[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 Songs That Were Trendy This Year (21–30)

404 (New Era)KiiiKiii

KiiiKiii 키키 ‘404 (New Era)’ MV

404 (New Era)KiiiKiii

KIKI, the buzzworthy group that debuted under Starship Entertainment in March 2025 and swiftly won the Rookie of the Year award at ASEA, returns with this lead track from their EP “Delulu Pack,” released in January 2026—an energetic dance tune driven by a house beat.

Arranged by LDN NOISE, known for producing numerous K-pop hits, the song delivers a powerful impact and addictive quality that heralds a new era.

Alongside the release, chic visuals in fashion magazines drew attention beyond the music itself.

You can feel their strong determination to carve out their own scene, making it perfect for moments when you want a boost of confidence or need to lift your mood.

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PSYCHOBABYMONSTER

BABYMONSTER – ‘PSYCHO’ M/V

PSYCHOBABYMONSTER

An aggressive track from BABYMONSTER, the multinational girl group that debuted from YG Entertainment seven years after BLACKPINK.

It’s included on their album “WE GO UP,” released in October 2025.

The song seamlessly blends multiple genres—hip-hop, dance, and rock—with a powerful low end that drives the entire track.

The catchy hook is seriously addictive.

The music video, released in November of the same year, is a suspenseful piece themed around “nightmares,” delivering a gripping atmosphere where the boundary between dream and reality blurs.

It surpassed 100 million views in just about 14 days after release.

The tense beat and highly addictive melody intertwine, pulling you in more with every listen.

Highly recommended when you want an energetic song to lift your mood or to immerse yourself in an impactful performance!

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Blue ValentineNMIXX

NMIXX(엔믹스) “Blue Valentine” M/V

Blue ValentineNMIXX

The title track from NMIXX, the girl group under JYP Entertainment, off their first full-length album “Blue Valentine,” released in October 2025.

Embodying the album’s key theme of the paradox of love, the song paints the pain that comes precisely from loving deeply in shades of “blue.” Opening with melancholic synths, it blends boom‑bap rhythms with pop‑rock‑leaning guitar riffs—an elevated take on NMIXX’s signature “MIXXPOP.” From mid-October, it took first place consecutively on five major Korean music programs and made its presence felt on charts at home and abroad.

A track that stirs listeners’ emotions with a driving sound imbued with poignant sorrow.

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XOXZive

IVE 아이브 ‘XOXZ’ MV

XOXZive

IVE is an extraordinary, boundary-defying girl group whose momentum since debut shows no signs of slowing.

The title track of their EP “IVE SECRET,” released in August 2025, explodes with cool, mysterious allure.

A hip-hop track where hefty 808 bass is sliced by razor-sharp brass, it pulls listeners straight into its world.

The lyrics, which member Wonyoung participated in writing, center on the theme of “secret signals” shared only between those who are close.

Behind a confident, cool exterior, they paint a sweet and enigmatic message that promises clandestine rendezvous in dreams.

The slightly dangerous, dominant worldview that lures you into a dream realm unbound by reality is simply irresistible.

It’s a highly addictive number you’ll want to sink into during the stillness of the night.

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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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