15 K-pop Songs That Scream Summer

Edited by Gabii Rayner. As seen in Cherry Chu Magazine.

As summer approaches, everyone looks for the song of the season. Though often, the best summer songs are already sitting in our phones waiting to be listened to. Whether you’re basking in the sun or getting ready to go out with friends, these groups have a song for every moment of the summer to come. 

1. “Surfin’” by Stray Kids

The sound of seagulls, the three happy unit members, and a beat that sounds like sunshine. Though Stray Kids have many songs in their summertime discography like “Airplane” and “The View”, “Surfin’” has become their go-to summer song for most fans. 

2. “Higher” by FIFTY FIFTY

No, it’s not the song that took over TikTok and gave FIFTY FIFTY their claim to fame, but it’s arguably the song that deserved to. Their airy vocals and the catchy chorus are almost an ode to summer songs of 2016. 

3. “Our Summer” by TOMORROW X TOGETHER

TOMORROW X TOGETHER 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 all might be hopeful. If they don’t, we will always have “Our Summer”.

4. “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, both items being the most vibrant color physically possible. It is the perfect mashup of the 2000s and 2010s, giving nostalgic vibes in the best way.

5. “Snap Shoot” by SEVENTEEN

While on the topic of disposable cameras and good vibes, 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? Their smiles during recording can be heard while listening which makes it that much more enjoyable.

6. “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 (this was proven by the writer of this article being converted through this song).

7. “2nd Grade” by BTS

With BTS’s mass of songs, it can be hard to pick just one. Their early music is sometimes neglected with how incredible their newer albums are, but the young energy they bring to songs like “2nd Grade” is what makes it so addictive. The vocals from Jungkook and rap from Yoongi may never be matched. 

8. “Blue Flame” by LESERRAFIM

Have plans of going out on the town after a long day soaking in the summer sun? This pop song amplified with a funky bass is the perfect get ready song. 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. 

9. “Nemonade” by P1Harmony

If Keeho’s smooth voice starting off the song doesn’t bring an instant good mood, well you might just have to listen to it again. Though many are finding P1Harmony from their newer music like “Back Down”, their debut album isn’t to be overlooked for its groovy vibes and powerful vocals.  

10. “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. A drink featured in the song's chorus might even show up in hand, for those old enough. It’s transportive and magical from the first second to the last and that’s the pure charm of “Alcohol-Free”. 

11. “What You Wanted” by CIX

For their debut album, CIX created a song with the most insane bridge we have ever heard, and they never looked back. Though CIX has something for everyone, they delivered everything they needed to with this one. 

12. “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. That protagonist could be you.

13. “Tamed-Dashed” by ENHYPEN

If you’re not a sports person, you can just watch ENHYPEN play whatever their version of sports is in the “Tamed-Dashed” music video instead. With futuristic instrumentals, this song is bound to be around for many summers to come. 

14. “XOXO” by SOMI

While we all wait for SOMI to make a grand entrance back into music, her old singles have been aging perfectly. Also, not to get technical, but 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.

15. “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. For anyone that ends up completely in love with their sound over the next few months can also look forward to their North America tour. 

You can check out our playlist of all these tracks below! What’s your favourite summer song? Are there any we’ve missed?