[2026] A roundup of popular K-POP hits that were trending this year
Since its expansion into Japan in the late 2000s, it has spread widely and become a major genre, especially among younger generations.
It has also gained popularity as part of the “oshi-katsu” movement (supporting one’s favorite artists).
In recent years, it has shown explosive growth, even appearing on the lineups of major music festivals and drawing in Western music fans who hadn’t listened to K-pop before.
Collaborations with artists from Japan and around the world are also increasing, further expanding its appeal.
In this article, we’ve compiled both “representative tracks to watch this year” and “past hit songs,” recommended not only for longtime fans but also for those who’ve recently become interested in K-pop.
Enjoy!
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- Nothing but famous and hit songs! K-pop tracks recommended for Gen Z
- [Cute Korean Songs] K-POP used on TikTok
- A Korean song you often hear on TikTok. Trending K-pop.
- K-POP Masterpieces & Best Hits [Latest and Classic Popular Songs + Editor’s Select]
- Guaranteed to hit repeat: Energetic K-pop songs that will lift your mood
- Popular K-pop and Korean songs that brighten up YouTube Shorts
- Today's recommendation! K-pop songs
- I.O.I Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- Stylish K-pop and Korean songs. Songs with a nice vibe.
[2026] Summary of Popular K-POP Hits That Were Trendy This Year (91–100)
Mamma Miaizna
The title track from izna, a group formed through Mnet’s survival audition program I-LAND2, released on their second mini-album Not Just Pretty in September 2025.
Driven by a punchy, beat-forward rhythm, it expresses self-identity and confidence directly.
About a year after debut, the group overcame the challenge of a member’s departure and forged ahead as a six-member team—this song embodies their resolve to take the next step.
Despite its relatively short 2:39 runtime, the performance—integrated with tightly synchronized choreography—leaves a strong impression.
Produced by TEDDY, the polished sound highlights izna’s growth and potential.
It’s a perfect track when you need positive energy.
Back to Life&TEAM
&TEAM is a global boy group produced by HYBE LABELS JAPAN.
They made their Korean debut in October 2025, and the title track of their 1st mini-album “Back to Life” is a song that portrays a strong will to move forward after overcoming setbacks and trials.
Their stance of turning adversity into energy and rising again is expressed by likening it to a wolf’s instincts, delivering a powerful message that resonates deeply.
The dynamic sound fuses electronic and dance-pop, layered with lyrics that naturally weave between English and Korean, evoking a global reach.
In its first week, it sold over 700,000 copies on Billboard JAPAN Top Albums Sales and set a new personal best on Oricon as well.
It’s a song that symbolizes a new chapter for them as they soar from Japan to the world.
Do the DanceILLIT
@illit_official #보이넥스트도어 에서 #빌려온고양이#성호 선배님😼 @boynextdoor_official #SUNGHO#BOYNEXTDOOR#BND#ILLIT_bomb#Billyeoon_Goyangi#Do_the_Dance#IROHA#이로하#MOKA#모카#ILLIT#아일릿
♬ Billyeoon Goyangi (Do the Dance) – ILLIT
This is a Eurodance-style track from ILLIT, the Korean girl group that dominated the music scene in 2024.
Positioned as the lead track from their mini-album “Bomb,” released in June 2025, its light and energetic sound is brimming with a charm that makes you want to move.
The lyrics depict a shy protagonist—like a “borrowed cat,” nervous on a first date—who musters the courage to take a step forward, which is utterly cute.
The fact that member Yuna co-wrote the song with LE SSERAFIM’s Huh Yunjin adds another layer of depth to the work.
It could be a blast to try a perfect cover with friends for a school festival or as a practice track for dance!
IdentityMISAMO
MISAMO, the girl group formed by the Japanese members of TWICE, has released a captivating new track that blends R&B and pop.
Centered on themes of self-expression and self-acceptance, it carries a message encouraging listeners to cherish their individuality and not succumb to social pressure.
Set to be included on the mini-album “HAUTE COUTURE,” scheduled for release in November 2024, the song features lyrics co-written by J.Y.
Park and showcases the trio’s unique personalities to the fullest.
The beautifully shot music video, filmed in Spain, is also a must-see.
MISAMO’s popularity in Japan continues to rise, as evidenced by their appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen last December.
This track is an ideal anthem for anyone on a journey of self-discovery.
HOTLE SSERAFIM
A captivating pop tune that skillfully weaves together elements of rock and disco.
It’s the title track of LE SSERAFIM’s mini-album “HOT,” released in March 2025.
Even without knowing the ending, the song’s strong resolve to forge one’s own path pierces the heart alongside the members’ powerful vocals.
With contributions from Ali Tamposi, who worked on BTS’s “IDOL,” this marks the group’s first song centered on the theme of love.
Directed by Yang Yoon-Na, the music video unfolds a fantastical world that moves between the boundaries of reality and dreams.
It’s a track that powerfully propels all who wish to live true to themselves.
Beautiful StrangersTOMORROW X TOGETHER
An inspiring song where each other’s existence becomes a light in a collapsing world.
Featured on the album “The Star Chapter: TOGETHER,” released in July 2025, this track captivates with a grand soundscape woven from dreamy piano and explosive synths.
Many listeners will likely feel their hearts swell at the lyrics depicting two “beautiful strangers” drawn powerfully to one another as their bond deepens.
The story of trying to save one’s companions while being hunted by the system reminds us of the preciousness of human connection in today’s loneliness-filled world.
Listen to it on a night when you yearn to share your feelings with someone, and you may find a warm light kindling in your heart.
Love LanguageTXT
A dance track that blends Afro house rhythms with an enchanting melody.
Released in Japan in May 2025 as a digital single by TXT, the piece showcases the group’s evolving artistry.
TXT, a five-member boy group that debuted in March 2019, has risen as a young act under HYBE.
For this release, member Hueningkai contributed to the lyrics.
Their silky, vocal-group polish and groove-rich new sound come together to deliver a striking sense of growth.
The music video, filmed in Spain, features the members’ distinctive performances set against beautiful scenery such as coastlines and gardens.
Centered on the theme of expressing love, it’s a song that makes your face start dancing the moment you hear it.