[Exquisite Ballad Songs] K-pop that touches the soul. Korean Ballads
When you think of K-POP, many movement-starting idol songs come to mind, but in Korea, ballads are even more popular than in Japan and are loved by a wide range of generations, regardless of age or gender.
The emotionally rich singing style of Korean artists can really move you, even if you don’t understand the lyrics.
We’ll be picking out lots of wonderful ballads—not only by idols, but also by solo singers and musicians!
Be sure to find a favorite ballad that resonates with your heart.
- K-pop that touches the heart: masterful ballads by Korean male artists
- K-pop that touches the heart: iconic ballads by Korean female artists
- Tearjerker K-pop ballads: Korean songs that will make you cry
- Stylish K-pop and Korean songs. Songs with a nice vibe.
- 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.
- [Touching the Heart] Timeless Ballad Masterpieces. A Collection of Unfading Classics and the Latest Songs [2026]
- Korean karaoke songs: beloved tunes from popular ballads to K-pop
- [Korean Oldies · Genre-Free] Songs from Korea you’ll want to listen to now—nostalgic Korean tracks
- [Korean popular music] Popular trot songs. Masterpieces by trot singers.
- Cute K-pop and Korean songs: heartwarming, energizing, and heart-throbbing tunes
- [Solo Singer Special] K-POP & Korean Male Solo Artists
- [For when you want to cry] A ballad love song. A heartbreaking love song.
[Exquisite Ballad Songs] K-POP that touches the heart. Korean Ballads (131–140)
Have a drinkHONG JIN YOUNG
During the Japanese colonial era, Korea was greatly influenced by Japanese enka, and later a unique enka-based genre called trot became popular.
Hong Jin-young is a leading female singer of this trot genre.
Her new song “Have a Drink” is arranged with a sound reminiscent of the classic Japanese pop ballads of the 1980s and early 1990s.
The melody is based on the pentatonic scale, a hallmark of Japanese music, making it feel familiar to Japanese listeners—so be sure to check it out.
Only ThenRoy Kim
This depicts the thoughts of a man who’s a bit too gentle about how to keep a relationship going.
His girlfriend cares about how others see them and doesn’t focus much on their world as a couple.
He doesn’t get angry about that.
He thinks that if she ever wants to start a new romance, they can simply grow apart when “the time comes.” I wonder if it’s because he loves her that he can take such a flexible view.
In reality, though, with this kind of mindset, relationships don’t tend to last, do they?
Rains again솔지(Solji)
A ballad released in July 2020 that marked the true start of EXID leader and main vocalist Solji’s solo career.
People often say that scents and music are tied to memories, and in the same way, the sound of rain and the feel of the air evoke scenes of parting and the happy days the two once shared, overflowing with bittersweet emotion.
It’s a song that stays close to the feelings of farewell that everyone experiences.
Solji’s rich expressiveness further amplifies the sentimental mood that the rain suddenly brings to life.
오랜만에죠지 (George)
It’s a heartwarming type of ballad by R&B singer-songwriter George.
This version comes from a project called “Digging Club Seoul,” which shines a spotlight on hidden gems.
The original song is a track from Kim Hyun-chul’s album released in 1989, often referred to as a pioneer of city pop.
The guitar riff and George’s gentle vocals are soothing, and the sparkling, stylish atmosphere is truly relaxing.
It’s perfect for unwinding—give it a listen when you want to take it easy!
Cry AgainDavichi
This is a track from the album “Hug,” released in January 2015.
Davichi is a female duo that debuted in 2008.
They specialize in ballads and are known for their exceptional vocal ability—characteristic of Korean singers—and their clear, beautiful voices.
Nights Into Days (Prod by. 나얼)Taeyeon
Taeyeon, a member of Girls’ Generation—the idol group that helped ignite the K-pop boom—also shines as a solo artist.
In 2023, she released “Nights Into Days (Prod.
by Naul),” a song that portrays the aching wait for a loved one who has drifted away.
The intertwining of beautiful string tones with her clear, translucent vocals offers a soothing sound.
It’s a ballad that gently wraps nighttime feelings of anxiety and loneliness in love.
Lend your ear to this sweeping tale where a bittersweet story unfolds.
DREAMBABYMONSTER
BABYMONSTER is a girl group born from the documentary program “Last Evaluation.” Their pre-debut song is “DREAM.” It portrays sleepless nights filled with worries and a strong determination to face hardships.
Though it starts as a gentle ballad, it gradually builds in power, and in the latter half there’s even a call-and-response section.
It’s a song that can gently lift your spirits when you’re feeling down.
Not AloneBOYS PLANET
An emotional mid-tempo ballad that sings, “We’re not alone, because you and I are here.” The song was born from BOYS PLANET, the male-version audition program of Girls Planet 999 that formed Kep1er, and it was performed in the final battle.
The lyrics, reflecting the journey so far and the bond with teammates, are deeply moving.
Fresh, gentle vocals color the message—warm like spring, a heartfelt song that slowly resonates.
어디에도M.C The Max
M.C THE MAX is a band that, in its early days, was produced by YOSHIKI and even received songs from Japanese artists.
This is a ballad they released in 2016 about the pain of heartbreak.
The lyrics, which overlay falling snow with a wistful emotional state, are superb and quietly resonate in the heart.
It seems quite difficult to sing well, but it’s said to be a familiar number for Korean men.
According to TJ Communication, it was the most sung song in 2016.
Since then, it has remained a long-loved karaoke classic.
number one girlROSÉ
Through this work, Rosé delicately expresses her inner emotions.
It’s a ballad themed around the longing for love, and it resonates deeply.
Released in November 2024, the song is included on her first solo full-length album, “rosie,” which came out in December.
The track was produced by Bruno Mars, with Rosé herself participating in both the songwriting and composition.
In the music video, her subtle expressions stand out against the backdrop of Seoul’s nightscape.
It’s especially recommended for those who have experienced heartbreak or are seeking to discover their own self-worth.