must-see, conveying the thrills of falling in love through the members’ expressions and movements.
Overdosenatori
An addictive track that exploded in popularity starting from TikTok and went on to become an unusually long-running hit in South Korea.
After its release in September 2022, it continued to chart on Spotify’s daily rankings in Korea, achieving an exceptional level of staying power for a J-pop song.
Whispered vocals tell a story of a love you knew you shouldn’t pursue, expressing a crumbling relationship and uncontrollable emotions over an R&B-tinged sound.
That worldview resonated deeply with young listeners in Korea, inspiring numerous Korean-language cover videos.
It was also featured in a Nike campaign and included on the album “Gekijou.” Perfect for fans of city pop and alternative R&B, it’s a highly recommended track for night drives or when you want to sink into your feelings alone.
Cherish (My Love)ILLIT
A love song that brought a fresh breeze to the K-pop scene in the fall of 2024.
It’s included on ILLIT’s second mini album, “I’LL LIKE YOU.” The poppy sound that evokes the flutter of first love and the bold lyrics leave a strong impression.
The five members’ intertwined vocals create harmonies that capture listeners’ hearts and don’t let go.
The music video also features a unique concept themed around wisdom teeth.
You can feel their desire to get closer to their fans.
It’s a track packed with the charm of this fifth-generation idol group made up of members from Korea and Japan.
It’s sure to gently give a nudge to anyone struggling with love.
AttentionNewJeans
NewJeans is a five-member South Korean girl group that debuted in 2022.
They debuted as the first group from ADOR, a new label launched by Min Hee-jin, who has worked on album concepts for various artists.
Another notable feature is that they are a multinational group consisting of four Koreans and one Vietnamese member.
NewJeans’ “Attention” is marked by its chorus with beautiful harmonized long tones, which sets it apart significantly from other K-pop artists.
Even if you’re not a big fan of K-pop, this is a song worth giving a listen!