RAG MusicK-POP
Lovely K-pop

[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 roundup of K-pop masterpieces (91–100)

We, From The First (친구, 그 오랜시간)jeong seunghwan (chon·sunfuan)

[MV] Jung Seung Hwan(정승환) _ We, From The First(친구, 그 오랜시간)
We, From The First (친구, 그 오랜시간)jeong seunghwan (chon·sunfuan)

Jeong Seung-hwan, known as the “Prince of Ballads,” is famous for OSTs like Day & Night from Start-Up: Door of Dreams.

The lead track We, From The First from his 2021 EP Five Words Left Unsaid is a must-listen for anyone craving a supreme ballad.

The lyrics—crafted by Jeong himself along with labelmate Yoo Hee-yeol and hit lyricist Kim Eana—depict the emotions of harboring special feelings for a friend, and the ache of swallowing those feelings tightens the chest.

With its graceful sound and Jeong Seung-hwan’s expressive vocals, it’s sure to amplify your longing.

친구해(BeMyFriend)주헌(JOOHEON) from MONSTA X

[MIXTAPE] 주헌(JOOHEON) X I.M – 친구해(BeMyFriend)
친구해(BeMyFriend)주헌(JOOHEON) from MONSTA X

A friendship song by MONSTA X’s two rappers, Joohoney and I.M.

If you’re a K-pop fan, you’ll probably recognize the meaning of the title “Chingu-e” right away.

Chingu means “friend,” after all.

It carries the sense of “let’s be friends,” with a party vibe that says, forget the complicated stuff—let’s just have fun together.

The casual, everyday feel—like in Western music videos—also suits the mood of the song really well.

친구야 사랑해한스밴드

A friendship song by a Hans band that was mainly active in the 1990s with a lineup of three sisters.

Set to a relaxed band sound, it conveys simple, heartfelt feelings toward a beloved friend.

Rather than being in the present tense, the lyrics feel more like looking back on memories with old friends—perhaps recalling student days when bonds deepened through the occasional argument.

All things considered, the fun memories remain so vivid, don’t they? Despite the bright vocals, there’s a faint hint of poignancy, but a friendship song like this can be nice once in a while.

Don’t think you’re alone.Kimu Bogyon

Kim Bo-kyung’s “Don’t Think You’re Alone” was also used as an OST for the drama School 2013.

When I listen to this song in tough times, the faces of friends who always support me come to mind.

Kim Bo-kyung’s vocal prowess is also noteworthy.

If I’m S, Can You Be My N?TWS

TWS (투어스) ‘내가 S면 넌 나의 N이 되어줘’ Official MV
If I'm S, Can You Be My N?TWS

This friendship song from Korea’s rising stars, TWS, captures the power of magnetism with exquisite nuance.

Its funky rhythm and synth tones create a breezy summer vibe and evoke the brilliance of youth.

Featured on the album “SUMMER BEAT!”, it was just released in June 2024.

The lyrics resonate by embracing differences and showing how they can deepen relationships.

TWS debuted in January 2024 and has already won Best New Artist at the Asia Star Entertainer Awards.

When you want to express gratitude to a friend—something you might not usually say—give this track a listen.