The Most Popular Korean Song, Ranked

Choose the song you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:42
In the dynamic world of Korean music, where new hits are released at a dazzling speed, it's easy to miss out on the tracks that are capturing hearts worldwide. That's precisely why a constantly updated ranking of the most popular Korean songs is indispensable. It not only keeps fans in the loop but also helps newcomers identify the blockbuster tunes that define the genre today. By participating in the voting process, users have the power to influence which songs rise to the top and capture the collective admiration. Each vote contributes to a clearer picture of what resonates with the audience, providing valuable feedback to artists and record labels about their works' impact. This engagement not only enhances the user experience but also bolsters the community aspect of fandom, strengthening the connection between listeners worldwide.

What Is the Most Popular Korean Song?

  1. 1
    63
    votes
    This song became a worldwide phenomenon in 2012 and is still one of the most recognizable Korean songs to date. It has over 3 billion views on YouTube and is considered a cultural phenomenon.
    Gangnam Style is a music video by South Korean artist PSY that became a global phenomenon. Released in July 2012, it quickly gained unprecedented popularity on YouTube for its catchy tune, humorous lyrics, and distinctive dance moves. The song satirizes the flashy lifestyle of Gangnam, a trendy district in Seoul, with PSY's energetic and eccentric performance. Gangnam Style broke multiple records and became the most-watched video on YouTube at the time.
    • Release Date: July 15, 2012
    • Genre: K-pop, dance-pop
    • Duration: 4 minutes and 13 seconds
    • Views: Over 3.9 billion
    • Likes: Over 18 million
    "Gangnam Style" by PSY in other rankings
  2. 2
    52
    votes
    This song was released in 2012 and has since become a staple in K-pop culture. The music video has over 400 million views on YouTube and the song has been covered by various artists.
  3. 3
    29
    votes
    This song was released in 2011 and is considered one of the most iconic songs in K-pop history. It has over 200 million views on YouTube and has been covered by numerous artists.
    The dance for 'I Am the Best' by 2NE1 is known for its high energy, powerful moves, and synchronization. It showcases a combination of sharp and fluid movements, making it challenging and visually captivating.
    • Song: 'I Am the Best'
    • Group: 2NE1
    • Difficulty Level: High
    • Key Elements: Precision, speed, and sharpness
    • Choreographer: S**t Kingz (Jinwoo Yoon)
    "I Am the Best" by 2NE1 in other rankings
  4. 4
    6
    votes
    This song was released in 2016 and has since become one of BTS's most popular songs. It has over 600 million views on YouTube and has won numerous awards.
    Blood Sweat & Tears by BTS is a highly intricate and intense dance routine that showcases the group's remarkable synchronization and agility. The choreography features a combination of fluid movements, sharp isolations, challenging formations, and dynamic transitions, adding to its difficulty level.
    • Complexity: High
    • Energy: Intense
    • Synchronization: Crucial
    • Isolations: Prominent
    • Formations: Challenging
    "Blood Sweat & Tears" by BTS in other rankings
  5. 5
    8
    votes
    This song was released in 2011 and is considered one of the most iconic songs in K-pop history. It has over 200 million views on YouTube and has been covered by numerous artists.
    Bubble Pop! is a popular Korean song, performed by HyunA, a South Korean singer-songwriter and rapper. It was released in 2011 as the title track of her second EP, also titled Bubble Pop!. The song gained worldwide popularity for its catchy pop sound, energetic choreography, and HyunA's charismatic performance.
    • Release Date: July 5, 2011
    • Genre: K-pop, Dance-pop, Electronic
    • Label: Cube Entertainment
    • Duration: 3 minutes and 35 seconds
    • Languages: Korean
  6. 6
    6
    votes
    This song was released in 2016 and has since become one of BLACKPINK's most popular songs. It has over 1 billion views on YouTube and has won numerous awards.
    Boombayah is a popular Korean song by the girl group BLACKPINK. It was released as the lead single of their debut album Square One in 2016. The song is an energetic and catchy track with a strong hip-hop and EDM influence. It gained significant popularity both in South Korea and internationally, contributing to BLACKPINK's rise in popularity.
    • Year of Release: 2016
    • Album: Square One
    • Genre: K-pop, Hip-hop, EDM
    • Language: Korean
    • Duration: 4 minutes and 1 second
  7. 7
    8
    votes
    This song was released in 2018 and has since become one of iKON's most popular songs. It has over 400 million views on YouTube and has won numerous awards.
    Love Scenario by iKON is a popular K-pop song that was released in 2018. It has garnered attention and admiration for its heartfelt lyrics, catchy melody, and memorable chorus. The song tells a bittersweet story of love and breakup, resonating with listeners around the world. Love Scenario showcases iKON's vocal and rap skills, as well as their ability to deliver emotional performances. The track has received critical acclaim and has become one of iKON's signature songs, establishing its position as a masterpiece in the K-pop industry.
    • Release Year: 2018
    • Genre: K-pop
    • Lyricist: B.I (iKON)
    • Composer: B.I (iKON)
    • Arranger: Millennium, B.I (iKON)
    "Love Scenario" by iKON in other rankings
  8. 8
    4
    votes
    This song was released in 2015 and is considered one of Girls' Generation's most popular songs. It has over 200 million views on YouTube and has won numerous awards.
  9. 9
    6
    votes
    This song was released in 2014 and has since become one of the most popular collaboration songs in K-pop history. It has over 250 million views on YouTube and has won numerous awards.
  10. 10
    2
    votes
    This song was released in 2008 and is considered one of BIGBANG's most iconic songs. It has over 230 million views on YouTube and has been covered by numerous artists.

