Nordic songwriters are increasingly engaging with the K-pop industry, a global music phenomenon that dominates music charts worldwide. Recent hits such as Jump by Blackpink and Golden from the Netflix K-pop film soundtrack have topped international rankings, underscoring the genre’s mainstream appeal.
From Denmark to Sweden, artists and producers are contributing to South Korea’s vibrant pop scene, attracted by its vast market potential and creative opportunities.
Danish talent finds success in K-pop collaborations
Amanda Thomsen, a Danish songwriter, recently achieved her greatest success in the K-pop market with the song Butterflies, included on the B-side of the debut single by South Korean girl group Hearts2Hearts. Released earlier this year, the single became the fastest-selling debut by a girl group in South Korea’s history. Thomsen notes that, unlike in Western markets where revenue is limited, the K-pop industry allows songwriters to sustain a profitable business.
Christian Fløe Svenningsen, who works with GL Music Entertainment, connects Danish songwriters with major South Korean companies such as SM Entertainment. He highlights the rise in K-pop songwriting camps in Denmark and growing investment from organisations like DPA, MXD and Musikforlæggerne, which are now prioritising K-pop over the US market.
Sweden’s K-pop revenues surge by 1,000%
In Sweden, the music rights organisation Stim reports that income from K-pop rose by 1,000% between 2018 and 2024. Approximately 500 Swedish songwriters are now active in the genre. Songwriter Ellen Berg, who once relied on her partner for financial support, now earns millions of kronor annually from her work in K-pop, often producing a song per day during intensive week-long camps.
Another notable example is Omar Rudberg, singer and star of the Netflix series Young Royals, who wrote the song Waves for K-pop artist TEN, further illustrating the breadth of Swedish contributions to the genre.
A market driven by both physical and digital sales
One factor drawing Nordic creators to K-pop is its reliance on physical formats. While CD sales have declined sharply in Europe, they remain a major revenue source in South Korea, complementing digital streaming.
This physical sales model, combined with the genre’s global streaming reach—boosted by platforms like Spotify and appearances in series on Amazon Prime and Apple TV—offers both financial stability and international exposure.
Creativity and cultural exchange fuel collaboration
For Thomsen, the appeal of K-pop lies in its “cute fan culture” and openness to bold, unconventional creativity that might not be accepted in Danish mainstream music. The large South Korean audience, she adds, offers opportunities on a scale unmatched by the Nordic markets.
As the K-pop wave continues to shape global music trends, Nordic songwriters are not just following the movement—they are becoming integral contributors, shaping hits that resonate with millions of fans worldwide.
