10 K-Pop Songs That Use Onomatopoeia In Their Lyrics

Onomatopoeia is a fun linguistic device that uses words or syllables to mimic sounds – think “crackle” for a warm fireplace or “zoom” for a car or plane. There are tons of K-pop songs that use onomatopoeia to create a specific vibe. Here are just a few of them!

1. SEVENTEEN – “Super”

From the group’s 10th mini album “FML,” SEVENTEEN’s latest title track “Super” includes the onomatopoeia heard around the world. Reminiscent of a drum beat, the “darumdarimda” in the pre-chorus is a fan favorite. You have to admit that it’s totally addicting!

2. TWICE’s Nayeon – “POP!”

The sound of bubbles popping is one of the most easily recognizable onomatopoeia, and it’s exactly what makes the title track from Nayeon’s first solo release so catchy! Along with the fun and flashy choreography, “POP!” is everything you’d expect from one of the most iconic girl group idols.

3. NCT DREAM – “Beatbox”

With “bum bum bum” and “pop” lines left and right, NCT DREAM’s “Beatbox” from the repackaged album of the same name is absolutely chock-full of onomatopoeia. Although it might be expected from a song titled “Beatbox,” the clever use of onomatopoeia in this track makes it extra fun to listen to.

4. (G)I-DLE – “DUMDi DUMDi”

An underrated summer release from 2020, (G)I-DLE’s “DUMDi DUMDi” sounds exactly like a grooving drum beat. The onomatopoeia from the title mixed with the whistle in the track makes for a combo that can totally get stuck in your head, so watch out!

5. Stray Kids – “SUPER BOARD”

A B-side track from the group’s 2022 mini album “MAXIDENT,” “SUPER BOARD” is a total bop. There are tons of lines in this song that are reminiscent of a skateboard flying over pavement, and it’s exactly the sort of quirky, head-bopping track that you’d expect from Stray Kids.

6. Red Velvet – “Zimzalabim”

“Zimzalabim” is the title track from Red Velvet’s 2019 mini album “‘The ReVe Festival’ Day 1.” With a wacky circus-inspired concept that only Red Velvet could pull off so well, the track makes use of the unique “zimzalabim” onomatopoeia to give the listener the feeling of a magic show.

7. BIGBANG – “BANG BANG BANG”

You’d be hard-pressed to find a K-pop stan that’s never heard this song. It’s one of the most iconic K-pop tracks to date, and it brings out the onomatopoeic “BANG BANG BANG” to create an unforgettable chorus. It’s a classic for a reason, and it’s every bit as good today as it was when it was released in 2015.

8. LE SSERAFIM – “Eve, Psyche, and The Bluebeard’s wife”

From LE SSERAFIM’s most recent album “UNFORGIVEN,” B-side track “Eve, Psyche, and The Bluebeard’s wife” is having a real moment on social media right now. The dance challenge includes some iconic choreography for the “boom boom boom” portion, the onomatopoeia in the chorus that’s just too good.

9. ATEEZ – “Fireworks (I’m The One)”

From ATEEZ’s “ZERO : FEVER Part.2,” title track “Fireworks (I’m The One)” is a party song for sure. The chorus makes use of onomatopoeia to evoke the imagery of exploding fireworks, and it’s pretty clever. It goes by pretty quick, but see if you can catch it!

10. BLACKPINK – “DDU-DU DDU-DU”

Every K-pop stan will know this one! “DDU-DU DDU-DU” was released in 2018, but it’s iconic to this day. The onomatopoeic title kind of sounds like drums or guns, and the choreography matches right up in a super satisfying way. There’s just no beating this track when it comes to songs that’ll make you want to dance!

Can you think of any other K-pop songs that use onomatopoeia? Tell us in the comments!