Trisha Paytas goes K-pop: Fans react to Korean single 'Saranghae'

Fans quickly reacted to the release, with many expressing praise and debate online

Trisha Paytas has released a surprise Korean-language pop single titled “사랑해 (Saranghae / I Love You)”, marking the latest chapter in the internet personality’s expanding music career and wider 2026 rebrand.

The track, released around May 18 alongside a glossy music video, features synchronised choreography, pink confetti visuals and a polished synth-pop sound inspired by earlier generations of K-pop.

According to details shared around the release, Paytas worked with collaborators including Alex Wright and Korean writers Danbi Kim and Amy L. Stillwell while learning Korean for the song with the support of a language producer.

 

 

 

 

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Fans online quickly reacted to the release, with many expressing surprise at Paytas’ pronunciation and the amount of Korean featured in the lyrics.

One viral reaction read, “the concept of trisha payta's song having more korean lyrics than actual kpop songs.” Another user joked, “she saw the state of kpop and decided to save the industry.”

she saw the state of kpop and decided to save the industry https://t.co/9VxfqCprBs

— sushiiii ꕤ (@ivemineswitch) May 18, 2026

the concept of trisha payta's song having more korean lyrics than actual kpop songs......... https://t.co/45tDQrHGy0

— iván (@kissofkai) May 18, 2026

our first plus size kpop idol https://t.co/FPGtsvLNYp

— kanishk (@kaxishk) May 19, 2026

the craziest thing about this is that the version of kpop she's emulating lowkey does not exist anymore https://t.co/u52RzaWONn

— 🪩Jay🪩 (@SowoneulJay) May 18, 2026

her biopic is gonna be a trilogy https://t.co/Qypii2kWRl

— Seddera Side (@sedderaside) May 18, 2026

production and video giving nugu debut https://t.co/e6acGWa9Ya

— 🦇 (@orlokthecount) May 18, 2026

this is how IU’s music sounds to me https://t.co/6HA55uPUzB

— ‎ 𝜗𝜚 (@baesfilms) May 18, 2026

Others viewed the track as a nostalgic tribute to an older era of K-pop rather than a parody. 

The single arrives amid a busy year that includes a global tour, a growing podcast presence and her recently announced plans to run for Congress in California.