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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 collection of iconic K-pop ballad-style friendship songs (31–40)

GRAB ME -Japanese ver.AB6IX

AB6IX「GRAB ME -Japanese ver.」 MV
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

Apink / To. Us (Japanese Subtitles + Korean Subtitles)
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.

Oh my friendBIGBANG

Big Bang – Oh My Friend [Audio Only] (from 3rd Mini Album)
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

BIGBANG – ‘WE LIKE 2 PARTY’ 0604 M COUNTDOWN
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!

그리워하다 (Missing You)BTOB

BTOB(비투비) – ‘그리워하다’ Official Music Video
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.

[Korea] Ballad-style friendship songs. A collection of K-pop masterpieces (41–50)

FOR YOUBTS

BTS ‘FOR YOU’ Official MV
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.

FriendsBTS

BTS (방탄소년단) ‘Friends (친구)’ MV
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!