17 Upbeat K-Pop Songs To Help You Officially Welcome Summer

At long last, summer is just around the corner! And in the summertime, there’s nothing better than listening to some feel-good tunes to pump you up. So here are 17 songs to add to your summer playlist!

1. Taeyeon – “Why”

Having been filmed in Southern California, everything about Taeyeon’s “Why” MV just screams “summer.” The combination of her smooth vocals and the lively beat result in a track that can be listened to all year long. Not to mention that all her outfits here are on point.

2. Eric Nam ft. Loco – “Can’t Help Myself”

This adorable song makes us want to go out and find ourselves a summer love, for real. Not only is the song fun and upbeat, but Eric’s charm makes the MV a joy to watch. Listening to this makes me want to get up and dance along, no matter what my mood is.

3. DAY6 – “I’m Serious”

This is the type of song that makes you want to have a bonfire at the beach after a long day of playing in the ocean. The easy-going acoustic guitar makes the song extremely relaxing, and the best part is the little a cappella bit that starts before the last chorus. And of course DAY6 playing at the beach makes for an adorable MV.

4. SISTAR – “Touch My Body”

Let’s be honest: you all expected a SISTAR song to be on this list. And who are we to deprive you? SISTAR is unfortunately disbanding, but we should all take the time to appreciate the lovely songs they’ve given us throughout the years. We hereby recommend all SISTAR songs for summertime!

5. SHINee – “View”

Why does SHINee have to make everything look so fun?! Seriously, this MV makes our summers seem so boring in comparison. But if this song wasn’t already in your list of 2015 summer bops, it’s not too late to make it your summer 2017 song as well.

6. CL – “Lifted”

Although it is the only English song on the list, CL’s “Lifted” can still count as K-pop for our intents and purposes. With the song’s laid-back yet cheerful vibes, it’s the perfect track for a summer kickback with friends. We can only imagine how good her album will sound!

7. f(x) – “All Mine”

Many of f(x)’s songs are excellent for summertime (“Hot Summer,” anyone?), but one song that is particularly great to listen to in the summer is their track “All Mine.” The song is easy to dance to and brings a smile to our faces, making it the perfect addition to a summer playlist.

8. Zico ft. Babylon – “Boys and Girls”

Without a doubt, this is the summer party song. Zico’s energetic rapping and Babylon’s smooth vocals come together to make one extremely catchy song. If you don’t have “I’m a boy, you are a girl” stuck in your head after listening to this, you’re doing something wrong.

9. NCT – “Switch”

Having previously performed this song as SM Rookies in 2015, NCT finally released a studio version of “Switch” on NCT 127’s first album. And at the end of last year, SM Entertainment formally released the VCR and blessed all of our souls. So enjoy three minutes and twenty two seconds of predebut NCT, with (thankfully) normal hair, having a wholesome water gun battle. Oh, and did I mention that the song is bomb?

10. Triple H – “365 Fresh”

Despite the MV’s rather dark themes, the song “365 Fresh” is actually as fresh as the name suggests. HyunA’s and E’Dawn’s playful rap parts nicely complement Hui’s rich vocals, and the ’90s aesthetic adds a nice touch. If the MV isn’t your thing, the dance performances are excellent as well!

11. Jay Park ft. Gray – “Drive”

This is, without a doubt, a go-to relaxation song. Just reading the lyrics will make you feel at ease, so be sure to turn on the subs when you watch the MV. If Jay Park says “Let’s go for a drive,” then you’d better get your butt in the car and have the best drive of your entire life. All jokes aside, this song and the MV is worth your attention. C’mon, SISTAR’s Bora even makes a cameo! What’s not to love?

12. MAMAMOO – “You’re the Best”

Everything about MAMAMOO is just too good for this world. Their flawless vocals, adorable personalities, and ethereal visuals never cease to amaze me. But be warned: the funky vibe of this song may cause you to engage in some extremely awkward chair dancing. It’s definitely worth it though.

13. WINNER – “Really Really”

A far cry from the style of WINNER’s previous releases, “Really Really” is a cheerful electro-pop song that is beyond addictive. The multitude of background dancers really (really) reminds me of a group of friends dancing without a care in the world.

14. ASTRO – “Breathless”

If you love ASTRO, former I.O.I member Choi Yoojung, and drinking soda on the beach, then you’ll absolutely swoon for this song. That may sound like an odd combination, but ASTRO makes it work. With their signature peppy image and energetic dance, these boys will come after your heart in a flurry of fluorescent colors and leave you “Breathless.”

15. BIGBANG – “Sober”

With this pop-rock fusion, BIGBANG has created yet another song that must be jammed to. Hearing Daesung on the drums really gets you hyped up as you listen, almost as if you were at a music festival. Plus, with the MV’s hilarious antics, there’s never a dull moment while watching.

16. Wonder Girls – “Why So Lonely?”

This reggae-inspired track is the epitome of chill. With their instruments in tow, the four Wonder Girls members in the MV are living in an odd, aesthetic wonderland where the only man in their lives is plastic…literally. Although the Wonder Girls members have gone their separate ways, there’s no denying the mark they have made on the music industry.

17. B1A4 – “Solo Day”

If you have a deep-seated distaste of whistling, then this song may not be for you. The addictive chorus of “Solo Day” will be stuck in your head for hours on end, guaranteed, or your money back. That’s a lie; there was no money exchanged here. Nevermind, just do yourself a favor and listen to the song!

Did your summer jam make it on the list? If not, be sure to tell us your favorite song in the comments, and play the full playlist here:

jadicus35 is a ordinary college student by day, and a not-so-closet fangirl by night. She spends her time on Tumblr when she’s not (but really should be) studying and/or pretending to be a functional human being.