[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.
- [Exquisite Ballad Songs] K-pop that touches the soul. Korean Ballads
- A bright, cheerful Korean friendship song. A roundup of K-pop songs about friends.
- 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.
[South Korea] A collection of K-pop masterpieces: ballad-style friendship songs (21–30)
AlwaysGFRIEND
A track from the album Season Of Memories delivered by the girl group GFRIEND.
It was released in January 2025.
With a pop, retro-tinged sound, it creates a warm atmosphere.
The lyrics portray eternal love and the importance of memories, aligning beautifully with GFRIEND’s mature performance.
Asking whether “the bond with the one you love never changes,” it carries a message that feels close to the heart.
It’s a perfect song for those in a long-distance relationship or when you’re in the mood to reflect on precious memories with someone special.
Dear KamiliaKARA
When it comes to the driving force behind the K-pop boom in Japan, it was KARA, wasn’t it? Unfortunately, due to member departures and other factors, KARA effectively disbanded in 2016.
This is a ballad released in 2011, perfect for a gentle, heartfelt listen.
Enjoy the beautiful harmonies crafted by the members! Its message—wishing to keep walking together forever with the partner who supports you—quietly resonates in the heart.
[Korea] A collection of iconic K-pop ballad-style friendship songs (31–40)
Good ByeSORAN
An upbeat tune wrapped in a bright atmosphere and sense of speed.
SORAN, a band making waves in the Korean indie scene, released it in December 2023.
Though it’s a farewell song titled “Good Bye,” its warm send-off perfectly showcases SORAN’s charm.
Ko Yong-bae’s gentle vocals and the subtle sparkle in the sound make it feel like it brightens the listener’s future and gives you energy.
It’s recommended both as a graduation song and as a track to dedicate to a close friend.
Goodbye, then.015B
015B’s “Mou, Sayonara” expresses the feeling of reluctance to part with a friend.
It was released in 1991, yet it remains a beloved classic for many people today.
Listen to this song while imagining the day you’ll meet your dear friend again.
우정, 그 씁쓸함에 대하여10cm
With its lively rhythm and bright acoustic guitar tone, this song feels light and pleasant.
It’s a track by 10cm, a unit that debuted as a duo and later continued as a solo act.
It’s included on the album “1.0,” released in 2011.
Overflowing with humor, it wryly sings, “If I got back the money I lent you, I could eat tuna or barbecue…” Is it really okay to lend money so casually just because you’re friends? On the other hand, you could take it as a sign of a good relationship.
If you’ve had that kind of experience, why not take the chance to enjoy something delicious together with that friend?
GRAB ME -Japanese ver.AB6IX
A pop tune by AB6IX whose Japanese version was released in June 2024.
Its powerful vocals and pop-rock sound are striking.
The lyrics, themed around friendship and bonds, convey the importance of supporting one another.
It feels like a song that can give you the courage to keep moving forward even in difficult times.
One of the members, Lee Dae-hwi, has been actively involved in music production, having worked on IZ*ONE’s songs even before debut.
It might be the perfect track for times when you want to do your best with your friends, or when you want to express gratitude to someone important.
To. UsA Pink
This is a song by Apink, a six-member female idol group.
It’s included on their third album, Pink Revolution, released in 2016.
It’s a soothing ballad with warm vocals and a comforting melody, and the lyrics dwell on the importance of memories.
Memories may fade with time, but when we’re feeling anxious, it’s those memories that give us strength.
The song encourages us to live on with the happiness we felt back then held close in our hearts.
It may especially resonate with those who have been separated from a close friend.