[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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- Popular songs on Korean TikTok & K-pop and trending tracks
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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 (151–160)
Girls Never DietripleS
tripleS, an innovative 24-member girl group from South Korea, is pioneering a new form of K-POP with a fan-participation system.
One track from their full album “ASSEMBLE24,” released in May 2024, is a powerful message song themed around the strength and self-affirmation of young women.
Selected by fan vote with around 80,000 ballots, this piece delivers energizing pop sound and the courage to overcome any hardship.
It’s a song packed with the growth and challenges of the group, who won the Rookie of the Year award at the 2023 MAMA Awards.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to stay true to themselves.
WISH (Korean Ver.)NCT WISH
The six-member Korean-Japanese male idol group NCT WISH debuted in February 2024, and their new song is already creating a buzz among fans.
Formed through a survival show, their track is a refreshing number built on an old-school hip-hop melody that sings about the importance of facing forward and continuing to take on challenges.
The lyrics convey the courage to carve out one’s future with one’s own hands and the desire for the happiness of loved ones—messages that are sure to resonate with teens and people in their twenties.
Released digitally on February 28, 2024, the song has dominated major charts in Japan and Korea and drew 370,000 pre-orders, attracting major attention right from their debut.
TIME CAPSULEDavichi
This fall, DAVICHI released a digital single that richly captures the moment when “my past self” and “my present self” join hands through a device called a time capsule.
Released in October 2025, the song was fully written, composed, and arranged by Lee Mujin under his producer credit.
In the midst of unchanging days, it invites you to pause and, just as you once believed in your younger self, relearn to believe in who you are now.
That story of self-restoration is carefully woven through the blend of the duo’s voices.
A gentle soundscape of piano, strings, and acoustic guitar delivers both nostalgia and the courage to look ahead.
By the week after its release, it had climbed to No.
4 on the Melon TOP100.
It’s a perfect track to play on an autumn evening when you want to look back on the past yet still take a step toward tomorrow.
MantraJENNIE
In October 2024, Jennie—renowned as a member of the globally popular BLACKPINK—released a new solo track under her own label, Odd Atelier.
The song blends sleek dance-pop typical of a Korean artist with elements of R&B and disco, creating an energetic sound.
Centered on women’s empowerment, it joyfully celebrates the importance of shining in your own way.
The music video, set in Los Angeles, highlights her with glamorous fashion and dynamic visuals.
It’s a perfect track for anyone striving to live with confidence.
NEW WOMAN feat. RosalíaLiSA
Lisa, originally from South Korea, has released a collaborative track with Spain’s global pop icon Rosalia.
Blending powerful English and Spanish rap and vocals, the song delivers a resonant message of self-affirmation and female independence.
With world-renowned producer Max Martin on board, the track features a driving beat and Y2K-inspired sound design.
Released in August 2024, it was unveiled as part of a partnership between Lisa’s new label, LLOUD, and RCA Records.
The music video—highlighted by iconic fashion—is a must-see.
It’s the perfect song to lift your spirits.
Closer Than ThisJIMIN
“Closer Than This” by Jimin, a pop idol from South Korea, is a heartfelt fan song filled with sincere love for ARMY.
It’s an impressive track featuring sweet, gentle vocals and bilingual lyrics, offering a relaxed vibe.
While his techniques like falsetto and ad-libs shine, above all, the song is infused with his genuine feelings.
Released on December 22, 2023, the track weaves in messages to ARMY ahead of BTS’s enlistment, resulting in a warm number that conveys deep affection for fans.
[2026] Summary of Popular K-POP Hits That Were Trending This Year (161–170)
HonestlyRIIZE
From RIIZING, the first mini-album released in April 2024 by the seven-member boy group RIIZE from South Korea, we’d like to introduce a perfect track for anyone on a journey of self-discovery.
With lyrics that speak in a relatable, down-to-earth way about breaking free from past relationships and the constraints of those around you to live authentically, the song gently encourages listeners forward.
Showcasing the group’s unique “Emotional Pop” sound, this release embodies the meaning behind their name—the desire to grow together and realize dreams—and aims to build a strong bond with fans.