Learn Korean with Pop Music with these 23 Song Recommendations (Full Translations Included!)

Pop
LF Content Team | Updated on 2 February 2023
Learning Korean with Pop is a great way to learn Korean! Learning with music is fun, engaging, and includes a cultural aspect that is often missing from other language learning methods. So music and song lyrics are a great way to supplement your learning and stay motivated to keep learning Korean!
Below are 23 Pop song recommendations to get you started learning Korean! We have full lyric translations and lessons for each of the songs recommended below, so check out all of our resources. We hope you enjoy learning Korean with Pop!
CONTENTS SUMMARY
1. Magnetic
ILLIT
내 심장이
자꾸만 뛰어
저 멀리서도
끌어당겨
My heart
just keeps racing
Even from far away
I'm pulled in

Magnetic is a bubbly confession song where ILLIT compares the thrill of a new crush to the unstoppable pull of two magnets. From the very first heartbeat in the lyrics, the singer admits she is trying to stay cool, yet her feelings keep tugging her closer. Every 'you, you, you' lands like a catchy chant, showing just how laser-focused her mind is on one person.

Instead of playing hard to get, she decides to be bold. She tosses aside the usual push-and-pull dating games, runs straight toward her crush, and invites them to do the same. The repeated 'dash-da-da' sounds mimic quick footsteps and racing hearts, while the playful 'bae, bae, bae' keeps the vibe light and fun. Altogether, the song celebrates youthful confidence, honest attraction, and the exhilarating magnetism that pulls two people together.

2. IDOL
BTS
손가락질 해
나는 전혀 신경 쓰지 않네
나를 욕하는 너의
그 이유가 뭐든 간에
Point fingers
I don't care at all
Your insults toward me
Whatever your reason is

“IDOL” turns the spotlight into a mirror. In this high-energy anthem, South Korean supergroup BTS shrug off every label—artist, idol, hero, even “Anpanman”—and proudly declare, “I know what I am.” The lyrics flicker between Korean and English like stage lights, celebrating self-acceptance while brushing off gossip and online chatter. Every shout of “You can’t stop me lovin’ myself” is a confetti blast of confidence, inviting listeners to dance, sing, and cheer for their own identities.

Behind the vibrant drums and playful chants lies a simple message: your worth is not up for negotiation. No matter how far from home they travel or how loud the critics get, the members stay grounded in passion for their fans, their art, and themselves. “IDOL” is your invitation to join that celebration—move to the beat, mute the doubt, and let self-love take center stage.

3. Kill This Love
BLACKPINK
Yeah, yeah, yeah
BLACKPINK in your area
Yeah, yeah, yeah
천사 같은 끝엔 악마 같은
Yeah, yeah, yeah
BLACKPINK in your area
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Angel-like at first, devil-like at last

⚡ From the very first trumpet blast, BLACKPINK charge into "Kill This Love" like warriors in glittering armor. The lyrics paint romance as a high-stakes battlefield: it feels heavenly one moment and devilish the next, with addictive thrills that leave bruises. Lines such as "feelin’ like a sinner" and "his love is my favorite, but you plus me… can be dangerous" capture how intoxicating affection can quickly spiral into self-destruction.

Faced with this toxic love, the members raise a rallying cry to end it before it ends them. “Let’s kill this love” is less about revenge and more about reclaiming power, wiping away tears, and marching on to pounding drumbeats. The song transforms heartbreak into an anthem of self-preservation, reminding listeners that sometimes the bravest love story is choosing yourself.

4. Thunder
SEVENTEEN
떨어져 온몸이
회로가 미쳐버렸어 제멋대로
액셀 밟어
Everybody say, 'Woah-oh, woah-oh'
My whole body's falling
The circuits went crazy doing whatever they want
Step on the gas
...

Thunder is SEVENTEEN’s sonic lightning bolt, a shout-out to those electrifying nights when excitement crackles in the air and your whole body feels super-charged. The members compare their sudden rush of adrenaline to a flash of lightning that splits the sky, urging everyone to drop their worries, gather together, and jump into the moment. Phone calls keep buzzing, hearts keep racing, and the onomatopoeic jjirit jjirit mimics that sizzling buzz before thunder strikes, capturing the thrilling anticipation of something unforgettable about to happen.