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Ranking factors for popular song

  1. YouTube Views
    The number of views on the official music video on YouTube is a key factor that shows the popularity of a Korean song. A higher number of views indicates that a large audience has watched and enjoyed the song, often driving popularity and more views.
  2. Digital sales and streaming
    Digital sales and streaming metrics from platforms such as iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music, and Melon show how popular a song is among consumers. These numbers are a strong indicator of the song's reach and popularity among listeners.
  3. Music show wins
    Korean music shows such as "Music Bank," "Show Champion," "M! Countdown," "Inkigayo," and "Music Core" have weekly charts that rank songs based on various factors such as digital sales, album sales, votes, and online streaming. Music show wins play a significant role in determining the popularity of a song.
  4. Album sales
    The number of physical album sales and digital album downloads can be an indicator of the song's popularity. A higher number of album sales often shows a stronger fan base and increased popularity for a song or a particular artist/group.
  5. Billboard and other international chart rankings
    The inclusion of a Korean song in global music charts such as the Billboard Hot 100, World Digital Song Sales, and other similar charts is a strong indicator of the song's global reach and popularity. A higher ranking on these charts indicates increased popularity and recognition.
  6. Social media
    The amount of social media buzz surrounding a song or artist is another important factor to consider. The number of mentions, likes, shares, and comments about the song on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram indicate social media engagement and popularity among fans and general listeners.
  7. Awards and nominations
    A song's popularity can also be gauged by the number of music awards it has won or has been nominated for, both domestically and internationally. Awards can range from song-specific categories to general artist/group awards, and nominations are a strong sign of a song's popular regard and overall impact on the music market.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Korean song. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2049 views
  • 178 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each song once every 24 hours. The rank of each song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular korean song

Korean music has gained immense popularity worldwide in recent years, thanks to the rise of K-pop. K-pop, short for Korean popular music, is a genre that blends elements of pop, electronic, hip-hop, rock, and R&B. It has a unique style and sound, and its catchy beats and upbeat melodies have captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world. Some of the most popular Korean songs include "Gangnam Style" by PSY, "Blood Sweat & Tears" by BTS, "Gee" by Girls' Generation, and "Fantastic Baby" by BIGBANG. These songs have become global sensations and have helped to bring Korean music to the forefront of the international music scene. With so many great Korean songs to choose from, it's no wonder that fans of K-pop are always eager to share their favorites. At StrawPoll, we have thousands of polls and rankings on various topics, including the most popular Korean songs. Whether you're a die-hard K-pop fan or just curious about the genre, you're sure to find something that interests you on our site.

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