[K-POP] Korean songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: classic crowd-pleasers

Umpah UmpahRed Velvet

Red Velvet 레드벨벳 ‘음파음파 (Umpah Umpah)’ MV

Hook them right from the opening line.

This is a song by a calculating girl who warns men who are drawn to her.

When you sing it, imagine your lover—or anyone who likes you—is totally obsessed with you.

You’re the one in control! Even if you’re usually serious, try fully becoming a slightly high-class, aloof girl when you sing this song.

UNFORGIVENLE SSERAFIM

LE SSERAFIM (르세라핌) ‘UNFORGIVEN (feat. Nile Rodgers)’ OFFICIAL M/V

LE SSERAFIM’s “UNFORGIVEN (feat.

Nile Rodgers),” which is taking the K-pop world by storm, is a track that captivates listeners with its powerful impact.

Released in May 2023, the song translates a Western-inspired worldview into a pop sensibility, while Nile Rodgers’s guitar adds a sparkling accent.

At karaoke, belting it out to match this distinctive sound can offer a fresh experience.

The lyrics are laced with messages about valuing your own style, which is sure to resonate especially with young people.

It’s an energetic track that’s perfect for getting the crowd fired up at karaoke!

We don’t talk togetherHeize

헤이즈 (Heize) – We don’t talk together (Feat. 기리보이 (Giriboy)) (Prod. SUGA) MV

“We don’t talk together” is a perfect choice for karaoke as a poignant ballad.

Heize’s richly emotive vocals and the lyrics featuring Giriboy captivate listeners.

With BTS’s SUGA involved in production, its sophisticated sound design continues to enthrall many music fans.

Depicting a story of deep love, this song heightens emotions even more when belted out at karaoke.

Its cool yet heartwarming melody will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on listeners.

FANTASTIC BABYBIGBANG

BIGBANG – FANTASTIC BABY M/V

An upbeat track that gets super hyped when you shout along to the song.

There are phrases in the lyrics that are meant for call-and-response.

The chorus is rhythmic, and if you sing it well, you can feel like you’re at a live show.

When the song title gets repeated, everyone joining in creates a real sense of unity.

It definitely helps lift the mood and get the energy going!

DittoNewJeans

NewJeans (뉴진스) ‘Ditto’ Performance Video

“Ditto” is a heart-thumping track released by NewJeans.

Its distinctive conga rhythm is pleasing to the ear, and the sound—an impressive fusion of 1980s American club music and K-pop—offers a fresh musical experience.

The choreography, simple yet addictive, is easy for anyone to pick up and will make you want to dance along.

It’s a great choice to hype up a karaoke session and also perfect as background music for TikTok videos with friends.

Why not share the emotion and fun through “Ditto,” which portrays the feelings of unrequited love?

LOVE DIVEive

IVE 아이브 ‘LOVE DIVE’ MV

IVE dominated the K-POP scene in 2022.

In Japan, they even performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, making waves with truly whirlwind-level success! LOVE DIVE is a stylish track that draws you into a mysterious and beautiful world.

It ranked fifth on JOYSOUND’s 2022 annual karaoke chart.

The contrast between the spoken-like parts and the flowing chorus is striking, but the melody itself is relatively easy to pitch.

With its mature vibe, it might make hearts flutter to sing at karaoke with someone you’re interested in or as a couple.

Permission to DanceBTS

BTS (방탄소년단) ‘Permission to Dance’ Official MV

Permission to Dance encouraged people around the world with its message of valuing the feelings that well up from within and its open, liberating vocal work.

It’s a 2021 dance-pop tune that also made headlines for being provided by Ed Sheeran.

Even as megastars, BTS’s charming appeal—like friendly big brothers from the neighborhood—really comes through.

It’s perfect for karaoke when you just want to enjoy the moment with all your heart without overthinking.

It will help lighten the mood, and its refreshing vibe fits in smoothly no matter when you choose it.