More than just a party anthem, the song celebrates friendship and youthful confidence. SEVENTEEN invite listeners to rewrite their “DNA,” crank up the energy, and drive straight through the clouds—no detours, no doubts. With every chant of “T-H-U-N-D-E-R,” they remind us that unforgettable memories are made when we unite, charge the night with courage, and let our inner storm light up the sky.

5. What Is Love?
TWICE
내 일처럼 자꾸 가슴이 뛰어 두근두근거려
설레임에 부풀어 올라
궁금해서 미칠 것만 같아
언젠간 내게도
My heart keeps pounding like it's happening to me
Excitement swells up
I'm so curious I could go crazy
Someday for me too

“What Is Love?” is TWICE’s bright, sugar-sparkling quest to understand romance before it actually arrives. The members imagine love the way they have seen it in movies, dramas, and books – sweet like candy, heart-racing, and capable of turning the whole world beautiful. Each line captures their youthful curiosity: Will it make my heart pound all day? Will I smile from morning to night? They keep replaying these dreamy scenes in their minds, wondering when and how their own story will begin.

Despite not having experienced true love yet, the song overflows with excitement and hope. TWICE picture themselves spotting “the one,” feeling fireworks in their chest, and maybe even bursting into happy tears. That playful anticipation is what makes the chorus so catchy. Instead of giving a concrete answer, the group invites listeners to join the adventure and discover the feeling together. “What Is Love?” becomes an upbeat reminder that the journey to love – filled with questions, daydreams, and wide-eyed wonder – can be just as magical as love itself.

6. Ditto
NewJeans
Stay in the middle
Like you a little
Don't want no riddle
Ooh
...
...
...

“Ditto” feels like opening the pages of a high-school diary and finding a confession scribbled in the margins. NewJeans sings from the heart of a teen crush that sits right between friendship and romance. The narrator’s pulse pounds (ra-ta-ta-ta!) as she wrestles with that awkward “middle” stage: she likes someone, she thinks they might like her back, but no one has said the magic words yet. Rather than keep decoding mixed signals, she pleads, “Say it, ditto,” which is a playful way of asking, “Just tell me you feel the same!”

The song captures the universal suspense of young love—waiting for a text, replaying memories, daydreaming about what could be. Every line flips between courage and hesitation: “I got nothing to lose,” yet she still worries about being left hanging. By the end, “Ditto” becomes an anthem for anyone who is tired of riddles and ready for clarity in their crush. It celebrates that pivotal moment when you stop guessing and simply ask for a clear reply, hoping your heartbeat and theirs will echo in perfect synchrony.

7. Silent Cry
Stray Kids
넌 그저 그렇게 아무렇지 않게
웃고 있는데 들리는 네 말에
You always say 'I'm okay'
하지만 다 보여
You just act like nothing happened
You're smiling, yet the words I hear
You always say "I'm okay"
But I can see everything

Silent Cry invites you into the hidden world of a friend who keeps smiling while quietly drowning inside. Stray Kids paint a picture of someone who says “I’m okay” yet sits alone in an empty room where even the air feels heavy. Beneath the bright grin lie whispers of loneliness, muted sighs, and rain-soaked thoughts no one else seems to hear.

The song flips that hush into a promise of rescue: “Let me hear your silent cry.” Instead of forcing cheerfulness, the narrator offers an umbrella when the storm hits, a hand to catch the tears, and a voice to say those comforting words for you. It is a moving reminder that real strength can be a shared weakness, and that friendship means listening to the feelings that never make a sound.

8. SHEESH
BABYMONSTER
발버둥 쳐봐
어차피 손바닥
위에서 못 나가
You know that
Struggle all you want
Still in my palm
You can't get out from above
...

BABYMONSTER bursts onto the scene with "SHEESH," a turbo-charged self-introduction that mixes swagger, playful bravado, and a hint of danger. From the opening "Baby, I'ma monster," the members cast themselves as unstoppable forces, revving engines, lighting fires, and grabbing every spotlight in sight. The repeated exclamation "sheesh" is the sound of jaws dropping, a reaction the group fully expects as they flex rapid-fire raps, punchy beats, and crown-worthy confidence. Switching smoothly between Korean and English, they make one thing clear—listeners are witnessing the rise of a new powerhouse.

