[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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- [List of New Korean Songs] Latest & Trending K-POP Roundup [April 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 Popular K-POP Hits That Were Trendy This Year (141–150)
Feel the POPZEROBASEONE
Born from a popular Korean audition program, ZEROBASEONE’s track packs the full appeal of pop music into a single song.
As the title suggests, it features a heartbeat-raising beat and an energetic melody.
It carries a positive message that blows away everyday stress and anxiety, encouraging you to make the most of the present moment.
Included on the mini-album “You Had Me at Hello,” released in May 2024, this song captures the momentum of a group that has achieved remarkable growth in the short span of about a year since their debut.
It’s recommended for anyone seeking the courage to take a new step forward through music.
Cupid (Twin Ver.)FIFTY FIFTY
FIFTY FIFTY is a four-member girl group that debuted in 2022.
The track they released that has been gaining popularity on TikTok and elsewhere is Cupid (Twin Ver.).
This is an alternate version of Cupid.
Both songs express the loneliness of a woman with unrequited love, but while the original has a somewhat wetter, more sentimental feel, Cupid (Twin Ver.) has a more rhythmic vibe.
Another major difference is that the Twin Ver.
is translated entirely into English.
MEOWMEOVV
The debut song by MEOV, a rising girls’ group from South Korea, is creating major buzz.
Produced by Teddy, the track delivers an irresistibly catchy sound that fuses electropop and hip-hop.
True to the lyric “born chic,” it stands out with a powerful message that puts confidence and individuality front and center.
Released in September 2024, it’s already drawing attention as a leading force of next-generation K-pop.
It’s the perfect song for anyone who wants to stay true to themselves or take a bold new step—and a great pick-me-up when you need an energy boost.
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.
ImpossibleRIIZE
This is a refreshing energy song from RIIZE, a seven-member boy group from South Korea.
Released in April 2024 as a prologue single, the track is included on their first mini-album, “RIIZING.” Set to a sound that fuses pop rock and EDM, it sings of dreams, hope, and the bonds with loved ones.
The dramatic melody and mystical synths strikingly bring out RIIZE’s charm.
The dazzling dance performance is also a highlight.
It’s a song that feels like it gives a push to young people moving toward their dreams.
Smeraldo Garden Marching Band (feat. Loco)JIMIN
Jimin of the Korean K-pop group BTS is breaking new ground as a solo artist.
This advance single from his album “MUSE” is a bright and energetic track that fuses sweeping orchestral sounds with hip-hop elements.
Released on June 28, 2024, the song pairs Jimin’s refreshing vocals with a feature from rapper Loco, creating a perfect synergy that encourages listeners to embrace happiness and their emotions.
With a title that includes the flower “Smeraldo,” a symbol of truth, the track delivers a powerful message about the importance of accepting and expressing one’s feelings and truth.
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.