[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 that touches the heart: iconic ballads by Korean female artists
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- 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 iconic K-pop ballad-style friendship songs (31–40)
Oh my friendBIGBANG
Oh My Friend is also a great recommendation for a song you can enjoy and get hyped to with friends.
It’s a rock track released by BIGBANG in 2011, featuring a powerful, hard-hitting sound and passionate lyrics.
The message is: “Even if challenges await us, let’s face them together.” The song includes sections where you count and shout call-and-response parts, so it’s likely to be a blast at karaoke.
First, give it a listen and feel that intensity for yourself!
WE LIKE 2 PARTYBIGBANG
In 2015, before the members enlisted, BIGBANG’s last comeback as a complete group was the MADE era, which included this song.
The members, who had long remained at the top of the K-pop scene, must have faced many hardships.
It’s a cool, laid-back party track that lets you feel the unique camaraderie of these seasoned veterans who have fought together.
If you’re going to regret not enjoying the moment, then for now, just have a good time with your friends!
StarlightBOL4
A gentle yet bittersweet love ballad themed around the twinkling stars in the night sky.
Upon waking from sleep, a beloved softly whispers to me.
I gaze up at the starry sky and wish to stay by his side forever.
His tender voice gradually fades away.
It was a voice from my memories; the one I love was not actually there.
It feels like something that would help me sleep on a restless night.
그리워하다 (Missing You)BTOB
When it comes to ballads, BTOB is the first group that comes to mind.
Their 2017 hit masterpiece “Missing You” sings of a heartrending love set to a sublime melody.
The lyrics, which portray the emptiness of an unchanging reality despite the passage of time and the struggle of getting by while unable to forget, sink in deeply.
The contrast between the aching sadness conveyed by the vocal line and the sense of frustration expressed through the rap is also incredibly moving.
And then, in the latter half, the unison creates a feeling of release, opening the door to different interpretations—overall, it’s truly a beautiful ballad.
FOR YOUBTS
This Japanese version of the song released by BTS in 2015 expresses feelings toward someone precious who is far away.
Whether it’s a long-distance relationship or friends separated due to work or family circumstances, don’t we all have at least one or two people we wish we could see and spend time with every day but can’t? Even when apart, we remain connected at heart—this song carries that beautiful message.
[Korea] Ballad-style friendship songs. A collection of K-pop masterpieces (41–50)
FriendsBTS
A masterpiece that Jimin took part in writing and composing, which was completed together with producer Bang Si-hyuk from its once-unfinished form.
It sings about the friendship between Jimin and V, who moved up to Seoul and attended the same school, and were very close.
The two of them are beloved as the unit “95s.” With lyrics about memories with friends, it’s a song that makes you feel the future—vowing to spend even more intense time together than before, even while clashing at times.
The passionate, wish-filled delivery in the chorus is especially powerful!
remembrance candyBilllie
This is the new song by the seven-member Korean girl group Billlie.
It was released as the title track of their mini album “appendix: Of All We Have Lost” in October 2024.
The lyrics, written by IU, are striking for their depiction of nostalgia and the fragility of memory.
Fragments of memories are likened to candy, expressing how they linger in the heart with a blend of sweetness and bitterness.
You can feel the resolve to look forward even while reflecting on the past.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you feel like revisiting memories with someone dear.
This is their first new album in about a year and a half, and it also marks the members’ return.
It’s said to be imbued with the joy of reuniting with fans.