Beneath the high-energy surface, the track doubles as a rallying cry for fans to unleash their own inner monsters. It urges everyone to laugh loudly, dance boldly, and soar "haneul wi" (into the sky) before time runs out. By flipping the typical rookie story—declaring they already run the game—BABYMONSTER invites the world to ride along, shout, jump, and pump up their own power. "SHEESH" is both a fearless mission statement and an open invitation to anyone ready to feel larger than life right beside them.

9. A
GOT7
It's not working
So stop fronting
I know you want me, let's start talking
A
It's not working
So stop fronting
I know you want me, let's start talking
A

GOT7’s irresistibly catchy single, A, is a playful tug-of-war between shyness and confidence. From the very first “It’s not working, so stop fronting,” the members call out a crush who keeps stealing glances yet pretends nothing’s going on. The repeated “A” mimics a surprised gasp in Korean—something like “Eh? I caught you!”—and becomes their cheeky way of saying, I see right through you, so quit hiding those feelings.

Underneath the bubbly synths and slick choreography lies a simple message: when two people like each other, why waste time? The song urges listeners to drop the act, take each other’s hands, and turn that nervous energy into a fun adventure together. It celebrates youthful courage, honest flirting, and the thrill of finally admitting, “Yes, I like you too.” Let the upbeat hooks remind you to be bold about your own feelings—and maybe pick up some cool English lines like “stop fronting” along the way!

10. Earthquake
JISOO
널 부정할 수 없게
I think I'm gonna
Wake up, electric touch
내 맘이 춤춰
Unable to deny you
...
...
My heart dances

Get ready to feel the ground shake! In “Earthquake,” JISOO likens the rush of sudden, unstoppable attraction to a powerful tremor. The lyrics describe her heart revving “vroom vroom vroom” and her whole body trembling deo ppareuge (even faster) as the feeling takes over. No matter how hard she tries to escape, she is pulled deeper, lost in a dream she knows she should wake from but can’t.

The song celebrates that electrifying moment when love hits without warning and rearranges your world in seconds. With vivid phrases like onmomi tteollyeo (my whole body shakes) and electric touch, JISOO captures the adrenaline, passion, and sweet surrender of letting the quake roll through you. “Earthquake” is an anthem for anyone whose heart has ever gone off the Richter scale the instant the right person walked in.

11. FLOWER
JISOO
난 파란 나비처럼 날아가
잡지 못한 건 다 네 몫이니까
활짝 꽃 피웠던 시간도 이제 모두
내겐
I fly off like a blue butterfly
Not able to catch me is all on you
Even the time when it bloomed brightly, now all
For me

“FLOWER” paints a vivid picture of a love that once bloomed beautifully yet eventually burned out. Jisoo compares herself to a butterfly and a delicate white petal, showing how freely she wants to fly but how tightly her partner tried to hold on. The song’s playful A-B-C, Do-Re-Mi opening hints at innocence, then quickly shifts to disappointment when “that look in your eyes changes.” As feelings cool, the singer realizes that the time they shared—once full of color and warmth—has turned to ash.

With graceful confidence, Jisoo says goodbye, leaving only the lingering image of a flower’s scent. There is no regret in her voice; instead, she feels light and unburdened. The petals represent moments of beauty she chooses to keep, while the rest of the relationship falls away. “FLOWER” is ultimately a self-empowerment anthem: even after passionate love goes up in flames, you can step into spring again, keep the best memories, and let the wind carry you forward.

12. Doctor! Doctor!
ZEROBASEONE
Doctor! Doctor! Help me
낫게 해줘 너 때문인
너 아니면 소용없어
It's the L-O-V-Emergency
Doctor! Doctor! Help me
Make me better, 'cause of you
If it's not you, it's pointless
It's the L-O-V-Emergency

Feel your pulse quicken and the temperature rise – "Doctor! Doctor!" throws us straight into a playful love emergency. ZEROBASEONE sings about a crush so intense it feels like a medical crisis: racing heartbeats, dizzy spells, and a fever that no real doctor can cure. The only prescription is the attention of that special someone, and the group treats every symptom with hooks that bounce between urgency and flirtation.

