[Youth Songs] Various K-POP & Korean Youth Anthems

LIKEYTwice

TWICE “LIKEY” M/V

Every girl wants to look cute.

This charming song perfectly captures how girls from the social media generation feel.

The dance that expresses the fluttery excitement is so cute and adorable you’ll want to copy it.

Once you hear it, you’ll want to try it with your friends.

poppopNCT WISH

NCT WISH 엔시티 위시 ‘poppop’ MV

A dance-pop number that makes your heart skip like a warm spring day.

It’s the title track of NCT WISH’s mini-album “poppop,” released in April 2025, with the group—who debuted in 2024—further evolving their “refreshing & neo” charm.

The worldview that portrays the exhilaration of first love like a scene from an anime is utterly captivating.

The effervescent melody fuses with a breezy sensibility, and just listening fills you with excitement! It became a hot topic, selling over a million copies in its first week and taking first place on music shows.

The slightly quirky confession-practice scene by the members in the MV is also cute and heartwarming.

It’s the perfect song for when you want to feel the stirrings of love or let your heart race with the start of a new season.

으르렁 (Growl)EXO

EXO 엑소 ‘으르렁 (Growl)’ MV (Korean Ver.)

It’s no exaggeration to say this is the song that defines EXO.

It recorded explosive sales and catapulted EXO to stardom.

Their synchronized dancing in matching school uniforms captivated not only women but men as well.

The irresistibly singable chorus is another signature feature.

Last BellTWS

TWS (투어스) ‘마지막 축제’ Official MV

Tuas is a six-member group that debuted in January 2024 under the banner of “Boyhood Pop,” which expresses the emotions of youth.

Among their songs, the one you’ll want to hear during the winter graduation season is “Last Festival.” It’s a fresh, sophisticated reinterpretation of a classic released in 1993 by Seo Taiji and Boys.

The song carries a bittersweet yet warm story about preparing a “last festival” for a friend who’s about to graduate.

Layering synth sounds with their refreshing vocals, it beautifully conveys both the excitement of a new beginning and the sadness of parting.

The track topped Japan’s Oricon charts.

Let its message—one that turns the final moments with dear friends into beautiful memories—bring you comfort.

만세 (MANSAE)SEVENTEEN

[M/V] SEVENTEEN(세븐틴) – 만세(MANSAE)

It’s a song about a male protagonist who, in his dreams, joyfully chants “banzai” with the woman he likes, but becomes awkward the moment he wakes up.

It portrays his process of trying to win her over.

The down-to-earth, unpretentious lyrics and composition are great.

The scenes of them happily dancing in school uniforms are a must-see.

illang (Firework)ILY:1

아일리원(ILY:1) | 3rd Mini Album ‘illang(Firework)’ MV

It’s the title track of multinational girl group ILY:1’s 3rd mini album, “illang: Firework.” Set to an electropop rhythm, it tells a bittersweet story themed around youth and farewell, using fireworks as its motif.

It’s a song you’ll want to play on summer nights, released in August 2024, and it drew attention on streaming platforms and music shows.

Singing of nostalgic memories and the growing pains of coming of age, this track is recommended for those who want to look back on their bygone youth.

It’s filled with the emotions of younger days—fun memories with friends and the changing distances that come with growing up.

Pump Up The Volume!PLAVE

PLAVE(플레이브) ‘Pump Up The Volume!’ M/V

This is a refreshing track perfect for summer from the Korean virtual boy group PLAVE.

Its energetic band sound and retro melody are captivating, and the youthfully spirited lyrics will give listeners courage.

Released in August 2024, the song drew attention by topping Korea’s MelOn chart.

In the music video, the members are shown camping on a fictional planet and interacting with fans through radio, showcasing PLAVE’s signature worldview.

It’s a recommended song for a breezy summer day or when you want to take on something new.