[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)
가슴아프게Minami Chin / Namjin (Namujin)
Namjin, hailed as the Emperor of Trot, was a singer who stood shoulder to shoulder with Ra Hun-ryeol in the 1970s.
His signature song “Camseumapge” (Kaseumapge) was released in 1967 and became a massive hit.
In Japan, Lee Seung-ae’s Japanese-language version also found success, and renowned vocalists like Kenichi Mikawa and Aya Shimazu have covered it, making it a trot song familiar to many Japanese listeners.
It’s said that this piece helped Korean-language songs gain popularity in Japan, giving it historical weight as well.
The song expresses the heartache of being separated across the sea, enveloping the listener in a deeply moving, poignant feeling.
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.
Convenience store(편의점)I chanwon (I·chanwon)
Lee Chang-won, who is drawing attention as a rising star of trot.
This work is a moody song that portrays deep emotions, using the convenience store—an emotional anchor for people living in modern society—as its theme.
With a melody that soothes weary hearts and lyrics many can relate to, it conveys the uniquely wistful world of trot.
Released in August 2021, this gem was created by the team of composer Hong Jin-young and lyricist Samacheon.
Its warm atmosphere makes you want to drop in on your way home when you’re tired.
Perfect for the commute home or a late-night drive, it will surely bring comfort to your heart.
At Andong StationJinson (Chinson)
The masterpiece that depicts a bittersweet love at Andong Station became a major sensation in Korea.
Born in 1950, Jin Sung released the song in 2008, and a newly arranged 2012 version became a hit.
In this work, the sorrow of a broken heart swaying in the cold wind sweeping through the station platform is gently woven together with the hope of reunion and the sight of people passing by.
The unique timbre of his voice amplifies the depth of emotion, resonating powerfully and moving the hearts of many.
Thanks to the song’s success, Andong Station became a tourist attraction, contributing to local revitalization.
Blending the traditions of Korean enka with modern sensibilities, this gem is perfect for entrusting your feelings to someone special.
아모르 파티Kimu Yonja
Veteran singer Kim Yong-ja, who is actively working in Japan without being bound by genre.
She has also appeared on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen with songs like “From the Land of Morning.” “Amor Fati,” an EDM-style trot released in 2013, became a sleeper hit that climbed back up the charts in 2017, influenced in part by EXO fans spreading videos on social media.
It was also memorable to see the members of BTS dancing as backup performers at the 2018 KBS Song Festival.
With its highly addictive sound and uplifting message, it’s a life-affirming song that gives you energy.
Come Back to Busan Port (Return to Busan Port)Cho Yong-pil
When it comes to timeless standard songs in the classic trot style—familiar even to Japanese listeners—many people probably think of “Return to Busan Port.” Released in 1972 by Cho Yong-pil, a musician who has performed on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen and continues to be active into the 2020s, the song became a massive hit in South Korea after being re-recorded in 1976.
In Japan, Jiro Atsumi’s cover was also a hit and the song has been loved by various singers.
Although the lyrics are about parting, the original conveys a heartfelt longing for a cherished person who went to Japan and never returned.
[Korean Popular Songs] Popular Trot Songs: Masterpieces by Trot Singers (21–30)
풍등I chanwon (I·chanwon)
Lee Chan-won, who is drawing attention as a leading figure in the trot scene of the 2020s.
Among his songs, the one I especially recommend is “Pungdeung.” The title refers to sky lanterns that are sent up into the air.
Its lyrics liken fading love and memories to lanterns drifting away into the sky.
These heartrending lyrics match exquisitely with the uniquely wistful sound of trot.
It’s also a great recommendation for fans of Japanese enka.
