House music returns to KPop
Electronic dance music has been part of KPop for more than a decade, with songs like PSY’s “Gangnam Style,” f(x)’s “4 Walls,” and SHINee’s “View” helping shape the sound. While the style has always been prominent, it became more noticeable again in 2025 and has continued into 2026, especially among girl groups. As of now, house music has become one of the clearest influences, with recent songs like “Whiplash” by aespa, “Crazy” by LE SSERAFIM, “Rude!” by Hearts2Hearts, “404 (New Era) by KiiiKiii, “BLACKHOLE” by IVE, and “Gala” by XG, showing how strongly the style fits KPop’s dance identity.
Music critic Lim Hee-yun has said this trend is a natural evolution from KPop to dance-oriented music as a compatible style. He said electronic dance music and house are built on a steady four-on-the-floor beat. KPop is, in a similar way, dance music at its core, which makes the combination natural.
“The reason house and EDM are frequently used in K-pop is that house is built on a steady four-on-the-floor beat, which is fundamental to dance music. K-pop is also electronic dance music at its core, so the combination is natural.”
Girl groups lead the new electronic dance music wave
Several releases have helped push the trend forward. First, aespa used house influences in “Supernova” and “Whiplash,” then LE SSERAFIM did the same with “Crazy.” Hearts2Hearts also built much of its early sound around house music after debuting in February 2025. The group released “Style” in June 2025, followed by “Focus” in October 2025 and “Rude!” in February 2026, both anchored by playful electronic sounds.
Similarly, XG brought house and UK garage influence with “Gala” and “Hypnotize.” Then KiiiKiii joined the wave with “404 (New Era),” which blended elements of house music and UK garage. IVE followed the trend in February 2026 with “BANG BANG,” a UK hard house track that stayed at #1 on Melon for five weeks in March 2026.
Techno tracks will be expanding the trend
The trend has also expanded beyond house music. BLACKPINK took the first step after they released the techno-inspired “Jump” in July 2025. Following the same steps, LE SSERAFIM released “Celebration” on April 24, 2026. In addition, ILLIT is also returning with the techno house track “It’s Me,” releasing on April 30, 2026.
