[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 [March 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 This Year (31–40)
SPAGHETTI (feat. j-hope of BTS)LE SSERAFIM
A track featuring BTS’s j-hope was released in October 2025.
Issued as the title track of the group’s first single album, “Spaghetti,” it blends alternative pop and funk, weaving bouncing bass with tight, hard-edged drums.
Packed into a runtime of just over two minutes, the song is engineered for high addictiveness, delivering hook after hook.
Like spaghetti intertwining, the lyrics unfold self-referential metaphors—“it won’t leave your head,” “it’s addictive”—positioning LE SSERAFIM themselves as an irresistible presence.
The concept is intriguing, and international reception has been strong, including their first-ever top-50 entry on the UK charts.
It’s a track that showcases a fresh charm—pop-savvy with a vibrant street feel.
BOTH SIDESNEW!NCT JNJM
A new unit under the spotlight: NCT JenoJaemin.
It’s a duo formed by Jeno and Jaemin, who have performed together for over a decade as members of NCT DREAM.
Their featured track here is the lead single from their first mini-album, BOTH SIDES, released in February 2026.
It’s a hip-hop dance song crafted with smooth drums intertwined with rap.
With “duality” as its concept, it highlights the fusion of contrasting charms.
The two also star in the short-form drama WIND UP, and their chemistry there seems to carry directly into the music.
You can feel the wordless synchronicity born of their long-standing bond, making this a great recommendation when you want to discover a new side of them.
WE GO UPBABYMONSTER
BABYMONSTER of YG Entertainment will release their second mini-album, “WE GO UP,” in October 2025.
The title track of the same name is a hip-hop dance number notable for its bold brass sound.
Powerfully voicing their determination to “climb higher,” it carries themes of self-affirmation and taking on challenges.
Its sharp rhythms and energetic arrangement seem to symbolize the group’s growth and drive to improve.
The music video surpassed 30 million views in three days, and its action-packed visual direction became a hot topic.
It’s perfect as background music when you want to believe in yourself and move forward, or when you’re facing a new challenge—the kind of song that gives you a courageous push.
THIS IS FORTwice
TWICE, South Korea’s top girl group, has reached a milestone with their 10th debut anniversary.
This song was released in July 2025 as the title track of their first Korean-language full album in about four years, “THIS IS FOR.” It’s crafted as an empowerment anthem that gently stays by your side and gives you strength when you’ve lost confidence or feel down.
The message sung “to all women” overlaps with the journey the nine members have walked, making it resonate even more deeply.
Expressing the supple strength of mature women, this work signals the beginning of a new stage for them.
Listen to it when you want to take on a challenge or encourage yourself, and you’ll surely find courage!
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.”