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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!

Trendy songs in South Korea: A collection of hit songs (51–60)

Midas TouchKISS OF LIFE

KISS OF LIFE (키스오브라이프) ‘Midas Touch’ Official Music Video
Midas TouchKISS OF LIFE

Kiss of Life is a four-member girl group that debuted in 2023, featuring members like Julie from the United States and Natty from Thailand.

This single, released in April 2024, incorporates elements of early-2000s pop and R&B.

Its lyrics evoke a sparkle as if everything shines when touched by love, likening it to King Midas’s “golden touch.” The addictive, party-dance-style choreography is also a highlight.

Packed with their identity, it’s a track that makes listeners’ hearts dance.

They’ve found success on international music charts, including in the Philippines and Brazil, signaling their growing global popularity.

ABCDNAYEON

A new song included on NAYEON’s second mini album, “NA,” by the South Korean idol.

Released in June 2024, the track stands out with its uptempo, exciting melody.

It’s a dance number that highlights NAYEON’s positive vocals and her cool side.

It might also carry a message about the importance of living true to yourself.

While NAYEON shines as the lead vocalist of TWICE, she also showcases her high level of skill in her solo work.

With a catchy vibe that makes you want to listen with friends, her performance is a must-see! The strong, uplifting feel of the song makes it perfect for blowing away the blues.

POP!NAYEON

TWICE’s ace Nayeon’s solo debut track “POP!” is the lead song from her mini-album “IM NAYEON.” As a K-pop solo artist, she became the first to enter the Billboard 200’s Top 10 with this song, and it’s also performing well on charts in Korea.

Its light, catchy melody and a chorus that pops—true to the title—are addictive.

It feels perfect for cranking up the summer vibes! The song gives a sense of Korean colorful aesthetics blended with Western pop elements.

Despite its surprisingly strong style, it’s packed with Nayeon’s cuteness, making it an absolute mood-lifter!

SICKUHH (Feat. Kid Milli)NMIXX

NMIXX(엔믹스) “SICKUHH (Feat. Kid Milli)” Visualizer
SICKUHH (Feat. Kid Milli)NMIXX

NMIXX, gaining attention as the latest Korean girl group, has released a pre-release track from their August 2024 mini-album “Fe3O4: STICK OUT,” an ambitious piece that fuses hip-hop and R&B.

Its groovy beat and refined production stand out, paired with lyrics centered on self-affirmation and defiance against social pressure.

The collaboration with rapper Kid Milli adds a distinctive vibe through his unique flow.

With a dark, urban atmosphere, the track reveals a new side of NMIXX.

Highly recommended for those seeking an energetic song.

Trendy Korean songs: A collection of hit songs (61–70)

See that?NMIXX

NMIXX(엔믹스) “별별별 (See that?)” M/V
See that?NMIXX

An energetic dance tune that fuses diverse, distinctive talents is opening up a new frontier for NMIXX.

Released in August 2024 as the title track of their 3rd mini-album, “Fe3O4: STICK OUT,” it skillfully blends electropop and hip-hop.

Already creating a buzz, it took first place on the Korean music show SBS Inkigayo.

With a theme of self-expression and emphasizing individuality, the song celebrates a free way of living unbound by others’ expectations and stereotypes.

Its rhythmic beat and addictive melody stand out, and the confident performance is a major draw.

It’s a perfect pick-me-up when you want to feel positive.

Bubble GumNewJeans

NewJeans (뉴진스) ‘Bubble Gum’ Official MV
Bubble GumNewJeans

NewJeans deliver a cute, playful, bubblegum-like track this time around.

Featured on their double single “How Sweet,” released in May 2024, it’s also been used in a Japanese shampoo commercial.

The song captures the frustration and bittersweetness of being in love, wrapped in a poppy, happy vibe.

Its heart-fluttering sound evokes the excitement of a budding romance and is downright dreamy.

This track is perfect for anyone who wants to brighten their days with energy and cheer.

It’s a song packed with the charm of NewJeans, the five-member girl group from Korea.

Right NowNewJeans

NewJeans (뉴진스) ‘Right Now’ Official MV
Right NowNewJeans

NewJeans, the five-member girl group from Korea capturing global attention.

Their latest work, released ahead of their Japan debut, features a sophisticated sound that blends pop and electronic elements.

Scheduled for release in June 2024, it’s already creating a buzz, having been selected for commercials in both Japan and Korea.

Collaborating with contemporary artist Takashi Murakami, the rainbow flower visuals evoke a supernatural world, while lyrics that reflect young people’s emotions and experiences resonate widely.

With Pharrell also contributing to the songwriting, this ambitious project boasts a star-studded creative team.

It’s drawing attention as a track that proposes a new form of K-pop.