K-pop to color your Instagram stories: recommended Korean songs

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.

SPAGHETTI (feat. j-hope of BTS)LE SSERAFIM

LE SSERAFIM (르세라핌) ‘SPAGHETTI (feat. j-hope of BTS)’ OFFICIAL MV

A track featuring BTS’s j-hope was released in October 2025.

Issued as the title track of the group’s first single album, “Spaghetti,” it blends alternative pop and funk, weaving bouncing bass with tight, hard-edged drums.

Packed into a runtime of just over two minutes, the song is engineered for high addictiveness, delivering hook after hook.

Like spaghetti intertwining, the lyrics unfold self-referential metaphors—“it won’t leave your head,” “it’s addictive”—positioning LE SSERAFIM themselves as an irresistible presence.

The concept is intriguing, and international reception has been strong, including their first-ever top-50 entry on the UK charts.

It’s a track that showcases a fresh charm—pop-savvy with a vibrant street feel.

Soda PopSaja Boys

Saja Boys – Soda Pop (Official Lyric Video) | K-Pop Demon Hunters | Netflix

This is a track by the group Saja Boys from the Netflix animated film “KPOP Girls! Demon Hunters.” Though fictional, they’ve been stirring up the real music scene—ranking on U.S.

music charts by July 2025.

At first listen, it’s a classic idol song with the fizz and freshness of popping soda! But the lyrics aren’t a sweet love song; they actually express the very desires of their true identities: demons that devour souls.

That duality—the sparkling idol façade and the dark nature hidden beneath—really grabs you, doesn’t it? You might just get hooked on the sweet melody of this piece, the “first trap” in the story.

Blue ValentineNMIXX

NMIXX(엔믹스) “Blue Valentine” M/V

The title track from NMIXX, the girl group under JYP Entertainment, off their first full-length album “Blue Valentine,” released in October 2025.

Embodying the album’s key theme of the paradox of love, the song paints the pain that comes precisely from loving deeply in shades of “blue.” Opening with melancholic synths, it blends boom‑bap rhythms with pop‑rock‑leaning guitar riffs—an elevated take on NMIXX’s signature “MIXXPOP.” From mid-October, it took first place consecutively on five major Korean music programs and made its presence felt on charts at home and abroad.

A track that stirs listeners’ emotions with a driving sound imbued with poignant sorrow.

NEW NEWTwice

NEW NEW

A TWICE track that captures the feeling of everyday life being reborn when you’re with someone, expressed through a pop sound.

The lyrics depict the exhilaration of having each day “updated” by someone special’s presence, and can be received not only as romantic sentiment but also as a message of self-affirmation.

With tropical synth leads and a rhythmic beat that brings a breezy spring vibe, the song is included on the mini-album “With YOU-th,” released in February 2024.

It’s also used as the opening theme for the variety show “TIME TO TWICE.” Perfect for moments when you want to feel bright and positive, or for reels that capture happy everyday scenes—highly recommended for posts showing fun times with friends or trying something new.

LOOK AT METwice

LOOK AT ME

An upbeat pop dance number included on the album “Twicetagram.” It also comes with the story that Wonder Girls’ Woo Hye-rim, a senior to TWICE, took part in its production, giving it a finish that reflects JYP Entertainment’s close ties.

Released in October 2017, it gained even greater popularity on social media from 2024 onward, spreading as the so-called “Look Dance,” which highlights its cute choreography.

Covered by junior idols such as aespa’s Winter, it remains a long-loved hit.

Many listeners are sure to be charmed by its adorable portrayal of a crush, addictive melody, and TWICE’s signature positive appeal.

It’s a classic you’ll definitely want to know.

BBUU!PLAVE

PLAVE ‘BBUU!’ M/V

A breezy R&B-pop track from PLAYB, a five-member virtual boy group that has been active since their debut in March 2023.

It was included as the title track of their single album “PLBBUU,” released in November 2025.

This song is a collaboration with Sanrio Characters, and its cute, whimsical world has been generating buzz.

Its popularity is evident from the over 1.09 million copies sold in its first week.

The lyrics count love through numbers, expressing a pure emotion overflowing with reasons to like someone—just listening is enough to make your heart flutter.

The members themselves took part in the production, resulting in a sound full of playfulness and charm.

It’s perfect for when you want to feel upbeat or need a boost of energy.