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 Korean songs: A compilation of hit tracks (41–50)
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.
Trendy songs in South Korea: A collection of hit songs (51–60)
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.
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.
STYLEHearts2Hearts
A refreshing dance track perfect for summer that embraces your true self, just as you are.
Released in June of the same year by Hearts2Hearts, who debuted under SM Entertainment in February 2025.
In contrast to the cool aesthetic of their debut single “The Chase,” this song is an exhilarating dance-pop piece defined by its radiant brightness.
The message celebrating individuality and the crisp, vibrant vocals create an irresistible synergy.
It’s brimming with positive energy that makes you feel more confident just by listening.
A song you’ll want to play under the summer blue sky.
What You WantCORTIS
Cortis, a promising newcomer who burst onto the scene with an unconventional sound.
Debuting from BIGHIT MUSIC—the label behind BTS—in August 2025, their first single is a powerful track that sets hearts ablaze.
Serving as the face of their EP “COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES,” the song’s sound is strikingly fresh, boldly fusing 60s rock guitars with hip-hop beats.
It carries a fiery message: cross the lines for what you want.
Their treadmill-running stage performance embodied that sense of sprinting momentum, conveying just how serious they are.
Put this on when you want to break through your current limits, and you’ll feel a strong push forward.
Farewell Once AgainLEE CHANGSUB
An emotional ballad that evokes memories of a bittersweet parting.
The singer is Changsub, who shines as the lead vocalist of the boy group BTOB.
This work is a cover of the classic released by Sung Si-kyung in October 2007, depicting the heartache of facing a love that was supposed to have ended.
From the quiet piano melody to the grand expansion with strings, the sound intertwines with Changsub’s breath-catching vocals, stirring up a poignant feeling as you listen.
It was released in August 2025 as a collaborative track for “Just For Meeting You.” Highly recommended not only for fans of Lee Changsub but also for anyone who loves moving ballads.
It will gently keep you company on a sentimental night.
Eternal MomentLim Young Woong
A moving ballad by Lim Young-woong, whose music video—praised as being like a short film—has also become a hot topic.
His overwhelming expressive power shines as he masterfully sings everything from trot to pop.
The lyrics, which portray a heartfelt desire to etch the fleeting yet beautiful moments of life into memory forever, are deeply touching.
His warm yet delicate vocals further enrich the song’s poetic world.
As the title track of the album “IM HERO 2,” released in August 2025, its music video surpassed one million views just three days after release.
This work may be perfect for a quiet night of reflecting on precious memories.
Wrapped in a grand, emotional sound, you’ll find solace in his gentle voice.