The ultimate K-pop summer playlist
Looking for summer K-pop hits to dance to at your next beach party? We’ve got you covered.
OH MY GIRL. Image: WM Entertainment.
Every year we scavenge for new music, ask our friends for recommendations, and listen to a million people saying they’ve written the ‘song of the summer.’ Meanwhile, more often than not, the perfect songs have been abandoned in our phones while the cold winter months consumed our lives.
Luckily for you, we’re here to remind you of all the fantastic, bubbly, and beachy songs you need with the ultimate K-pop summer playlist!
1. “Low Low” by WayV TEN & YANGYANG
The lyrics of “Low Low” are fun, flirty, and easy to memorize. Lyrics that are easy to memorize are easy to sing, and what’s better than driving home from a long tanning session while singing your favorite songs at the top of your lungs?
2. “MANIAC” by VIVIZ
We’ve been hooked on this song since it came out and have been anxiously awaiting summer for the perfect time to listen to it. The beat is energizing and easy to follow while the chorus is incredibly catchy.
3. “Dropkick” by &TEAM
It’s hard to listen to this song without smiling and clapping along making it one to listen to at parties and bonfires surrounded by your closest friends.
4. “Dolphin” by OH MY GIRL
If we could visualize this song it’d look like a bright pink sunset, vividly green grass, and the bluest crystal water.
5. “Memories” by RIIZE
While RIIZE has continued on to make vivacious house music and playful hip hop songs, for summer, it will always be “Memories” that belongs on a summer playlist.
6. “FOREVER 1” by Girls Generation
When a song is around for so long, it gets different memories of tanned skin, hair blowing around in the car, and sitting in the heat of summer nights attached to it throughout the years.
With the incredibly infectious positive beat of “FOREVER 1”, no matter the memory, we know it’s going to be an amazing summer.
7. “WORK” by ATEEZ
We know that working during the sunny days can sometimes get gloomy. Luckily, ATEEZ dropped a boss babe anthem just in time for everyone to have some money making motivation.
8. “ASAP” by STAYC
You know those scenes in early 2000s rom-coms where two friends are singing into their hair brushes and dancing around the room to perfectly memorized choreography? If there’s one song we’ll be living out that scenario with, it’s ASAP by STAYC.
9. “Up to You” by PRETTYMUCH (feat. NCT DREAM)
We had to include a couple songs for those having a summer romance. If you’re starting to feel your cheeks heat up and have been a bit of a giggly mess recently, then this song is for you.
10. “To you” by SEVENTEEN
You’re buckled in, your carry-on is above you, your personal item is below you, and the plane is taking off. Where are you off to? Who knows. Even if you aren’t taking a vacation, this song will make you feel like you’re already on one.
11. “Feel the POP” by ZEROBASEONE
Though all of ZEROBASEONE’s songs sound like they have a bit of summer in them, we’d forgotten how fun balloons and bubbles were prior to rewatching this music video over and over.
12. “Glow” by Big Ocean
From the cover art to the group and song name, this screams summer and we plan on singing it nonstop.
13. “Bubble Gum” by NewJeans
When NewJeans makes a summer comeback, everything looks brighter. There’s a sparkle in the air and it gets a bit harder to hold back on breaking out into a dance every now and then.
14. “THRILL RIDE” by The Boyz
The moment this song starts playing, we’re transported to an amusement park — cotton candy in one hand, a dripping ice cream cone in the other, running down the hot pavement with friends to line up for the next ride.
The friends in this scenario also may be 11 guys known as The Boyz.
15. “Summer Breeze” by SF9
This song encapsulates so much summer feeling that they put it in the name. Jumping around, listening to SF9, and just having fun is the perfect summer vibe.
16. “Surfin’” by Stray Kids
The sound of seagulls, the three happy unit members, and a beat that sounds like sunshine has made “Surfin’” a go to summer song for fans.
17. “Higher” by FIFTY FIFTY
No, it’s not the song that took over Tik Tok and gave FIFTY FIFTY their claim to fame, but it is arguably a song that deserved to. Their airy vocals and the catchy chorus feel like an ode to summer songs of 2016.
18. “Our Summer” by TOMORROW X TOGETHER
TXT never fails to record the most addicting songs with a mix of fast-paced beats and soothing soft vocals. It’s not that everyone is relying on them every year to release songs that create the most perfect beach day soundtrack, but we’re all hopeful that they will.
19. “OH YA YA YA” by LUNARSOLAR
From the beginning to end, “OH YA YA YA” feels like a song that begs for a tropical drink in one hand and a disposable camera full of pool party memories in the other.
20. “Snap Shoot” by SEVENTEEN
Does SEVENTEEN ever release an upbeat song that doesn’t make you want to wiggle in your seat and learn Korean purely just to sing along?
21. “After School” by Weeekly
This song can convert anyone into a bubblegum pop lover almost instantly, which is perfect for anyone hanging out with friends that aren’t as into the K-pop scene as you are.
22. “2nd Grade” by BTS
BTS’s early music is sometimes neglected due to how incredible their newer albums are, but the young energy they bring to songs like “2nd Grade” is what makes it so addictive.
23. “Blue Flame” by LE SSERAFIM
There’s nothing like picking out an outfit for the night, skin still warm from the heat of the sun, with the girls from LE SSERAFIM hyping you up.
24. “Nemonade” by P1Harmony
Though many are finding P1Harmony from their newer music like “Killin’ It”, their debut album isn’t to be overlooked for its groovy vibes and powerful vocals.
25. “Alcohol-Free” by TWICE
The first chord of this song plays and suddenly you have a grass skirt and seashell necklace on. How? No one knows. It’s transportive and magical from the first second to the last and that’s the pure charm of “Alcohol-Free”.
26. “What You Wanted” by CIX
Though CIX has something for everyone, they delivered everything they needed to with this summer bop.
27. “Hola Hola” by KARD
If there was a song that could be in a 2010s summer rom com while the main protagonist flies down the street in their pink convertible, the wind flying through their hair, and palm trees lining the street, it’s this one.
28. “Tamed-Dashed'“ by ENHYPEN
If you’re not a sporty person, you can just watch ENHYPEN play sports in the “Tamed-Dashed” music video instead.
29. “XOXO” by SOMI
SOMI’s diction during the chorus is so insanely good that it’s not hard to catch on and be able to sing, even for those who know no Korean.
30. “surf.” by wave to earth
For those that are trying to have a more relaxed summer, Korean indie pop group, wave to earth, is perfect for high vibe, chill energy music lovers looking for the perfect song to add to their summer playlist.
