[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!
- K-POP Popularity Rankings [2026]
- Popular songs on Korean TikTok & K-pop and trending tracks
- [2026] Cool! K-pop dance tracks that make you want to move
- [List of New Korean Songs] Latest & Trending K-POP Roundup [February 2026]
- 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 This Year’s Trending Popular K-POP Songs (111–120)
Ride the VibeNEXZ
One of the standout debut releases that energized the K-POP scene in May 2024 is a track by NEXZ.
Born from a joint project between JYP Entertainment and Sony Music, this first showcase from the seven-member group features a lively beat and rhythmic sound.
Blending hip-hop and R&B, the song centers on themes of freedom and passion, urging listeners to embrace living true to themselves.
Retailers like Tower Records have prepared bonus-included editions, marking a debut that meets fans’ high expectations.
[2026] Summary of Popular K-POP Hits That Were Trendy This Year (121–130)
Rainy DaysV
V, known as a member of BTS, is renowned for his captivating deep voice—something you can fully savor in “Rainy Days.” It’s the lead single from the album Layover.
The track blends jazz and R&B, featuring an unforgettable melody; you could even say it leans toward lo-fi hip-hop.
In keeping with its relaxed tempo, the song expresses a man’s delicate feelings of love and regret.
It’s one to sit with and enjoy in a quiet place.
Plot TwistAtHeart
A jaw-dropping, fresh-feeling dance track with breakneck twists and turns.
It’s the title song of Plot Twist, the debut EP by AtHeart, who debuted under Titan Content, a company founded by former SM Entertainment executives, slated for release in August 2025.
True to its theme of defying expectations, it expresses a powerful resolve to shatter the mask of being a “good girl.” The arrangement keeps revealing new textures—Afrobeats, amapiano, and more—like a story’s plot twist you can’t get enough of.
In Japan, it’s featured in Meiji’s SAVAS Shape & Beauty commercials.
Put it on when you want to break out of a monotonous routine and discover a new you—it’s sure to give you courage.
Selected by Billboard as this month’s K-pop Rookie, the song is making waves worldwide.
ISTJNCT DREAM
ISTJ portrays romance from a completely new angle.
This track was released by the boy group NCT DREAM.
“ISTJ” in the title refers to one of the MBTI personality types, meaning “The Logistician” or “Administrator.” The song depicts a romance between an ISTJ woman and an ENFP man—types said to be a poor match.
Knowing each type will help you immerse yourself more deeply in the world of the song.
Also, don’t miss the music video, which uses the personality test as its theme.
You & MeJENNIE
A solo song by Jennie, the main rapper of the globally popular girl group BLACKPINK, released digitally in October 2023.
She performed it during her solo stage on the world tour spanning 2022 to 2023.
It blends a mature mood with Jennie’s charisma and cuteness in a lovely way.
The song expresses the feelings you experience when you first fall in love and the sense of “with this person, maybe…,” singing about those special emotions and depicting a love story set in a world just for two.
PookieFIFTY FIFTY
A bright, bubblegum-pop–based number and one of the double title tracks from girl group FIFTY FIFTY’s album “Day & Night,” released in April 2025.
It fully showcases the group’s fresh appeal as they make a new start following member changes.
The track stands out for its addictive hook and vocals that weave delicate emotion into innocent cuteness.
The music video—where the members face themselves in a dreamlike, fantastical world—offers plenty of visual delight.
The “fishing dance,” which mimics casting and reeling a rod, also became a hot topic among fans worldwide on TikTok.
It’s the perfect song when you want a mood boost or a little thrill.
Small girl feat. 도경수 (D.O.)Lee Young Ji
It’s a track where a sophisticated city-pop sound blends seamlessly with powerful rap.
From Korean rapper Lee Young Ji’s debut mini-album “16FANTASY,” released in June 2024, it features EXO’s D.O.
The theme of growth and self-discovery from a young woman’s perspective is brilliantly conveyed through Lee Young Ji’s forceful rap and D.O.’s smooth vocals.
Melodic yet rhythmic, the song resonates with listeners, complemented by its emotionally rich lyrics.
A performance on Korean music programs is reportedly planned, which should draw even more attention.
Highly recommended for those in love or young people searching for their own path.