[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 (31–40)
1,2,3 go!paku hiyonho
A song whose refreshing rhythm and warm message resonate with the heart.
Released by Park Hyun-ho in September 2023, this work is a rousing anthem that powerfully sings of young people’s dreams and hopes.
Having previously performed as a member of the idol group ToppDogg, Park Hyun-ho decided to transition to a trot singer after completing his military service.
Produced by the accomplished trot composer 멧돼지, the track blends jazz and trot into a light, upbeat groove that conveys courage and hope in the face of life’s hardships.
Its catchy, familiar melody and easy-to-follow choreography are also major highlights.
It has captured many listeners’ hearts as the perfect song for times when you want to face forward and keep going, or when you need an energy boost.
Monologue(독백)Jeongu Dongwon (Chon Donwon)
A melancholic ballad by young trot singer Jeong Dong-won, perfectly suited to the sentimental mood of autumn.
With a delicate vocal that feels like a heartfelt monologue, the song drew attention as a pre-release track from the remake album “Collection of props Vol.1,” unveiled in September 2023.
Within a gentle soundscape woven from tender piano tones and strings, hitmaker Yoon Myeong-seon’s lyrical melody beautifully conveys subtle emotions such as inner conflict and anxiety.
It’s a comforting track you’ll want to listen to alone on a quiet night.
트위스트고고Lee Chan Won
Highly recommended as a perfect song for sunny summer days or vacations, Twist Go Go is included on ONE, the first full-length album by Lee Chan-won, who took third place on Mr.
Trot.
When the music video was released in August 2023, it ranked on YouTube’s trending charts and more.
It has a trot vibe, but it’s catchy and approachable, getting you excited right from the intro! The casual, easy-to-dance choreography also boosts that travel mood.
For a summer you want to spend feeling free, be sure to have this song with you!
Get Set YoASTRO MJ
Get Set Yo is a semi-trot number that’s perfect for listening to when you wake up to power up your day.
It’s the title track of Happy Virus, the digital single released in 2021 by MJ of the popular boy group ASTRO.
Produced by Young Tak—runner-up on Tomorrow is Mr.
Trot—this song lifts your mood with its fun groove, catchy melody, and MJ’s refreshing charm! It also carries that signature, easy-to-get-into vibe unique to Young Tak, which is just fantastic.
Enjoy the harmony between idol pop and trot!
Camellia MaidenRi Miko/Imija (I Mija)
Lee Mi-ja is a legendary singer who represents Korean popular music—comparable, in Japan, to Hibari Misora.
Her signature song “Dongbaek Agassi (Camellia Girl),” released in 1964, was a massive hit.
It was used as the theme song for a film of the same name and became Korea’s first million-seller.
Among trot songs, its style is very close to Japanese enka, so it may feel familiar to Japanese listeners.
The lyrics depict the pure feelings of waiting for a loved one, which resonated with many people at the time.
This trot number shines with the nostalgic expression of Lee Mi-ja, who was known as the Queen of Elegy.
In conclusion
I introduced some classic hits of Korean popular music, Trot.
The expressive performances by Korea’s emotionally rich vocalists are truly captivating.
It’s a fascinating genre with a wide range—from sentimental songs that touch the heart to friendly, upbeat tracks—and listeners’ preferences are likely to vary.
I’d be delighted if this helps readers discover songs or artists they love.