[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 pop songs] Popular trot songs. Masterpieces by trot singers (11–20)
Four-beat (quadruple meter)Song Daegwan (Son Deguan)
A classic infused with both wistfulness and hope for life is delivered by Son Dae-kwan, a towering figure in Korea’s trot scene.
Set to a four-beat rhythm, his signature song captures emotions everyone experiences—joy and sorrow, love and parting—and was released in 1998.
Hailing from Jeongeup in North Jeolla Province, Son Dae-kwan has been recognized as a leading presence in trot since his debut in 1967.
This melodious work, which weaves the many facets of life into the everyday rhythm of four beats, continues to resonate across generations.
I Like Trot(트로트가 나는 좋아요)Songa in (Son Gain)
Song Ga-in boasts such popularity that she ranked first for 28 consecutive weeks in a women’s trot singer voting project on a star-ranking platform.
She is a leading female singer in today’s trot scene, who shot to stardom after winning ‘Miss Trot’ in 2019.
‘I Like Trot’ is a quintessential trot song infused with a love for the genre.
It was included on her 2020 album ‘Dream.’ The song carries a bright message encouraging everyone to sing, dance, and have fun together.
Tabom (feat. Shindong)Jungseul
Jongseul, a rising star bringing new brilliance to the Korean music scene, made a spectacular debut in January 2025.
Featuring Super Junior’s Shindong, this ambitious release blends traditional trot with modern arrangements.
True to its title—derived from Portuguese and meaning “like!”—the song carries a bright, uplifting message.
Choreographed by renowned choreographer Jung Jin-seok, the performance incorporates elements of dancesport, earning buzz for its captivating staging.
Their joint appearance on KBS’s Music Bank won over many viewers, heightening expectations for Jongseul as a new-generation trot singer.
Celebrating the small joys of everyday life and the importance of friendship, this track is perfect for starting your day on a cheerful note.
Love always runs awayImu Yonu-un (Imu Yonu-un)
The ballad “Love Always Runs Away,” featured on the OST of the romantic comedy family drama Gentleman and Lady, became a major hit sung by Lim Young-woong—a male vocalist who won the audition program Mr.
Trot in 2020 and, with his fresh looks and charm, enjoys popularity in Korea rivaling or even surpassing BTS.
It is a cover of the original song released by Lee Moon-se in 2011.
Though rooted in trot, the song features a clean, unaffected vocal style, and through Young-woong’s expression it becomes a gently permeating, beautiful piece.
You’ll surely find yourself deeply relating to the wistful feelings of a love that slips away the more you chase it.
It resonates even more when you’re in love.
요.요.요. (YO.YO.YO.)SUNGMIN
This is an exhilarating trot number that incorporates a popular Korean internet meme.
Released in August 2024, the track is by Sungmin, who has been active in the K-pop scene since 2005 as a member of SUPER JUNIOR.
It expresses the feelings of falling in love and becoming more positive, blending traditional trot melodies with K-pop–style vocals.
Produced by the renowned team 알고보니 혼수상태 (It Turns Out to Be a Coma), the song stands out for its cheerful vibe that lifts your spirits just by listening.
It’s the kind of energizing piece that can blow away Monday blues or a gloomy mood.