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Lovely K-pop

[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.

[Exquisite Ballad Songs] K-pop that touches the heart. Korean Ballads (151–160)

Don’t forget성시경, 권진아

성시경 (Sung Si Kyung) – 잊지 말기로 해 (With 권진아) (Don’t forget) Official Music Video
Don't forget성시경, 권진아

Singer-songwriter Kwon Jin-ah, who’s popular for her sound that blends R&B and pop.

She’s known for her ballads, and her breakup songs and love songs consistently rank high on the charts.

The work she collaborated on with male singer Sung Si-kyung, who has been active since the 2000s, is this track, “Don’t forget.” Although the song features frequent falsetto, the two artists’ strong vocal skills and perfectly synced harmonies give it a light, airy feel despite being a ballad.

봄여름가을겨울 (Still Life)BIGBANG

BIGBANG – ‘봄여름가을겨울 (Still Life)’ M/V
봄여름가을겨울 (Still Life)BIGBANG

With their overwhelming charisma and musicality, BIGBANG has helped drive Japan’s K-pop boom.

In 2022, they made their first comeback in about four years with Still Life.

Translating the Korean title into Japanese yields “Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter,” and the song portrays the passage of time through depictions of the four seasons.

Even as it evokes a poignant sense of the world changing in response to many events over such a long stretch, it also conveys a feeling that the future is starting to move.

Like the brilliance of each season, it’s a beautiful track filled with the members’ growth and heartfelt emotions.

SunshowerBOYFRIEND

[MV] 보이프렌드(BOYFRIEND) – 여우비(Sunshower)
SunshowerBOYFRIEND

A six-member South Korean male idol group that debuted in Korea in May 2011 with the single “BOYFRIEND.” They are under STARSHIP Entertainment, and their Japanese agency is KISS Entertainment.

This song, a poignant winter ballad, was released on December 26, 2017.

It’s classic K-pop that transitions from a quiet intro to a grand chorus, and it became a hit.

every moment with you(당신과는 천천히)Jang Beom June(장범준)

[MV] Jang Beom June(장범준) _ every moment with you(당신과는 천천히)
every moment with you(당신과는 천천히)Jang Beom June(장범준)

This is the lead track from Busker Busker member Jang Beom June’s 2019 album, “Jang Beom June 3rd.” The Korean title, “당신과는 천천히 (Dangsin-gwaneun cheoncheonhi),” means “Slowly, with you,” a phrase full of love that’s addictively repeated in the chorus.

It’s a heartwarming song sung to someone precious.

Hopeless LoveJimin Park

Jimin Park(박지민) “Hopeless Love” M/V
Hopeless LoveJimin Park

It’s a single released by Park Jimin in 2015.

As the title suggests, it’s about knowing the love is one-sided, yet not wanting to remain just friends.

The lyrics are characterized by a female perspective, expressing a strong romantic feeling for a male friend.

When Autumn ComesMonday Kiz

[MV] 먼데이 키즈(Monday Kiz) – 가을 안부(When Autumn Comes)
When Autumn ComesMonday Kiz

An autumn song from Monday Kiz, a singer who secured unshakable popularity in Korea as a solo vocalist with three single releases.

As the heat of summer subsides and the coolness of autumn arrives, the story turns inward to reflect on solitude and the experience of being alone.

It sings of the nostalgia and bittersweet memories that autumn can bring.

The track was released in July 2017.

Things that I couldn’t sayNoel

NOEL(노을) _ Things that I couldn’t say(하지 못한 말) MV
Things that I couldn't sayNoel

One of the signature songs by the hugely popular Korean group NOEL, this track recalls a woman the singer once dated.

It’s a ballad brimming with poignancy, with lyrics that straightforwardly express a man’s sincere wish for her happiness now—even though he couldn’t make her happy himself.

With a smileShin Ye Young

[MV] Shin Ye Young(신예영) _ With a smile(웃으며)
With a smileShin Ye Young

Shin Yeyeon’s heartwarming ballad is so moving it might just bring you to tears.

Released in July 2024, this song gently celebrates everyday happiness and the importance of a smile.

True to the Korean artist’s style, it shines with delicate emotional expression and refined arrangement.

Its light, lively rhythm and melody resonate as if nestling close to the listener’s heart.

Inspired by memories with friends and family, the warmth truly comes through.

Featured in drama and film soundtracks, it’s a track beloved across generations.

It’s perfect for moments when you want to feel calm, or for a quiet evening spent with someone special.

Lonely NightOnestar(임한별)

[최초 공개] 임한별 – 혼술하고 싶은 밤 Special Clip
Lonely NightOnestar(임한별)

A ballad that keeps you company on a wistful night.

This remake by South Korean artist Lim Han-byul was released in August 2024.

The original song was unveiled by Ben in 2020.

Lim Han-byul, a highly skilled singer-songwriter, also performed as a member of Monday Kiz.

This work delicately captures the feelings that make you want to drink alone on a lonely night.

The lyrics convey regret for lost love and days that won’t return, and Lim Han-byul’s emotive vocals resonate deeply.

It’s a recommended track for anyone looking to soothe a hurting heart.

Maybe It’s Not Our Fault(그건 아마 우리의 잘못은 아닐 거야)Yerin Baek (Peku Iyerin)

Yerin Baek “Maybe It’s Not Our Fault(그건 아마 우리의 잘못은 아닐 거야)” M/V
Maybe It's Not Our Fault(그건 아마 우리의 잘못은 아닐 거야)Yerin Baek (Peku Iyerin)

Baek Yerin is a singer-songwriter under JYP Entertainment, home to artists like TWICE.

In 2019, she made a comeback after several years with the album “Our Love is Great,” and this is one of the songs from it.

Baek Yerin is a highly skilled singer with a beautifully clear, expansive voice.

This track feels like a mature couple’s love song about truly seeing each other and offering mutual support.

It makes me wish I could be like that, too.