![[Korean popular music] Popular trot songs. Masterpieces by trot singers.](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/jgXZPS3QdDw/maxresdefault.webp)
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)
unconditionalpaku sanchoru
Park Sang-chul’s 2005 release “Unconditionally” can rightfully be called a signature trot song on par with “Omona.” Although its initial sales were sluggish, it became a hit after being featured on the variety show 2 Days & 1 Night.
From its grand, sweeping intro, “Unconditionally” grabs you right away, and Park Sang-chul’s energetic, commanding vocals—just like the song itself—are absolutely thrilling and uplifting.
It’s exhilarating! The song’s passionate theme of unconditional love—“If you call me, I’ll rush to you anytime, anywhere”—draws you into its world.
It’s a must-listen, especially for those who love upbeat, catchy tracks.
leaving work on time (leaving right at the end of the scheduled workday)Lee Yi-kyung
Lee Yi-kyung, an actor active mainly in Korean films and dramas, released ‘칼퇴근 (Leave Work on Time)’ in 2020.
Set to a melody that evokes the nostalgic feel unique to trot, the song unfolds with quirky lyrics.
It gives voice to the honest feelings of office workers who want to leave on time without staying late at the office or joining after-work drinking parties.
With a cheerful sound that pairs perfectly with lines bemoaning overtime, it’s an approachable piece of K-pop.
Give this humor-filled, laugh-out-loud track a listen.
Gaze fixation다섯장 (Super Five)
A fusion sound of trot and K-pop that begins with a tension-filled prelude reminiscent of a James Bond film.
It’s a 2020 track by the male trot idol group Taseochang (Super Five).
Formed through MBC’s variety show “Favorite Entertainment,” the five-member group sings of passionate, love-struck gazes.
The lyrics, set to a lively brass line and powerful drum beat, strikingly portray a burning look toward a beloved.
On August 22, 2020, they also appeared on “Show! Music Core,” captivating viewers with an energetic dance performance.
It’s the perfect song to hum while thinking of someone special or to hype up a party scene.
Spring, AgainHon Jinyon (Hon Jin’yon)
Hailing from Gwangju in Jeollanam-do, Hong Jin-young pours rays of hope into her songs, so that flowers may bloom again in once-barren flowerbeds.
After debuting in 2006 with the girl group SWAN, she rose to prominence as a trot singer and became a leading figure in Korea’s trot scene.
While preserving the unique pathos of trot, her music adds pop elements to create a fresh sound, paired with uplifting messages that feel like flowers sprouting anew.
This work is a long-awaited new ballad released in 2025, crafted to awaken spring in the hearts of fans.
It’s a masterpiece that will resonate with anyone yearning for the springtime of their life.
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.
어머나jang yunjong (chan yunjon)
It’s the title track of an album released in 2003 that became a huge hit—Jang Yoon-jeong’s signature song and a beloved national trot anthem.
In addition to the traditional enka-style flavor, Omona adds an idol-like cuteness, giving it a glamorous feel.
It captured younger listeners as well and became a million-seller.
Of course Jang Yoon-jeong shines, but the song’s cute sound and instantly memorable catchiness are irresistible.
It’s a song about devotion to one’s dearest love—so much that you’d give everything—and it has been cherished by people in Korea for many years.
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!