[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 Songs] Popular Trot Songs: Masterpieces by Trot Singers (21–30)
Companion (accompanying person)tae jineo (te jina)
Tae Jin-ah, a longtime beloved heavyweight in the trot world, made his debut in 1973 with “Memories of the Blue Hill.” His 2004 hit “Companion” celebrates the joy of finding the perfect partner.
It seems like a song your K-culture-loving wife would be delighted to have you sing to her.
The track has a very classic trot feel, and Tae Jin-ah’s husky vocals highlight a wild, cool charisma.
Its bright vibe can give you a boost of energy—perfect for mornings when you want a power-up!
Bomb Bomb BombMYTRO
With a fresh fusion of trot and K-pop, the five-member group MYTRO is shaking up the Korean music scene.
Co-produced by SM Entertainment and TV Chosun, they first unveiled this track on the variety show “My Neighbor Trot: The Birth of MYTRO,” expressing the power and passion of love.
Its trot sound infused with Latin rhythms brims with innovative charm that defies convention.
This song stands out with its youthful, high-energy performance and lyrics that carefully portray the feelings of being in love.
Perfect for hyping things up at karaoke with friends or for a quick mood boost.
Full bloomKimu Hojun
Kim Ho-joong, an opera singer whose life was compelling enough to inspire a film based on him, decided to change careers due to life’s hardships and competed on Mr.
Trot, where he placed fourth.
“Mankai” (Full Bloom) is a pop ballad included on his first album, Our Family, released in 2020.
It overflows with deep love, expressing the wish to flourish together with one’s dearest person and, if possible, to finish life at their side.
In Japan, Mika Shinno has covered the song.
Its allure also lies in the beautiful world it paints, made even richer by Ho-joong’s delicate vocal work, and his boundlessly expansive voice is nothing short of breathtaking.
It’s callSONG
From Son’s first mini-album “It’s call!”, a pop number portraying absolute devotion to a loved one has arrived.
Released in March 2024, the track stands out with its simple sound and powerful lyrics.
You can feel the strong resolve to rush to the other person’s side anytime, anywhere.
The album contains five tracks in total and is recommended for fans of the pop genre.
Son, also active as a member of iKON, is drawing attention for his solo work as well.
It’s a song that stays close to the feelings of someone thinking of their lover—perfect for listening with someone special.
Beauty AdvisoryDooRi
Duri, affectionately known as the “Princess” for her beauty and vocal prowess, began her path as a trot singer after placing 7th on the 2019 audition program Miss Trot.
This track from her first mini-album, “예쁨 주의보” (Beauty Alert), released in May 2020, exquisitely blends pop appeal with the bittersweet sentiment of trot.
With dance-pop rhythms and electronic sounds, it expresses thoughts on self-esteem and beauty, resulting in a bright vibe that resonates with younger listeners.
The song was also performed on the music show M COUNTDOWN, where her strong performance skills drew attention.
It’s a perfect pick for anyone who wants to live each day positively and recharge with uplifting energy.