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[Korea] A ballad-style friendship song. A roundup of classic K-pop masterpieces

Among K-pop songs, what kind do you like?

There are tracks that captivate with intense dance and rap, as well as upbeat, catchy pop numbers—but surprisingly, many people also enjoy ballads.

In this article, we’ll focus on introducing ballad-style songs specifically from K-pop’s friendship-themed tracks.

These are all wonderful songs that gently sing about friendship and the bonds between companions, so be sure to read the lyrics while you listen.

[Korea] A collection of classic K-pop ballad-style friendship songs (61–70)

HELLO AGAINMYNAME

MYNAME「HELLO AGAIN」(Official MV)
HELLO AGAINMYNAME

It’s a friendship song, but this one is very bittersweet and stands apart from the others.

The friends in the song seem to be parting ways for their dreams or something important.

That’s why the title is “HELLO AGAIN.” They leave, believing in the day they’ll meet again.

It’s heartbreaking, isn’t it? You can’t help but be drawn in by MYNAME’s gentle, beautiful vocals.

Just FriendsMeloMance

[MV] MeloMance(멜로망스) _ Just Friends(욕심)
Just FriendsMeloMance

It sings about the aching inner feelings of a man who has a one-sided love for a female friend.

The man in the song comes across as very cautious and sensitive.

He’s afraid that the moment he reveals his feelings, their relationship as best friends will be lost.

Even when he tries to confess, he hesitates out of consideration for how she might feel.

You can clearly sense his conflict between wanting to support her as a friend and wanting to become someone special to her.

Best Friend EverNCT DREAM

NCT DREAM 엔시티 드림 ‘Best Friend Ever’ MV
Best Friend EverNCT DREAM

A friendship song that conveys the message of spending time together, sharing many things, and deepening your bond with each other.

It’s the Japanese debut single released in February 2023 by NCT DREAM, who have delivered many songs with wonderful lyrics.

Member Mark contributed to the lyrics for the rap parts.

The track has a vibe that showcases their refreshing charm and stylishness.

Starting with the chorus, it’s catchy and makes you want to sing along! Listening to this song brings a gentle swell of gratitude—because it reminds you that you are who you are thanks to your friends.

Please give it a listen while thinking of your dearest friends.

My FriendsNeonPunch

An EDM-flavored uptempo track that thrills from the intro, “My Friends” is a song by the girl group NeonPunch, which unfortunately disbanded in 2020 due to various factors including the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was included on their 2019 mini-album WATCH OUT.

The lyrics convey a sense of bond, with lines like “Joy is doubled, sorrow is halved.” It’s reassuring and heartwarming when a beloved friend tells you, “We’re together no matter what.” The lively sound gives you energy too, so be sure to sing it at karaoke and have fun when you’re out with friends!

Just FriendsPIANO MAN

[MV] PIANO MAN(피아노맨) _ Just Friends(후회할 것 같아서) (Prod. By VAN.C)
Just FriendsPIANO MAN

A piano man with a clear, captivating voice.

The title is “Just Friends,” with the subtitle “후회할 것 같아서,” which captures the essence of the song.

The phrase appears repeatedly in the lyrics, pronounced ‘hu-hoe-hal go gat-ta-seo,’ meaning ‘because I thought I’d regret it.’ If you confess and get rejected, you don’t know if you’ll be able to meet or hang out afterward—you might never see each other again.

Considering that risk, some people choose to stay just friends and hold on to their one-sided feelings.

But this song is about taking a step forward with courage to make the person you love happy.

It’s a wonderful, uplifting song that gives you courage!

Passionate Goodbye ft. 성시경PSY

뜨거운 안녕 (Passionate Goodbye) ft. 성시경
Passionate Goodbye ft. 성시경PSY

Released in 2012 as a track on Part 1 of the sixth album, Psy 6 (Six Rules).

It’s a remake of a classic song released in 2007 by Yoo Hee-yeol—also known as TOY—who’s familiar to many as a TV host.

The title, which means “A Hot Goodbye,” features lyrics that evoke memories of youthful days.

Keeping the emotional core intact, the arrangement gives it a more accessible, enjoyable feel.

It portrays the cathartic outpouring of a friend’s heartbreak, overlapping with the image of belting it out at karaoke.

While it reads as a breakup song from the singer’s perspective, it’s also recommended as a piece that transcends borders, offering companionship to a heartbroken friend.

Same KeyRIIZE

RIIZE is a seven-member boy group.

This warm, heartfelt song is the first they’ve delivered specifically for their Japanese fans.

With lyrics centered on friendship, bonds, and growth, it leaves a lasting impression and resonates deeply with listeners.

Released in July 2024, it was also chosen as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “Kao ni Doro o Nuru” (Smearing Mud on the Face).

The track portrays how, even while struggling with daily doubts and worries, we can change for the better through meeting and being supported by our friends.

It’s great to listen to while watching the drama, but it’s also lovely to hum along to with a close friend.