Have you ever listened to a new K-pop song and thought, “This sounds familiar”? It might feel like a tune you’ve heard before—but at the same time, it feels fresh and new. That happens because many K-pop artists borrow samples from well-known songs. They sample melodies or beats, then skillfully mix them with bright, modern sounds. Keep reading to see your favorite K-pop idols turn samples from classic hits into today’s chart-topping songs in 2025.
When K-Pop Meets Classics: Sampling Hits in K-Pop Songs 2025
Sampling hit songs is a growing trend in K-pop that unites old-school musical magic with new flavors. K-pop artists creatively reuse parts of famous tracks to connect fans globally and add a layer of nostalgia. This mix of the familiar and the fresh helps songs stand out and reach broader audiences.
The Business and Cultural Power of Sampling
For K-pop songwriters, sampling is a key part of their art and business strategy. It connects global fans by skillfully mixing the known with the new; a familiar riff or beat can create instant interest in a new track.
This technique allows artists to honor their musical heroes and show respect across cultures, blending modern K-pop with timeless classics from both Korean and Western music.
From a strategic standpoint, using well-known hooks helps K-pop songs connect with a global market, making them easier to promote worldwide and climb the charts. This powerful blend of cultural homage and market savvy is a key ingredient in K-pop’s global success.
8 K-Pop Songs in 2025 That Sample Famous Hits
Let’s dive into the eight K-pop hits that famously sample other songs in 2025.
IVE “Attitude”
IVE’s catchy vocals blend with a classic remix melody. It samples Suzanne Vega’s 1987 hit “Tom’s Diner.”
Jeon Somi “Closer”
“Closer” samples Sean Kingston’s hit “Beautiful Girls.” The track blends tropical beats with modern K-pop flavors.
ILLIT “빌려온 고양이 (Do the Dance)”
ILLIT’s “빌려온 고양이 (Do the Dance)” borrows from the Five Star Stories OST, “The Elegant Escape.” The track merges cinematic sounds with a hip-hop style.
Lisa “Rockstar”
Lisa samples Tame Impala’s song “New Person, Same Old Mistakes.” This track mixes nostalgic rock with modern beats, and her bold personality shines through.
CORTIS “Fashion”
CORTIS’s “Fashion” samples an A$AP Rocky & Skepta track, “Praise The Lord (Da Shine).” The song mixes K-pop energy with hip-hop rhythms.
TWICE’s Chaeyoung “Shoot (Firecracker)”
Chaeyoung’s “SHOOT (Firecracker)” samples a 1977 Brothers Johnson classic. She transforms “Strawberry Letter” with her unique style. The song blends old-school groove with fresh sounds.
BLACKPINK “Jump”
BLACKPINK’s powerful track “Jump” samples the sped-up version of a techno song, “Meet Her at the Loveparade” from Da Hool. The song adds weight and swagger, reflecting BLACKPINK’s bold style.
Jennie “With the IE (way up)”
Jennie mixes samples from two different hits. She uses Jennifer Lopez’s “Jenny from the Block” and Enoch Light’s “Hijack.” This blend creates a stylish, confident vibe.
Final Thoughts
K-pop songwriters have made sampling hit songs an exciting part of their musical journey. It refreshes classics and helps artists create new stories that fans worldwide love.
Now it’s your turn! What’s your favorite K-pop song that uses a classic sample? And which of the samples in K-pop songs we mentioned from 2025 did you already recognize? Let us know in the comments below!
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