[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.
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- K-POP and Korean tear-jerker songs: tracks that deeply resonate and bring you to tears
- K-pop that touches the heart: iconic ballads by Korean female artists
- K-pop friendship songs: heartwarming Korean tracks about borderless bonds
- K-pop to listen to in winter: beautiful Korean songs that touch the heart
- Korean karaoke songs: beloved tunes from popular ballads to K-pop
- A Korean K-pop duet song: a captivating collaboration
- Tearjerker K-pop ballads: Korean songs that will make you cry
- K-pop that touches the heart: masterful ballads by Korean male artists
- Tickling your tear ducts! A collection of emotional and heartwarming K-pop tearjerker songs
- An emotional Korean song. A gently moving, sensitive masterpiece.
- A poignant, heart-touching K-pop song. A bittersweet track that resonates with many different emotions.
[Korea] A collection of classic K-pop ballad-style friendship songs (61–70)
MiracleOH MY GIRL
A warm, gentle-melody friendship song that sinks deep into the heart.
Released in April 2023 and named after OH MY GIRL’s fan club, this track features lyrics written by all members, packed with the feelings of all six.
It conveys gratitude to the fans who have supported them over eight years of activity.
Included on the album “Golden Hourglass,” the song captivates with a sound that exquisitely fuses synth-pop and dream-pop.
The members’ clear vocals and harmonies resonate softly, further enhancing the song’s world.
It’s a heartwarming track that makes you want to look back on memories with dear friends—perfect to listen to with someone special to whom you want to express your thanks.
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
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.
Friends (Feat. Tiger JK)RAIN
Since his debut in 1998, Rain—also known as Bi—has enjoyed a long career that includes acting.
This track comes from his fourth album, Rain’s World, released in 2006.
A smooth, R&B-tinged slow ballad, it wraps you in the beautiful vocals of the artist once called the “Korean Usher.” If it brings even a little comfort… may your wounds heal.
The lyrics express care for a friend, with warm messages like “Call me anytime when things are tough,” carried by his gentle voice.
Featuring a guest verse from legendary rapper Tiger JK, the song’s structure even feels like a back-and-forth between friends.
When you can’t find the right words, try singing this at karaoke to share how you feel!
친구 (Friend)S.E.S
A beloved classic about friendship is “친구 (Friend).” It’s the title track from an album released in 2002 by the three-member girl group S.E.S.
The lyrics convey a message to a friend who’s going away: “Please don’t forget me.” It’s a poignantly sad sentiment.
Incidentally, some interpret the lyrics as being directed toward a friend of the opposite sex for whom the singer has romantic feelings.
Try listening and interpreting it in a way that fits your own circumstances.
Lean On MeSEVENTEEN
A work by SEVENTEEN’s Hip-hop Team that carries heartfelt sentiments delivered through a warm, comforting melody.
Centered on the theme of friendship and mutual support, this track was included on the December 2016 album “Going Seventeen.” In Japan, a Japanese version was featured on the May 2018 mini-album “WE MAKE YOU,” and it has won the love of many fans.
With a gentle beat seamlessly fused with melodious rap, the song overflows with warmth toward one’s friends.
It’s the perfect track to share with a dear friend when you want to say, “Even if we’re apart, our hearts are close.”