Christmas may not be as widely celebrated in South Korea as in other parts of the world, but there are plenty of festive K-pop songs that can put you in the holiday mood.
Throughout the years, artists have given us a variety of Christmas songs, including traditional ones, tear-jerking ballads, and those reimagined through the K-pop lens.
As the holiday approaches, here are some essential K-pop Christmas songs to add to your playlist.
Here are the best K-pop Christmas songs for your holiday playlist:
Honourable mentions:
APRIL – ‘Snowman’
ASTRO – ‘Merry-Go-Round (Christmas Edition)’
BoA – ‘Christmas Paradise’
Orange Caramel & NU’EST – ‘Dashing Through The Snow In High Heels’
Red Velvet & aespa – ‘Beautiful Christmas’
B1A4 – ‘It’s Christmas Time’
On their 2015 Christmas song, B1A4 incorporated classic Christmas elements and pop culture references. It’s a heartwarming and sweet song with an excellent Christmas-themed rap verse.
EXO – ‘The First Snow’
EXO’s ‘The First Snow’ is a timeless, gently glistening pop song that resurges every year. Despite being the focus of a TikTok trend, the song is a regret-filled lament that will put you in your feelings.
f(x) – ‘12시 25 분 (Wish List)’
Part of SM Entertainment’s ‘Winter Garden’ Christmas project, f(x)’s ‘12시 25 분(Wish List)’ is a festive banger with pulsating beats and twinkling melodies.
Girls’ Generation-TTS – ‘Dear Santa’
This shape-shifting Xmas track features Girls’ Generation’s rich voices, combining melancholy R&B with a jaunty, jazz piano-tinged sleigh ride, and heavenly harmonies.
Hwasa – ‘Grey Christmas’
‘Grey Christmas’ by MAMAMOO’s Hwasa is a minimal, soulful track with soft-but-powerful vocals.
Jamie – ‘5 Christmas Languages’
Solo star Jamie delivers heartfelt vocals on this infectious Christmas song about spending the holiday with someone you love.
LOONA – ‘The Carol’
Warm and cheerful, LOONA’s ‘The Carol’ is a festive single that will get Christmas fans and Scrooges in the mood for December 25.
Stray Kids – ‘Christmas EveL’
Stray Kids’ ‘Christmas EveL’ is a different take on Christmas, with a more somber mood and defiance against the magic of the season.
Taeyeon – ‘This Christmas’
From her 2017 holiday EP, Taeyeon’s ‘This Christmas’ is a poetic, poised ballad that depicts a blossoming love story under snowy December skies.
TWICE – ‘Merry & Happy’
TWICE’s ‘Merry & Happy’ takes a classic approach to the festive season, capturing the jolliness of the holidays in the comfort of a partner.
