[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 This Year (31–40)

Back to Life&TEAM

&TEAM ‘Back to Life’ Official MV

Back to Life&TEAM

&TEAM is a global boy group produced by HYBE LABELS JAPAN.

They made their Korean debut in October 2025, and the title track of their 1st mini-album “Back to Life” is a song that portrays a strong will to move forward after overcoming setbacks and trials.

Their stance of turning adversity into energy and rising again is expressed by likening it to a wolf’s instincts, delivering a powerful message that resonates deeply.

The dynamic sound fuses electronic and dance-pop, layered with lyrics that naturally weave between English and Korean, evoking a global reach.

In its first week, it sold over 700,000 copies on Billboard JAPAN Top Albums Sales and set a new personal best on Oricon as well.

It’s a song that symbolizes a new chapter for them as they soar from Japan to the world.

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FOCUSHearts2Hearts

Hearts2Hearts 하츠투하츠 ‘FOCUS’ MV

FOCUSHearts2Hearts

Hearts2Hearts, debuted by SM Entertainment in February 2025, has continued to actively release new songs, dropping the title track of their first mini-album “FOCUS” in October.

Built on a house-inspired four-on-the-floor beat, the track features a striking vintage-style piano riff.

Portraying the immersive feeling of a love that makes you lose yourself and think of nothing else, it coolly expresses a psychological state where your gaze and attention converge into a single point.

The music video sets a school-like set against a dark-toned palette, showcasing a mature allure through sleek choreography.

Shifting from glittering pop to restrained, grown-up dance music, this is a great pick for when you want to sink into the vibe at the club at a relaxed pace.

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Almond ChocolateILLIT

ILLIT (아일릿) ‘Almond Chocolate’ Special Film

Almond ChocolateILLIT

An original Japanese song by the popular girl group ILLIT that portrays a bittersweet love, woven from sweetness and bitterness.

Written as the theme song for the film “I Won’t Fall in Love Just for a Pretty Face,” the track is produced by SEKAI NO OWARI’s Nakajin and Pdogg, known for his work with BTS.

It skillfully captures single-minded devotion to one’s idol, along with the joy and inner conflict their presence brings, and—paired with a light, pop melody—expresses a sweet yet bittersweet youth.

Released in February 2025, this gem of a love song likens the multifaceted charm of one’s bias and the sweet-and-bitter nature of romance to almond chocolate.

Perfect for the Valentine’s season, it’s a down-to-earth depiction of a girl’s feelings in love and a recommended track for anyone who relates to “oshi-katsu.”

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MAESTROSEVENTEEN

SEVENTEEN (세븐틴) ‘MAESTRO’ Official MV

MAESTROSEVENTEEN

SEVENTEEN, the 13-member group also known by the nickname “Se-buchi,” broke new ground with a track released in April 2024.

Venturing into a new genre they call dance R&B, the song weaves the timbre of piano with an intense beat to create a striking harmony.

The lyrics, which carry the message “gather together and lead the world,” convey SEVENTEEN’s signature sense of unity and their drive for growth.

The music video harnesses cutting-edge AI technology, depicting the members freely manipulating the visuals.

It’s an ambitious work that hints at new possibilities for K-pop—definitely worth checking out.

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CRAZYLE SSERAFIM

LE SSERAFIM (르세라핌) ‘CRAZY’ OFFICIAL MV

CRAZYLE SSERAFIM

The title track from their fourth mini-album, released in August 2024, marks a new frontier for LE SSERAFIM.

Set to EDM-based house music, the song weaves in the new challenge of voguing dance.

Its lyrics, which express free self-expression and surging emotions, are striking and envelop listeners in a sense of liberation.

True to the five-member girl group from Korea, the energetic and daring performance is a highlight.

The music video has sparked buzz for its dance scenes in unique locations like a public bathhouse and an aquarium.

It’s a perfect track for anyone looking to take a step beyond the everyday.

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【2026】A Roundup of This Year’s Hit K-POP Songs (41–50)

Mamma Miaizna

izna ‘Mamma Mia’ MV

Mamma Miaizna

The title track from izna, a group formed through Mnet’s survival audition program I-LAND2, released on their second mini-album Not Just Pretty in September 2025.

Driven by a punchy, beat-forward rhythm, it expresses self-identity and confidence directly.

About a year after debut, the group overcame the challenge of a member’s departure and forged ahead as a six-member team—this song embodies their resolve to take the next step.

Despite its relatively short 2:39 runtime, the performance—integrated with tightly synchronized choreography—leaves a strong impression.

Produced by TEDDY, the polished sound highlights izna’s growth and potential.

It’s a perfect track when you need positive energy.

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Beautiful StrangersTOMORROW X TOGETHER

TXT (투모로우바이투게더) ‘Beautiful Strangers’ Official MV

Beautiful StrangersTOMORROW X TOGETHER

An inspiring song where each other’s existence becomes a light in a collapsing world.

Featured on the album “The Star Chapter: TOGETHER,” released in July 2025, this track captivates with a grand soundscape woven from dreamy piano and explosive synths.

Many listeners will likely feel their hearts swell at the lyrics depicting two “beautiful strangers” drawn powerfully to one another as their bond deepens.

The story of trying to save one’s companions while being hunted by the system reminds us of the preciousness of human connection in today’s loneliness-filled world.

Listen to it on a night when you yearn to share your feelings with someone, and you may find a warm light kindling in your heart.

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