Trendy songs in South Korea: A roundup of hit songs

OVERDRIVETWS

TWS (투어스) ‘OVERDRIVE’ Official MV

TWS is a boy group from PLEDIS Entertainment that debuted in January 2024.

Embracing a genre they call “Boyhood Pop,” centered on the everyday life and emotions of youth, they released their 4th mini album ‘play hard’ in October 2025, and this is the title track.

It’s a rock-leaning number that opens with an explosive guitar riff, capturing the thrill and unstoppable rush of falling in love with a driving, fast-paced sound.

Stepping beyond their previously refreshing image, it’s an ambitious work that showcases the fervor and resolve of youth.

The music video—built around a game-like confession simulation concept—is a must-see as well.

Blending elements of pop-punk and funk, the song has a refreshing vibe that’s perfect when you’re in the mood for energetic music.

0+0HANRORO

[MV] 한로로 (HANRORO) – 0+0

Singer-songwriter Hanroro will release a track from the mini-album “JAMONG SALGU CLUB” in August 2025.

It’s a delicate medium-tempo number themed around relationships that begin from nothing, as well as loss and renewal.

Since her debut in March 2022, she has been recognized as an artist who carefully captures the tremors of youth, earning a nomination for Best New Artist at the Korean Music Awards.

Restrained piano and acoustic guitar accompaniment intertwine with her translucent vocals, quietly conveying how friendship and human connection can be a balm for the heart.

It’s a song that will gently stay by your side when you’re struggling or when you want to reflect on your bonds with those you hold dear.

XOXZive

IVE 아이브 ‘XOXZ’ MV

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.

Pretty PleaseHearts2Hearts

Hearts2Hearts 하츠투하츠 ‘Pretty Please’ MV

Hearts2Hearts is a girl group debuted by SM Entertainment in February 2025.

This track was pre-released in September 2025 and is included on their mini-album “Focus,” which came out in October.

It’s a tie-in song for the game Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A, and the music video features appearances by Pokémon like Pikachu and Oshawott.

A dance number rooted in new jack swing, the song’s lyrics use travel as a metaphor to express the preciousness of simply being together and the happiness that comes from someone’s mere presence.

Its appeal lies in the tight, Moog-synth-based rhythm, the emotional vocals, and the interplay with rap.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you want to rediscover the meaning of time spent with someone special.

TAKEDOWN (JEONGYEON, JIHYO, CHAEYOUNG)Twice

TAKEDOWN (JEONGYEON, JIHYO, CHAEYOUNG)

The globally popular Korean girl group TWICE has revealed a new side of themselves with their first trio unit featuring Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung.

It’s a thrilling trap-pop track with throbbing low-end that hits you right in the chest, cranking your adrenaline to the max.

The film’s theme of overcoming battles is dynamically expressed through their powerful vocals and rap.

Serving as the ending theme for the Netflix animated film “KPOP Girls! Demon Hunters,” which premieres in June 2025, the song has sparked worldwide buzz, even landing on Billboard’s global charts.

If you’re looking for courage to face a challenge or want to boost your mood to the highest level, listening to this might just give you unstoppable power.

FaSHioNCORTIS

CORTIS (코르티스) ‘FaSHioN’ Official MV

CORTIS, a new star emerging from BIGHIT MUSIC—the label behind BTS and TOMORROW X TOGETHER—marks the company’s first new group in six years.

They champion “collaborative creation,” with all members involved in everything from songwriting and composing to video production.

Featured on their debut EP, COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES, released in September 2025, this track is a hard-hitting hip-hop number driven by piercing synths.

Rather than chasing trends, it celebrates a way of life that defies existing boundaries—like finding your own value in vintage clothing.

Reportedly chosen from over 300 songs crafted over more than two years, the track’s intensity is overwhelming.

When you want to stay true to yourself, it’s a powerful anthem that will lift your spirits.

Dream BusDAY6

DAY6(데이식스) “꿈의 버스” M/V

A powerhouse band in which every member writes and composes, DAY6 delivers this track as part of their 10th-anniversary album, The DECADE, released in September 2025.

It likens the hustle and bustle of daily life to riding a bus, with dreams as the destination, expressing a firm resolve to never let go of hope.

The exhilarating pop-punk band sound and energetic vocals are refreshing, and just listening fills you with positivity.

This song is one of the lead tracks from the group’s first full-length album in about six years.

It’s brimming with their journey and their determination for the future, making it truly moving.

I hope you’ll listen to it as an anthem to cheer you on when you’re taking a new step forward.