As the year wraps, listeners scramble to lock in their "first song of the New Year" — a viral ritual meant to set the tone for the next 12 months. Many pick tracks that channel fresh resolve and good luck, believing the very first chorus after midnight can make or break their year.
So, which songs are K-pop fans putting at the top of their list?
Hopeful, high-energy anthems dominate. Students and job seekers especially gravitate toward WJSN (Cosmic Girls)' 'As You Wish', aespa's 'Live My Life', Girls' Generation's 'Way To Go', and DAY6's 'HAPPY' for that instant mood boost.
Among them, 'As You Wish', released in 2019, has shockingly held No. 1 on major Korean streaming charts every New Year's Day for six straight years. Its looping hook — "Iruri, Iruri, La / Everything will come true" — perfectly matches the optimistic vibe. To hit the lyric right at midnight, start the track at 11:58:52 PM on December 31, and you'll hear "Everything will come true" exactly as the year changes.
ILLIT's 'Lucky Girl Syndrome' is another hot pick. Press play at 11:59:23 PM and you'll land on the line "Yeah, luck, yeah, I'm a lucky girl" at the stroke of midnight.
IVE, known for confidence-fueled bangers, offers multiple midnight-ready options. Start 'REBEL HEART' at 11:59:57 PM to hear "The beginning is always like I've achieved it all, the ending like I've won" right as the new year hits. For 'ATTITUDE', press play at 11:59:09 PM to catch "Even if I bump into things here and there, luck is always on my side" at midnight. With 'I AM', begin at 11:57:42 PM to hear "Then I'll just take off and fly — wherever you pass becomes the path" when the clock turns.
Money-themed tracks are trending too. BLACKPINK's Lisa sees a surge of streams for 'MONEY', as fans hope to manifest a year of financial freedom with its flex-heavy lyrics.
All eyes are now on which tracks will dominate listeners' first-play rituals as 2026 arrives.