[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 (151–160)

Welcome to the ShowDAY6

DAY6(데이식스) “Welcome to the Show” M/V

Welcome to the ShowDAY6

DAY6’s comeback track—their first in about three years—stands out for its powerful, hope-filled message.

Blending elements of post-Britpop and progressive house, the song conveys the importance of walking together on the grand stage of life.

Released in March 2024 as part of their 8th mini album, “Fourever,” it also shines thanks to the members’ direct involvement in writing and composing.

The music video features actors Yoo Seung-ho and Choi Hee-jin, presenting a story-driven visual set in a theater.

It’s the perfect song for anyone about to embark on a new challenge.

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GnarlyKATSEYE

KATSEYE (캣츠아이) “Gnarly” Official MV

GnarlyKATSEYE

@katseyeworld
Gnarlyyyyy 🖤 #KATSEYE #KATSEYE_Gnarly #Gnarly
♬ Gnarly – KATSEYE

Cats Eye is a multinational girl group born from the joint project of HYBE and Geffen Records, active and based in the United States.

Released in April 2025, this track is the lead single from their second EP, “Beautiful Chaos.” It’s an experimental dance number that fuses hyperpop and electropop, driven by earth-shaking 808s and aggressive rave synths.

The song captures the sensation of a digital society where the boundaries between reality and unreality blur, brimming with a dangerous allure that’s equal parts “insane” and “amazing.” Peaking at No.

92 on the Billboard Hot 100, it’s a killer tune that’s perfect for those moments when you just want to hit the floor and dance without overthinking!

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Bag Bad BackRIIZE

RIIZE 라이즈 ‘Bag Bad Back’ MV

Bag Bad BackRIIZE

@riize_official
빙빙 돌아가도 직진 #RIIZE #라이즈 #RISEandREALIZE #BagBadBack #RIIZE_BagBadBack #ODYSSEY
♬ Bag Bad Back – RIIZE

RIIZE, the Korean group that’s been on a meteoric rise since their 2023 debut, released their first full album “ODYSSEY” in May 2025.

This track from the album is a hip-hop number marked by a heavy bass and groovy drums.

The vocal work, which deftly switches between whispers and shouts, feels fresh and has an addictive quality that sticks with you after just one listen.

Beyond the lyrics’ determination toward the future, the unique choreography—like the move that mimics holding a bag—is perfect for dance practice.

It’s the kind of song that’ll be a hit at school festivals if you do a full-on cover, guaranteed to fire up the floor!

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MONA LISAj-hope

j-hope ‘MONA LISA’ Official MV

MONA LISAj-hope

@bts_official_bighit
Like a painting in motion 🖼️🕺 #MONALISAChallenge #jhope_MONALISA #jhope #제이홉
♬ MONA LISA – j-hope

J-hope, a South Korean artist who continues to lead the scene as a rapper and dancer of the global boy group BTS.

In 2022, he headlined a major U.S.

music festival, and his solo momentum shows no signs of slowing.

Released in March 2025, this track fuses hip-hop and R&B into a fizzy, groovy dance number.

With lyrics that liken the subject to a masterpiece of art and celebrate their one-of-a-kind charm, it works like magic to lift the listener’s spirits.

The sophisticated group choreography—praised by U.S.

media as “a strong showcase of dancer J-HOPE’s diverse strengths”—is breathtaking.

Its chill beat makes it a killer tune for when you want to dance or boost your mood!

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poppopNCT WISH

NCT WISH 엔시티 위시 ‘poppop’ MV

poppopNCT WISH

You can hear a refreshing dance-pop track that captures a cute worldview and the flutter of first love on the lead single from boy group NCT WISH’s album “poppop,” released in April 2025.

Set to a bursting melody, a powerful bassline, and vibrant percussion, the song paints a picture of romance.

NCT WISH is a promising new act born from a joint project between SM Entertainment and Avex Trax, produced by BoA.

They’ve shown remarkable success, winning first place on the music show THE SHOW in just about 20 days after their debut.

Packed with Y2K sensibilities and the bright energy of Gen Z, this track is a perfect companion for a drive or a date.

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CosmicRed Velvet

Red Velvet 레드벨벳 ‘Cosmic’ MV

CosmicRed Velvet

A pop, psychedelic track that evokes a dreamlike journey through space.

It’s the title song of the mini-album “Cosmic,” released in June 2024, and it showcases Red Velvet’s uniquely imaginative world.

Set to a disco rhythm, the melody brims with a floating sensation, as if drifting among the stars.

Against a cosmic backdrop, it sings of bonds that transcend time and space, and the mingled anticipation and anxiety of new encounters—feelings that will surely resonate deeply with listeners.

The piece is said to have been inspired by a 2019 horror film, striking an exquisite balance between eerie and radiant.

Highly recommended for listening under a starry sky.

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[2026] Summary of Popular K-POP Hits That Were Trending This Year (161–170)

Season of MemoriesGFRIEND

GFRIEND (여자친구) ‘우리의 다정한 계절 속에’ OFFICIAL MV

Season of MemoriesGFRIEND

A song commemorating the 10th anniversary of the girl group GFRIEND’s debut was released in January 2025.

The lyrics, which reflect the group’s history and gratitude to their fans, are notable and sprinkled with phrases that recall their past signature tracks.

Included as the title track of the album “Season of Memories,” it’s an emotional piece quintessentially GFRIEND.

Fans say they can’t stop crying, and it showcases GFRIEND’s musical maturity.

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