[2026] A roundup of popular K-POP hits that were trending this year

POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

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!

[2026] Summary of Popular K-POP Hits That Were Trendy This Year (91–100)

BEEPizna

izna ‘BEEP’ MV

BEEPizna

@izna_offcl
#BEEP_challenge with #HANYUJIN #izna #이즈나 #RYUSARANG #유사랑 #ZEROBASEONE #제로베이스원 #한유진 #BEEP #izna_BEEP @zb1_official
♬ BEEP – izna

A refreshingly exhilarating dance track with a uniquely clever concept that likens the start of love to an alarm going off! This song is by Izna, a seven-member Korean group formed through a survival show, and it was released in June 2025.

Following their debut EP N/a and their first music-show win with the previous release SIGN, this new track radiates their growing momentum.

The lyrics capture the flutter of a love that arrives out of the blue, perfectly paired with a sprightly, bouncing beat—just listening makes your heart dance.

It’s the perfect catchy, fun pick for a school festival performance or dance practice.

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Shooting StarKep1er

Kep1er 케플러 | ‘Shooting Star’ M/V

Shooting StarKep1er

It’s the dawn of a new adventure from Kep1er, the dream nine-member group poised to dominate K-POP.

Their first album, “Kep1going On,” encapsulates the two and a half years since their debut in a definitive collection.

Among its tracks, the title song shines especially bright, weaving hopeful lyrics with a driving, exhilarating sound.

The enchanting visuals, where the nine members’ radiance overlaps beneath a starry sky, are equally captivating.

Their youthful, energetic vocals and dance are infused with determination and courage for the future.

For anyone taking a new step forward, this is sure to be a reassuring anthem.

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[2026] A roundup of this year's trending K-POP hits (101–110)

If I’m S, Can You Be My N?TWS

TWS (투어스) ‘내가 S면 넌 나의 N이 되어줘’ Official MV

If I'm S, Can You Be My N?TWS

A light, R&B-tinged pop song that leaves a pleasant impression with its captivating vocals.

Released in June 2024 as the title track of TWS’s 2nd mini-album “SUMMER BEAT!”, it uses the S and N poles of a magnet as a metaphor to portray a relationship or friendship where people with different natures are drawn to each other.

Marked by funky rhythms and vivid synths, it evokes the freshness of summer and the sparkle of youth.

It embraces differences, conveying that those differences can deepen a bond—perfect for anyone looking to explore the essence of friendship and love.

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Swaying -Flower of Destiny-ZEROBASEONE

ZEROBASEONE (ゼロベースワン) ‘Yurayura - Flower of Destiny -’ MV

Swaying -Flower of Destiny-ZEROBASEONE

ZEROBASEONE, the group born from the Korean audition program “BOYS PLANET,” released their long-awaited first Japanese single on March 20, 2024.

On the same day, a special program spotlighting their Japanese debut was streamed, creating a huge buzz.

This work sings of hearts fluttering on the spring breeze and an irreplaceable love that blossomed between two people.

It’s a track marked by ZEROBASEONE’s passionate vocals and a catchy melody.

A sweet-and-tart vibe perfect for the refreshing season—a classic we’d love to deliver to everyone in love.

Highly recommended not only for fans, but also for those who haven’t discovered them yet.

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Fate(G)I-DLE

(여자)아이들((G)I-DLE) – ‘나는 아픈 건 딱 질색이니까(Fate)’ LIVE CLIP

Fate(G)I-DLE

This is a track from the album “2,” released in January 2024 by the powerhouse K-pop group (G)I-DLE.

Blending minimalistic sound with funk, the song sharply portrays the monotony of daily life and inner conflicts.

It deftly captures the complex emotions of modern people—days sustained by caffeine, sudden waves of feeling, and more.

Showcasing the group’s strong self-producing abilities, the track highlights the breadth of their musicality.

It’s a highly relatable song that I especially recommend to anyone feeling worn out by their busy everyday life.

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Nice GuyBOYNEXTDOOR

BOYNEXTDOOR (보이넥스트도어) ‘Nice Guy’ Official MV

Nice GuyBOYNEXTDOOR

The new song by the Korean boy group BOYNEXTDOOR, produced by the popular producer ZICO, features an upbeat rhythm driven by bass and brass.

Centered on the transition from the late teens to the twenties, it portrays the confidence of youth.

Included on the EP “19.99,” released in September 2024, the track also features lyrics and composition by the members themselves.

In the music video, the members are depicted as young people working at a pizza shop, with humorous and colorful visuals that are especially appealing.

It’s the perfect song for boosting self-esteem or taking a new step forward.

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HANDS UPMEOVV

MEOVV(미야오) – ‘HANDS UP’ M/V

HANDS UPMEOVV

@meovv_official
HANDS UP with #보이넥스트도어명재현선배님 🐾 @boynextdoor_official #MEOVV #미야오 #SOOIN #수인 #GAWON #가원 #BOYNEXTDOOR #BND #JAEHYUN #HANDSUPchallenge #HANDSUP #MEOVV_HANDSUP #MYEYESOPENVVIDE #THEBLACKLABEL #더블랙레이블
♬ HANDS UP – MEOVV

MEOVV, the multinational girl group from Korea that drew major attention after winning “Favorite Rising Artist” at the 2024 MAMA AWARDS held in December 2024.

Produced by TEDDY, known for his work with BLACKPINK, their track pre-released in April 2025 from their debut EP “MY EYES OPEN VVIDE” is an energetic dance number rooted in Brazilian funk.

Opening with a striking flute tone, the song weaves together rapid-fire rap and powerful choruses, delivering a confident message about overcoming any obstacle.

It’s a killer tune that works both as a floor-heating anthem and as perfect BGM when you want to lift your mood!

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