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)
No Words Can SayRoy Kim
A digital single released in October 2025 by Roy Kim, who has firmly established himself as a singer-songwriter.
Written and composed by Kim himself, the track serves as a sequel of sorts to his 2024 love narrative “If You Ask Me What Love Is (내게 사랑이 뭐냐고 물어본다면).” From a chance encounter grows a fateful conviction; the piece gently weaves an inexpressible gratitude and the warmth of love through acoustic guitar and his tender tone.
Eschewing flashy build-ups, its appeal lies in a storytelling style that savors silence and space.
With mature lyricism that sings of embracing scars and loss as the essence of true love, it gently loosens the listener’s heart.
A sophisticated love ballad, perfect for listening alone on a quiet night.
OVERDRIVETWS
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.
TAKEDOWN (JEONGYEON, JIHYO, CHAEYOUNG)Twice
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.
Pretty PleaseHearts2Hearts
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.
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!