Behind the catchy chorus lies a simple truth: love can make us feel wonderfully out of control. By turning romantic obsession into a mock emergency, the song captures both the panic and thrill of falling head-over-heels. Expect sirens of synths, heartbeat drums, and lyrics that spell out L-O-V-E as the ultimate diagnosis – and the only remedy is more of the person who started it all.

13. Chk Chk Boom
Stray Kids
위에서 춤춰, 내 plan대로 keep going
Sick of this life, it's regular
승리를 너무 과식했지, 배불러
산책도 할 겸, 허리띠 매 둘러
Dance on top, keep going by my plan
...
I binged on wins, I'm stuffed
I buckled up my belt, planning to take a walk

“Chk Chk Boom” is Stray Kids pumping pure adrenaline into your headphones. The thumping boom-boom, chk-chk, boom mimics the click of a trigger and the blast that follows, setting the scene for a high-octane mission. The members talk about lining up their targets, pulling the trigger with confidence, and loading every victory into a metaphorical truck, inviting listeners to jump in for the ride. Bored with an ordinary life, they vow to break gravity’s pull, snipe their goals one by one, and leave anything less than perfection behind.

Beneath the explosive sound lies a message of fearless ambition and unshakable self-belief. Shouting “Vamos” and “Lobos,” they cast themselves as a hungry wolf pack that never stops hunting. Clichés get shattered, chaos becomes fuel, and each step forward is another loud boom that proves they are still the same unfiltered Stray Kids—only leveled up. The takeaway is simple: pull your own trigger, drown out doubt with roaring beats, and turn every dream into a direct hit.

14. DDU-DU-DDU-DU
BLACKPINK
Ayy, 착한 얼굴에 그렇지 못한 태도
가녀린 몸매 속 가려진 volume은 두 배로
거침없이 직진 굳이 보진 않지 눈치
Black 하면 Pink 우린 예쁘장한 Savage BLACKPINK!
Ayy, sweet face, but a ruthless attitude
Slender shape, hidden curves doubled volume
No hesitation, straight ahead, no faking, no reading the room
When I think of Black I think of Pink, we're pretty, savage, BLACKPINK!

BLACKPINK’s “DDU-DU DDU-DU” is a sonic fireworks show of confidence. The title imitates the sound of rapid-fire beats and serves as a playful warning shot: the group is charging in with unstoppable swagger. Throughout the song they flip between “Black” (edgy, fierce) and “Pink” (sweet, glamorous), proving they can own both sides at once. Fiery rap lines and sleek vocals paint a picture of fearless women who know their worth, walk the streets like a catwalk, and turn every head without even trying.

At its core, the track is an anthem of empowerment and unapologetic individuality. The members brush off doubters, refuse to conform to polite expectations, and invite listeners to think twice before underestimating them. If you want something “soft and easy,” look elsewhere—BLACKPINK is busy blazing trails, setting the room “hot, hot, hot,” and hitting you with that infectious hook. Press play and let their bold energy push you to strut a little taller, speak a little louder, and own your unique mix of sugar and steel.

15. Super Lady
(G)I-DLE
거기 비켜 어서
우린 따위 하긴 바빠
여긴 자비 따윈 없어
날 막는다면
Get out of the way, now
We're too busy for that
There's no mercy here
If you try to stop me

“Super Lady” explodes with the confidence of a comic-book heroine strutting into battle. From the very first line “I am the top, super lady”, (G)I-DLE paints a picture of a woman who knows her worth, wields her own “superpower,” and refuses to bow to anyone. The lyrics brag about being unbeatable and immortal, but the swagger is not just personal—it is a rallying cry. Every “Follow, ladies” invites listeners to step into their own capes, brush off society’s doubt, and stand shoulder-to-shoulder as unstoppable forces.

Beneath the flashy bravado sits a message of fearless sisterhood. The song calls out tired stereotypes (“namjadeurui ppeonhan gasik”) and dismisses anyone who tries to dim their shine. Instead, it urges women to “back it up” with unshakable pride, to laugh louder, jump higher, and claim victory together. “Super Lady” is a high-energy anthem that celebrates self-belief, crowns every listener a queen, and reminds us that true power multiplies when shared. Put simply, it is three minutes of pure empowerment wrapped in punchy beats and unapologetic attitude.

