Popular K-pop and Korean songs that brighten up YouTube Shorts

SAY CHEESE!BOYNEXTDOOR

TOM and JERRY × BOYNEXTDOOR (보이넥스트도어) ‘SAY CHEESE!’ Special Clip

BOYNEXTDOOR, currently on a hot streak and produced by ZICO.

Created as the official anniversary song celebrating the 85th birthday of Tom and Jerry, this track features an appealing hybrid sound that fuses rock ’n’ roll and hip-hop.

The lyrics depict a “best buddies” relationship—always squabbling yet inseparable—capturing the very essence of the cartoon’s world.

Released as a digital single in November 2025, it also made waves when the members appeared with Tom and Jerry at an event in Yokohama and performed a cappella.

The chant that feels like a cue for taking photos is a lot of fun, making it perfect for parties with friends or any moment you want to smile.

It’s a song that gives you a boost of energy.

FOCUSHearts2Hearts

Hearts2Hearts 하츠투하츠 ‘FOCUS’ MV

Hearts2Hearts, debuted by SM Entertainment in February 2025, has continued to actively release new songs, dropping the title track of their first mini-album “FOCUS” in October.

Built on a house-inspired four-on-the-floor beat, the track features a striking vintage-style piano riff.

Portraying the immersive feeling of a love that makes you lose yourself and think of nothing else, it coolly expresses a psychological state where your gaze and attention converge into a single point.

The music video sets a school-like set against a dark-toned palette, showcasing a mature allure through sleek choreography.

Shifting from glittering pop to restrained, grown-up dance music, this is a great pick for when you want to sink into the vibe at the club at a relaxed pace.

OVERDRIVETWS

TWS (투어스) ‘OVERDRIVE’ Official MV

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.

House PartyVVUP

VVUP (비비업) ‘House Party’ MV

VVUP, a girl group under EgoENT, released a digital single in October 2025 as a pre-release track for their first mini-album coming in November.

Built around house beats and synth sounds, the song carries a celebratory message inspired by Korean oni (demons): forget real-life worries and just dance.

The music video—where traditional hanok architecture intersects with neon—and the choreography centered on shuffle dance are also striking.

As the group’s fifth release since their April 2024 debut, the track redefines the appeal of the multinational members, including Kim from Indonesia and Pen from Thailand.

In October, they held their first showcase since debut and appeared on music programs day after day.

On YouTube, the video quickly surpassed 10 million views and trended, especially across Southeast Asia.

With a danceable beat and approachable melody, it’s the perfect song to lift your mood.

XOXZive

IVE 아이브 ‘XOXZ’ MV

IVE is an extraordinary, boundary-defying girl group whose momentum since debut shows no signs of slowing.

The title track of their EP “IVE SECRET,” released in August 2025, explodes with cool, mysterious allure.

A hip-hop track where hefty 808 bass is sliced by razor-sharp brass, it pulls listeners straight into its world.

The lyrics, which member Wonyoung participated in writing, center on the theme of “secret signals” shared only between those who are close.

Behind a confident, cool exterior, they paint a sweet and enigmatic message that promises clandestine rendezvous in dreams.

The slightly dangerous, dominant worldview that lures you into a dream realm unbound by reality is simply irresistible.

It’s a highly addictive number you’ll want to sink into during the stillness of the night.

Hollywood ActionBOYNEXTDOOR

BOYNEXTDOOR (보이넥스트도어) ‘Hollywood Action’ Official MV

Released in October 2025 as the title track of their fifth EP, “The Action” centers on the theme of filmmaking.

Under the concept of BOYNEXTDOOR acting as a fictional film crew called “Team The Action,” the track was produced by ZICO, Pop Time, and others.

Its swing rhythm and brassy sound create the exhilarating feeling of walking a red carpet.

Packed with playful nods to movie credits and cast introductions, the song captures the moment you shine as the main character.

The music video—shot mainly on location in Chicago—features cinematic direction that’s a highlight in itself.

The release peaked at No.

40 on the Billboard 200 and took first place on Korean music shows.

It’s the kind of song that gives you a push when you’re ready to move toward your dreams and goals.

M.O.YUQI

우기 (YUQI) ‘M.O.’ Official Music Video

This is the title track from Motivation, the solo single album released in September 2025 by Yuqi, who is also active as a member of i-dle (formerly (G)I-DLE).

Its gritty hip-hop beat, reminiscent of 1990s boom bap, paired with her signature husky lower register, is addictive.

The song centers on a strong resolve to move forward by trusting your own instincts and not being bound by others’ eyes.

With all-English lyrics asking, “What’s your motivation?” its empowering message is one you’ll relate to when you need confidence.

The music video, featuring a memorable hand sign shaped like an “M,” is also a highlight.

It’s a track that channels a strong, determined mode—perfect for when you want to stand by your convictions.