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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Trending songs in Korea: Hit song roundup (31–40)
Hype BoyNewJeans
NewJeans, who debuted in August 2022 under ADOR, a new label within HYBE (home to BTS), released “Hype Boy” on their first EP, NewJeans.
Every track has charted, reflecting the high expectations for the group.
The rollout featuring member-specific music videos also felt fresh.
With lyrics that carry a Western pop vibe and an R&B-tinged, mature mood, the song stands out—and it’s hard to overlook how NewJeans, with their fresh charm, bring that appeal to life.
Whiplashaespa
Whiplash is a mini album released in October 2024 by aespa, a four-member girl group from South Korea.
Its title track of the same name stands out with electrified sounds and dynamic beats.
Aggressive and attention-grabbing, the song conveys overwhelming presence and self-confidence.
It’s a track that showcases aespa’s signature style to the fullest.
International creators also contributed, and right after its release it ranked high on iTunes charts in multiple countries.
Following their previous track Supernova, which set the longest-running record on the Melon chart, the group has drawn even more attention.
This empowering release, brimming with strength and confidence, is perfect for when you need a boost of energy or motivation.
TTTwice
TT, released in 2016 by TWICE, a Korean girl group active mainly in Asia and the United States.
Known as the song that propelled their name to widespread recognition, its dance featuring the “TT pose” also became a hot topic in Japan.
Over a modern, danceable beat, their versatile vocals unfold, and the chorus phrases and dance parts that leverage the characteristics of Korean convey their glossy, cute charm.
It’s K-pop where lyrics depicting a bittersweet romance and an addictive melody resonate.
Nice GuyBOYNEXTDOOR
This is a pop number released in September 2024 by the six-member Korean boy group BOYNEXTDOOR.
Its rhythm and melody, which embrace each other like an affectionate couple, are striking.
The lyrics, filled with optimism, reflect the feelings of young people stepping onto a new stage in life.
Produced by Zico of KOZ Entertainment, with the members also participating in writing and composition.
In the music video, the members are shown working at a pizza shop, conveying a bright and energetic vibe.
It’s a song that will surely give you a boost when you want to feel confident or take a new step forward.
PopcornD.O
A sweet love song that compares feelings of romance to popcorn.
It’s a pre-release track from D.O., the main vocalist of EXO, off his solo mini album “Blossom.” Set to a catchy melody, it expresses the joy of being in love and those special, fluttery feelings.
In the music video, D.O.
sings happily while surrounded by popcorn—an image that really stands out.
The colorful, cute visuals perfectly match the song’s bright vibe.
Released in April 2024, the song topped the iTunes Top Albums chart in 28 countries.
It’s a great pick when you want to feel butterflies or boost your mood.
Trendy Korean songs: A compilation of hit tracks (41–50)
After LIKEive
IVE, a six-member female idol group, released ‘After LIKE’ in August 2022.
As the title suggests, the song carries a message encouraging listeners to find the courage to move forward after falling in love.
A key highlight is its very high-level production, featuring a house-inspired arrangement layered over a kick pattern that goes “duh-duh-duh-duh,” with EDM elements woven in.
The melody has a distinctive character that in some ways evokes Japanese kayōkyoku (classic pop), making it an interesting listen—so fans of older kayōkyoku might enjoy it as well.
FEARLESSLE SSERAFIM
LE SSERAFIM, the girl group that debuted in 2022 amid high expectations.
Many of you were probably struck by “FEARLESS,” the title track from their self-titled 1st mini album.
Even without a catchy chorus, the song’s addictive quality, the vocal lines, and the cool, steady portrayal of their ambition to reach the top are gripping.
The sharp formation dance is another big draw.
They’re popular not only in Korea but also in Japan and around the world, and their debut album’s first-week sales broke historical records.
It’s an assertive debut track that showcases a bold, aggressive style at its best.