16. Lemon Drop (LEMON DROP)
ATEEZ
Yeah, 자꾸만 너에게 끌려, too insidious
시선을 빼앗겨버려
Eyes locked onto you Onto you, onto you
You're the kind of muse that I admire
Yeah, I keep getting pulled to you, too insidious
You steal my gaze
...
...

“Lemon Drop” fizzes with the sweet-and-sour rush of a summertime crush. Over a neon beat, ATEEZ locks eyes with their muse and everything else fades out: “Ain’t nobody… you know you’re the hottie.” The lyrics compare this irresistible pull to a lemon drop and a tequila sunrise, two drinks that are equal parts sugary, tangy, and instantly refreshing. Heartbeats speed up, alarms blare (“Emergency, emergency”), yet the mood stays playful as they chase each other through a night of fine dining, film-worthy moments, and dance-floor heat.

Ultimately, the song celebrates living in the now. As the chorus urges “closer, a little more… stay up all night ’til sunrise,” we feel a cocktail of bold confidence, youthful thrill, and breathless desire. “Lemon Drop” invites listeners to taste love’s electric spark—sweet enough to savor, sharp enough to remember—while the sky shifts from dusk to dawn.

17. Pink Venom (PINK VENOM)
BLACKPINK
껴들 생각 말고
I talk that talk, runways I walk, walk
눈 감고 안 봐도 척
One by one, then two by two
Don't even think of interrupting
...
I can tell even with my eyes closed
...

Pink Venom is BLACKPINK’s playful warning shot. The girls compare their irresistible charisma to a sweet-but-deadly poison: pink for their glamorous image, venom for the fierce bite lurking underneath. With lines about “designer crimes,” private flights, and lighting up the night, they paint a picture of unstoppable confidence. Anyone who underestimates them is in for a shock, because their style, swagger, and razor-sharp lyrics hit “straight to your dome.”

At its core, the song celebrates duality. It mixes sugar and danger, elegance and rebellion, Korean and English, hip-hop beats and traditional instrumentation. BLACKPINK are telling the world that they can be both beautiful and brutal, both idols and rule breakers. “Pink Venom” invites listeners to taste the sweetness, but it also reminds them: behind the gloss is a power strong enough to bring the pain.

18. SPOT!
ZICO, JENNIE
데리러 갈게
대충 걸치면 돼
우린 꾸밈없고 나머진 억텐
농익은 분위기
I'll pick you up
Just throw something on
We're genuine, the rest is forced
A rich vibe

“SPOT!” throws you straight into a neon-lit night where ZICO and JENNIE refuse to let the party die. The lyrics paint a picture of friends ditching all plans, turning the volume up, and chasing that perfect moment when the music, the crowd, and the vibe all hit the spot. Every “up and down, round and round” chant feels like a roller-coaster loop that keeps the energy rushing, reminding listeners that there is no curfew on fun or freedom.

Beyond the head-banging beat, the song celebrates unity and confidence: strangers become “homies,” worries melt in the pulse of the bass, and nobody can “hold us down.” It is a rally cry for living in the now, shrugging off stress, and owning the city streets with swagger. Play it when you need an instant mood lift, a bold reminder that tonight is yours to run.

19. Bite Me
ENHYPEN
혈관 속
널 찾던 내 세포는
이젠 알아
운명은 우릴 다시 발견했지
Inside my veins
My cells that were searching for you
Now I know
Fate has found us again

“Bite Me” sinks its teeth into a gothic love fantasy where affection tastes like danger. ENHYPEN describe two destined souls meeting again in a shadow-lit world, begging each other to “come kiss me and bite me.” The bite is more than flirtation; it is a life-saving ritual that makes their blood race, seals an unbreakable bond, and guides them out of darkness. Vampiric imagery turns vulnerability into raw power, showing how surrendering to love can feel both risky and irresistible.

