Christmas Caroling, But Make it K-Pop: a Festive Selection Starring DAY6, KOREA CRACKER, and More

It’s tiiiiiiiiiime! Christmas is all around us—and Korea is feeling it too. Over the last two weeks, several artists, more or less famous on the Korean scene, have released Christmas-themed songs for every possible taste. Here’s a selection of six fine tunes to cover every mood you might be in—well, almost.

DAY6’s “Lovin’ the Christmas”

Some of the best vocalists in K-Pop are found in the band DAY6 (데이식스), and we get to enjoy their pipes even in this funny, lighthearted Christmas song. Released on November 15, the special single borrows the charm of Motown records from the ’60s and ’70s, crafting a vintage backdrop for its heartwarming, romantic lyrics. It’s sparkly, fluffy, and totally adorable. The song was an instant hit, topping charts in Korea, and we believe it fully deserves a spot on your festive playlists.

KOREA CRACKER’s “Rudolph’s Secret”

If your favourite Korean music leans toward laid-back, softly sung tunes, look no further for your kimchi-flavoured Christmas song—KOREA CRACKER has you covered. The track features jingling bells that seem to announce reindeer dashing into your winter days, an easy melody to sing or hum along to, and an extra dose of sweetness. And really, we could all use a little more of that during the holidays.

Released on December 2 as part of the two-track single album A Story Someone Should Know Pt. 1, the song tells the story of confessing one’s feelings to a lover after a year apart. It’s that end-of-year urge you just have to give in to—and if the classic Christmas movie Love Actually has taught us anything, it’s exactly that.

Mighty Mouth’s “CHRISTMAS PLAN”

Tired of sugary songs? Then you might be in the mood for something a little swaggy, a little groovy. Rubbing shoulders with rap and hip-hop, the track doesn’t shy away from the seasonal “ho-ho-ho,” perfectly dropped between the bars. Also released on December 2, this song by Mighty Mouth (마이티 마우스) is a medium-tempo, pop-based rap/hip-hop track that captures the excitement of spending a special Christmas with a loved one. It may strike a chord with anyone travelling home for the holidays and finally reuniting with family without leaning on sappy melodies.

ALL (H)OURS’s “White Christmas”

The warmth of the Christmas holidays meets the bright energy of K-Pop in ALL (H)OURS’s (올아워즈) song. If ’tis the season for you means snow-blanketed scenes, sparkling streetlights, and moments destined to become cherished memories, this is the K-Pop tune for you.

Personal note: while listening, a mild rap verse sparked a sudden memory—bear with me as we dig up a true oldie from the other side of the pond. It instantly brought to mind Jay from British boyband 5ive and their track “Keep On Movin’.” The two songs share a similar vibe… Christmas ornaments included, of course.

Johan Kim’s “Jingle Berry”

This one is wild. Imagine “Jingle Bells,” but with reggae vibes—and yes, the Christmas bells are still there. Now add Johan Kim (김조한), a singer born to deliver heartfelt ballads (and, honestly, we wouldn’t rule out trot either). Then imagine a carol about a Christmas tree made of strawberries—hence the “berry” in the title. Can you picture it? We couldn’t either. But since December 17, it exists, and it’s so weird that it works. Kind of like that unexpectedly satisfying dish you throw together with holiday leftovers. Have fun with this one, chingus.

5 Seconds, U-Kwon, Woosoo, Jiwoo - “JINGLE & JIVE (feat U-Kwon, Woosoo & Jiwoo)”

Another K-Pop tune rounds out the list, this time with a ballad infused with jivey vibes. Released on December 16, the song by 5Seconds, U-Kwon (유권), Woosoo (우수), and Jiwoo (지우) appears on the single album 5SECONDS CAROL Vol.1. It opens with the romantic tones of a ballad, painting a scene of “a quiet street on a night with the lights out, lying still under white snow, as if the world has stopped,” before gently picking up the tempo—just enough to keep that jive-inflected atmosphere alive. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a cosy winter night.

What will be your pick for the holidays?