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!
- A Korean song you often hear on TikTok. Trending K-pop.
- K-POP Popularity Rankings [2026]
- Guaranteed to hit repeat: Energetic K-pop songs that will lift your mood
- Korean karaoke songs: beloved tunes from popular ballads to K-pop
- K-POP Masterpieces & Best Hits [Latest and Classic Popular Songs + Editor’s Select]
- [Korean popular music] Popular trot songs. Masterpieces by trot singers.
- Nothing but famous and hit songs! K-pop tracks recommended for Gen Z
- K-POP and Korean tear-jerker songs: tracks that deeply resonate and bring you to tears
- Stylish K-pop and Korean songs. Songs with a nice vibe.
- [2026] Cool! K-pop dance tracks that make you want to move
- Popular K-pop and Korean songs that brighten up YouTube Shorts
- [2026] A roundup of popular K-POP hits that were trending this year
- Today's recommendation! K-pop songs
Trendy songs from Korea. Hit song roundup (391–400)
하늘 여행이찬원
The song that Lee Chang-won produced himself is a message piece imbued with the wish for an elderly couple, in the twilight of their lives, to be reunited.
The anecdote that he wrote and composed it in tears conveys just how deeply he felt during its creation.
Included on his second mini-album “bright; San,” the track features emotionally rich vocals delivered with profound feeling that truly move the listener.
Known as a trot singer from Korea, his distinctive voice beautifully expresses the dignity of a couple spending the final stage of life side by side.
It’s a song I highly recommend to anyone who holds someone dear in their heart.
If We Ever Meet Again (다시 만날 수 있을까)임영웅(Lim Young Woong)
The number “If We Ever Meet Again” by trot singer Lim Young-woong is a massive hit in his home country.
It’s the title track from his first album, IM HERO, and upon its release in May 2022, it enjoyed a long run on various charts.
Written and composed by singer Lee Juck, the song is a ballad that conveys the heartbreak of being able to do nothing but watch someone leave.
Anyone who has experienced a parting tinged with regret will likely find it deeply relatable.
Lim Young-woong’s emotionally rich vocals make the song resonate even more.
무지개 (Rainbow)임영웅(Lim Young Woong)
In recent years, Lim Young-woong has become arguably the hottest singer in South Korea’s trot scene.
“Rainbow” is a medium-tempo track included on his first full album, IM HERO, released in May 2022.
This song has also ranked high on various charts.
Its gentle, breezy acoustic guitar–based sound is pleasantly soothing.
The encouraging lyrics—inviting you to take a break together—and Lim Young-woong’s tender vocals are truly healing.
오래된 노래허각、임한별、이무진、이진성、김희재、#안녕
A project track that brings together six of Korea’s top powerhouse vocalists.
It was produced for SBS’s music program “The Listen: The Time I Spent With You.” The lyrics delicately portray the feelings of nostalgically recalling a past love, and the song’s appeal lies in its dynamic progression—from an acoustic atmosphere to a grand string arrangement.
Released as a digital single on June 16, 2024, it gained strong popularity across music streaming platforms.
It’s the perfect song for healing the pain of heartbreak or reflecting on cherished memories.
Come backSuzy
A gem of a ballad that meticulously portrays the longing to be reunited with a loved one.
Released in February 2025 as her new work, the accomplished Korean artist Bae Suzy marks her return to the music scene after about two years.
With its delicate and graceful vocals, this piece beautifully expresses both yearning and loneliness, resonating deeply with listeners.
She is also set to star in the highly anticipated Netflix original drama “Everything Will Come True,” and this song offers a glimpse of a new side to Suzy, who thrives across multiple fields.
A warm track that accompanies quiet nights spent thinking of someone dear.
Heavenly fateLEE CHANGSUB
A soundtrack for a webtoon crafted by Lee Changsub from South Korea.
Known as the lead vocalist of BTOB, his voice vividly portrays a bittersweet tale of heartbreak.
Set to a beautiful melody woven by strings and guitar, it expresses the regret of not being able to protect a loved one, while still wishing them happiness.
Released in February 2024, the song highlights his matured vocals as he marks his 12th debut anniversary.
With lyrics and composition by Yoo Haejoon and arrangement by AIMING, it becomes a deeply moving piece.
Recommended for those seeking to heal the pain of a broken heart.
Tears Are FallingNCT WISH
A sweet, bittersweet vocal that resonates in the heart—this is a track by NCT WISH, a six-member Korean-Japanese boy group.
Featured on the June 2024 release Songbird, the song is produced by BoA.
Its warm lyrics leave an impression, expressing the idea that you can smile through tears because you’re together with someone.
With a melodic track and warm vocals, it’s full of positive energy.
Different versions were released in Japan and Korea, making it appealing to enjoy in two languages.
It’s a recommended song for anyone who wants to overcome everyday challenges together with someone.