The thumbnail picture of Ok-pop woman group triple S’ new single, “Christmas Alone” / Courtesy of Modhaus
With Christmas solely weeks away, Korea’s music scene is easing into its annual wave of festive releases. Seasonal songs have all the time had a robust foothold within the Ok-pop market, and this yr’s lineup consists of contemporary collaborations and reimagined classics which can be already shaping the nation’s winter soundtrack.
From remade international hits to nostalgic favorites rising on the charts once more, these Ok-pop choices will preserve your holidays sounding each acquainted and contemporary.
One of many season’s standout releases comes from boy group ENHYPEN, who lately reinterpreted pop star Justin Bieber’s vacation single, “Mistletoe.” The undertaking was produced as a collaboration between the group’s label Belift Lab and Apple Music, with ENHYPEN’s model premiering completely on the platform on Nov. 11.
The jacket picture of boy band ENHYPEN’s new winter launch, “Mistletoe,” a remake of Canadian pop star Justin Bieber’s 2011 hit / Courtesy of Belift Lab
The unique “Mistletoe” was launched in 2011, when a then-teenage Justin Bieber was dominating international charts. The monitor reached No. 11 on the Billboard Sizzling 100 and shortly cemented itself as probably the most recognizable up to date Christmas pop singles. ENHYPEN’s remake honors that nostalgic familiarity whereas introducing new listeners to the group’s fashion.
One other late-November launch comes from tripleS, the 24-member woman group that unveiled “Christmas Alone” on Nov. 24, together with a themed efficiency clip. The monitor blends Jersey membership rhythms with electropop, whereas additionally incorporating seasonal touches like sleigh bell sound results and chimes. The result’s a monitor that feels each up to date and comfortingly heat, successfully capturing the Christmas spirit.
Lady group NMIXX / Courtesy of JYP Leisure
Past new releases, a number of Ok-pop winter hits are additionally experiencing their annual resurgence. Final yr’s “Funky Glitter Christmas” from JYP Leisure woman group NMIXX has returned to winter playlists. Launched in 2024, the dance-pop monitor blends sparkly synths and a playful rhythm that aligns naturally with the festive season.
A unique shade of winter comes from V of Ok-pop juggernaut BTS and ballad star Park Hyo-shin, whose 2024 collaboration “Winter Forward” presents a quieter and extra introspective tackle the season. The music displays V’s well-documented love of jazz, with brushed drums, upright bass and delicate piano making a heat, intimate environment. Whereas not a conventional Christmas music, it has turn into a cold-weather favourite for followers in search of a extra serene addition to their vacation listening.
One other notable traditional is EXO’s “The First Snow,” initially launched in 2013. The midtempo pop monitor evokes the quietness of early winter with its mild instrumentation and nostalgic lyrics, serving to the monitor repeatedly reenter streaming charts in recent times. Its resurgence has been pushed largely by short-form video challenges and renewed curiosity from youthful listeners drawn to its nostalgic pull.
Lady group TWICE continues to carry a spot within the winter canon with “Merry & Joyful,” a shiny, melodic single that captures the joy and sweetness of the vacation season. Though the group’s “Coronary heart Shaker” is usually cited because the group’s main year-end hit, “Merry & Joyful” has additionally constructed its personal legacy as an upbeat seasonal staple on account of its celebratory power.
Different longtime fan favorites embody woman group Lovelyz’s “Twinkle.” The music usually reenters public playlists each December because of its glowing association and heat storybook appeal.
Rounding out the record is Ladies’ Technology vocalist Taeyeon’s “This Christmas,” the title monitor from her 2017 winter album “This Christmas — Winter is Coming.” Identified for its orchestral association and Taeyeon’s emotive vocals, the music has remained a big seasonal launch amongst Ok-pop soloists. The album itself is among the few full-length vacation tasks by a serious idol singer in recent times, giving it a definite place inside Korea’s festive discography.
