[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!