At its heart, the song celebrates a mutual rescue mission. The singer will gladly be marked and protected if it means eternal togetherness with the only person who truly understands him. By fusing gothic drama with youthful longing, ENHYPEN transforms a simple request for a kiss into a thrilling oath of loyalty, proving that sometimes the most electrifying romances start with a playful bite.

20. Boy With Luv
BTS, Halsey
모든 게 궁금해
Tell me
Yeah yeah
뭐가 널 행복하게 하는지
I'm curious about everything
...
...
What makes you happy

“Boy With Luv” is a bright confession of how powerful simple love can be. BTS and Halsey trade epic adventures for everyday moments, singing about how one special person makes them curious about everything, lifts them up, and gives them “wings.” The lyrics show a playful eagerness to learn every detail of the other person—every picture, every small habit—because those details turn ordinary life into something extraordinary.

Instead of chasing fame or soaring alone, the singers realize they would rather fly together. Love becomes stronger than any heroic dream, transforming them from lonely high-flyers into joyful “boys with love.” It is a feel-good reminder that true strength is found not in grand gestures but in the shared smiles, texts, and tiny steps we take with someone who matters.

21. I'll Be There
Jin
그걸 위해 나는 살아가
I will be there forever Forever
난 변하지 않아
There for you, Yeah, yeah
I live for that
...
I won't change
...

“I’ll Be There” feels like a warm hug set to a pop beat. Right from the playful count of “one, two, three,” Jin steps into the hectic rush of modern life and says, “I get it—things are tough, but I’ve got you.” She celebrates the joy of giving something bigger than herself, promising that her presence and her music will lift you above everyday stress. The repetitive vow “I will be there forever” turns into a mantra that chases away worry and replaces it with confidence and calm.

At its heart, the song is a loyal friend in audio form. Whether you feel lonely, on the verge of tears, or simply need a boost, Jin pledges to sing for you—any time, any place. The bright “ooh-ooh” hooks echo like cheers from a crowd that believes in you, reminding you to smile and feel special. Listen, and you will hear more than a catchy chorus; you will hear a promise that you are never on your own. "I’ll Be There" lets every listener walk away lighter, knowing someone is always in their corner.

22. Smeraldo Garden Marching Band
Jimin, Loco
시작된 건 6월 12일
행복을 선물해 매일
Say, Let's talk about us
전하지 못한 말
It started on June 12
Gift happiness every day
...
Words I couldn't say

Picture a sun-soaked parade winding through a fantasy garden where the rare Smeraldo flower blooms. That is the setting Jimin and rapper Loco invite us into. With the shout-out "Say, Love," the song opens like a marching-band fanfare, urging everyone to drop their fears and celebrate honest feelings. The lyrics circle around one simple wish: let’s talk about us. Jimin promises to share the happiness he feels every single day, while Loco’s quickfire rap shows how love can speed up your heart better than any drumline.

From secret crush to full-blown confession, every line pushes the listener to speak up, reach out, and hold hands under a dazzling sky. The date hidden in the words hints at a special anniversary, but the larger idea is timeless: love is a gift meant to be unwrapped right now. By the final chorus, the music swells, the lights come on, and the message is clear—step into the garden, turn up the music, and march forward together without hesitation.

23. Friends
Jimin, Taehyung (BTS)
뭔가 이상했었던 아이
난 달에서
넌 별에서
우리 대화는 숙제 같았지
A kid who felt a bit strange
I'm from the moon
You're from the stars
Our talk felt like homework

Friends is Jimin and Taehyung’s playful love letter to their real-life bond. The lyrics follow two young dreamers who first lock eyes under the bright lights of Seoul and instantly sense that they come from different worlds—one is the moon, the other a star, an “alien” and a “mystery.” Homework-like chats, sweaty dance practices and classroom bus rides all weave together as they try to “understand” each other. What begins as curious fascination quickly settles into effortless companionship.

The second half of the song turns into a highlight reel of inside jokes and legendary moments: seven summers and winters together, countless promises, the famous “dumpling incident” that went from drama to comedy, and late-night drives that replace old school buses. Through every scene they repeat the same request—stay right by my side—and call each other “soulmate,” proving that true friendship is a constant you can trust even as everything else changes. The track glows with warmth and nostalgia, inviting listeners to celebrate the friends who feel like family.