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

Almond ChocolateILLIT

ILLIT (아일릿) ‘Almond Chocolate’ Special Film

A sweet, pop-infused love song by the girl group ILLIT that sings of a crush.

The way it compares a bias’s charm to almond chocolate—with a sweet exterior and a slightly bitter inside—is absolutely adorable.

Framed from a down-to-earth point of view, the song portrays feelings so strong they overflow beyond simple admiration or excitement, and its addictive melody is part of the appeal.

Released in February 2025, it was also chosen as the theme song for the film “I Won’t Fall for Just a Pretty Face,” which premiered in March of the same year.

Crafted by the powerful duo of SEKAI NO OWARI’s Nakajin and producer Pdogg, known for his work with BTS, this gem of a pop tune is perfect for Valentine’s season or whenever you’re feeling romantic.

It’s also guaranteed to shine on social media, especially when you want to spotlight your bias or create a cute, charming vibe in your videos!

Tropical LightKep1er

Kep1erving 케플러빙 | Kep1er’s DIY M/V (Tropical Light) #2

Kep1er is a global girl group formed through a survival show, and many people are likely familiar with their energetic performances.

Among their works, a track from the album “Magic Hour” is especially recommended for Reels.

This song is a unit track by Yujin, Xiaoting, Young-eun, and Ye-seo, featuring a pleasant tropical sound that feels like basking in sunshine.

It expresses a sense of freedom that comes from moving with the rhythm and the joy of a sparkling everyday life.

Released in September 2023, it’s perfect for videos like summer trips or café time with friends, so if you’re looking for BGM for your Reels, be sure to check it out.

Stay With UN.TOP

엔탑(N.TOP) ‘Stay With U’ MV

N.TOP, a boy group that debuted in August 2025 to great anticipation.

The lead track from their debut mini-album “WE:DISCONNECT” is a refreshingly cool pop-rock number.

Their appeal lies in a self-expressive style where the members handle everything from songwriting to choreography, and this release was also led by leader Seunghyun.

While it serves as the prologue to a grand concept of “disconnection,” the song conveys a single-minded desire to stay with someone precious.

The harmony woven by energetic guitar sounds and youthful vocals is enough to set your heart ablaze.

It’s a cheering, motivational track you’ll want to hear when taking a new step or when you want to feel the bond with your friends.

Deja VuRESCENE

RESCENE (리센느) ‘Deja Vu’ Official M/V

RESCENE, with their captivating concept of evoking memories through scent, are already drawing attention as a powerhouse act—having been highlighted by the Grammy Awards as noteworthy newcomers in K-pop.

The track from their second single album, “Dearest,” features a rhythmic EDM beat and an irresistibly catchy hook that sticks with you after just one listen.

The lyrics revolve around the theme of déjà vu, portraying the protagonist’s quickening heartbeat as they sense a fateful encounter amid a dreamlike blur where it’s hard to tell what’s real.

Put it on when you feel like something new is about to begin—your everyday life might just shine a little brighter.

THUMPING(쿵쿵쿵)Kim Min Seung

THUMPING (쿵쿵쿵)

THUMPING (쿵쿵쿵)

This song has been gaining popularity on TikTok and Instagram.

With a lively rhythm and heartwarming tones, it gently expresses the fluttery excitement of being in love.

The heartbeat-like tempo evokes emotions that everyone has felt before.

Released in September 2015, it drew major attention as part of the original soundtrack for a popular Korean drama.

Kim Min-sun’s soft vocals match beautifully with the carefully woven melody line, and more users are enjoying it on social media through dance videos and lip-syncs.

It’s a recommended track when you want to share the feeling of being in love or express a sense of excitement.

SevenJung Kook

정국 (Jung Kook) ‘Seven (feat. Latto)’ Official MV

A refreshing dance track that fuses UK garage and pop elements has been delivered by Jung Kook.

Released in July 2023, the song conveys a passionate desire to spend every day from Monday to Sunday with a beloved partner.

Blending gentle, soaring vocals with a breezy melody, the track becomes even more captivating with a feature from American rapper Latto.

The music video stars Korean actress Han So-hee, who portrays a sweet yet bittersweet love story.

It’s a perfect pick for those looking to create choreography for events like school festivals.

Its rhythmic sound and catchy phrases are memorable, brimming with an irresistible energy that makes you want to move.