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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 ballad-style friendship song. A compilation of K-pop masterpieces (81–90)

Between Love and FriendshipPinokio

피노키오 – 사랑과 우정 사이
Between Love and FriendshipPinokio

Pinocchio’s “Between Love and Friendship” is a bittersweet number that, true to its title, sings about a complicated relationship that is neither love nor friendship.

It’s a song I’d like to recommend to anyone torn between affection and friendship.

Let its wistful yet gentle sound soothe your heart.

Under the name of ‘friend’김태우 ft. 손호영

친구란 이름으로 – 김태우 ft. 손호영
Under the name of 'friend'김태우 ft. 손호영

“In the Name of Friendship,” sung by Kim Tae-woo and Son Ho-young, is a classic that expresses gratitude to irreplaceable friends.

It can feel a bit embarrassing to put those feelings into words, can’t it? Why not listen to this song and take the opportunity to share your everyday appreciation with your friends?

LUH! (Feat.SOLE)다희(DAHEE)

[MV] 다희(DAHEE) – LUH! (Feat.SOLE) / Official Music Video
LUH! (Feat.SOLE)다희(DAHEE)

This is a track Dahy co-produced with her friend, R&B singer SOLE, featuring her as well, and released in 2020.

Its chill, relaxed vibe is wrapped in lyrics that gently reassure you: “Even as time passes and things change, it’s okay to be yourself.” It feels so heartwarming when someone notices even your small changes or tells you they’ll be there when you’re feeling down.

The song is full of that warmth.

Listening to “LUH! (Feat.

SOLE)” during a slow night might just make you want to call up a friend!

혜화동 (혹은 쌍문동)paku boramu

[응답하라 1988 Part 4] 박보람 (Park Boram) – 혜화동 (혹은 쌍문동) MV
혜화동 (혹은 쌍문동)paku boramu

The TV drama Reply 1988, which also aired in Japan.

The OST track created by Park Boram is Hyehwa-dong (a.k.a.

Ssangmun-dong).

It’s a beautiful ballad that sings about memories of playing with friends in childhood.

By the way, this song is a cover of a track with the same title released in 1998.

Compared to the original, it has a more wistful, moist atmosphere that matched the drama’s story very well.

Try dedicating it to your childhood friend.

친구라는 건 (with 김범수)paku-hyoshin

Singer-songwriter Park Hyo-shin collaborated with world-renowned singer Kim Bum-soo on the track “친구라는 건 (with 김범수).” The title means “What It Is to Be Friends” in Japanese, and the song explores what friendship is, weaving in various episodes.

You’ll likely find stories you can relate to as well.

Their passionate vocals and harmonies are also highlights.

Enjoy this star-studded collaboration.