[Korean popular music] Popular trot songs. Masterpieces by trot singers.
A feature on classic Korean “trot” songs—another genre to watch alongside K-pop!
Originating from the Western social dance style “foxtrot,” this Korean popular music is characterized by a rhythm that feels like you could dance to a 4/4 beat.
Its appeal includes melodies imbued with a bittersweet, nostalgic mood—partly influenced by Japanese enka—as well as many unique, high-energy numbers.
From the renewed attention sparked by the hit song “Omona” in the 2000s to the heated popularity in both Japan and Korea following audition programs around the 2020s, trot has been making waves.
In this article, we’re focusing on trot’s classics and fan favorites!
Let’s all dive into the world of trot together!
- [Japan–Korea Spotlight Again] Feature on Korean Enka Singers, Trot Singers
- [Korean Oldies · Genre-Free] Songs from Korea you’ll want to listen to now—nostalgic Korean tracks
- [K-POP] Korean songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: classic crowd-pleasers
- K-POP and Korean tear-jerker songs: tracks that deeply resonate and bring you to tears
- [Exquisite Ballad Songs] K-pop that touches the soul. Korean Ballads
- Hit songs that colored Korea's 1990s: Kayo (K-pop) pop music.
- Guaranteed to hit repeat: Energetic K-pop songs that will lift your mood
- An emotional Korean song. A gently moving, sensitive masterpiece.
- [Female Vocalists from Korea] Singers and Solo Artists Who Color the World of K-POP
- Tearjerker K-pop ballads: Korean songs that will make you cry
- A J-POP song highly popular in South Korea [with a Korean-language cover too!]
- Korean karaoke songs: beloved tunes from popular ballads to K-pop
- Popular K-pop and Korean songs that brighten up YouTube Shorts
[Korean Popular Music] Popular Trot Songs. Masterpieces by Trot Singers (1–10)
Battery of LoveHon Jinyon (Hon Jin’yon)
A unique number that likens a loved one to a battery—the source of one’s energy.
With looks that suit both sexy and cute styles, Hong Jin-young, known as the goddess of trot, released this as her debut song in 2009.
It’s also famous for being performed by TWICE’s Jihyo on the audition show SIXTEEN.
While it makes use of a nostalgic trot flavor to create a rhythmic pop track, it’s packed with an alluring “older-sister” charm.
Embracing that approachable side as well, this signature song of Jin-young’s transcended the traditional trot fan base and won support from younger listeners.
Nalba Gwisun (Nalba Sskin)DAESUNG/D-LITE（from BIGBANG）
Nar-bakk-sin is a trot song that will blast away your blues with eye-popping lyrics and boundless energy.
Released by BIGBANG’s D-LITE (Daesung) in 2008, it became a hot topic in Japan as well.
It’s an upbeat trot-style track written and composed by his groupmate G-DRAGON, and its comical worldview perfectly matches Daesung’s personality—absolutely fantastic! The fact that it was inspired by a mishap where he mixed up a date’s name just oozes his playful charm.
The version he sang with a housewife on Episode 14 of Fantastic Duo 2 in 2017 is also passionate and energetic! It’s incredibly uplifting, so be sure to check it out!
이 오빠 뭐야 (Who’s that guy)YOYOMI
If you like the catchy, sexy style of K-pop from the mid-2010s, I recommend “Who’s That Guy.” It’s a track by Yoyomi, a 1994-born singer-songwriter who performs in a variety of genres, including trot.
She also appeared on Tomorrow is Miss Trot and uploads cover songs on YouTube.
This semi-trot number is included on her first mini-album.
It has that uniquely Korean playfulness—hooky melodies and a vivid world that you can’t get out of your head.
Goodbye My Love(잘가요 내사랑)Jeongu Dongwon (Chon Donwon)
Jeong Dong-won, a young trot singer who placed fifth on “Mr.
Trot.” This song—one of the double title tracks from his first album, The Giving Tree, released in 2021—carries his feelings for his grandfather and offers gentle, resonant lyrics for those who have had to say goodbye to someone dear.
The ethereal yet beautiful world crafted by Cho Young-soo, one of Korea’s leading hitmakers, and Dong-won’s clear, delicate vocals deeply move the heart.
샤방샤방Paku Hyonbin (Paku Hyonbin)
Shabang Shabang, which captivated Korean ajummas.
It’s the signature hit released in 2008 by Park Hyun-bin, who could be called the prince of the trot world.
He even made his debut in Japan with this song.
In Japan, you might compare him to a singer like Kiyoshi Hikawa.
His charm lies in his refreshing vibe and catchy groove.
The song is about falling so hard for a gorgeous older woman that you’d almost rather be killed—figuratively speaking, of course (lol).
“샤방샤방” means something like “sparkling” or “glittering,” a dazzling shine, and it’s the perfect title for the song’s glamorous world!