[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 soul. Korean Ballads (111–120)
Dark Cloud (먹구름)YOUNHA(윤하)
A song released in January 2020 by Younha, who has also been active in Japan.
It’s included on the album UNSTABLE MINDSET.
It is said to be about Younha herself, and her feelings for someone important gently come through.
The title has the nuance of “dark clouds,” and it also evokes an “if…”-type reflection on how life might have been different.
Younha is often described as having one of the best singing voices in Korea, but it’s her overwhelming expressive power—beyond just her vocals—that gives me chills.
Highly recommended when you’re in the mood for a tear-jerking ballad or when you’re looking for an artist who can truly sing.
피어나 (Between you, me and the lamppost)LE SSERAFIM
Among the tracks on the album UNFORGIVEN, the medium-tempo ballad with a straightforward rock flavor, Between you, me and the lamppost—an outlier in its own right—showcases the members’ creativity: Huh Yunjin, who is also a singer-songwriter, took part in composing, and other members contributed to the lyrics.
Listeners who regularly enjoy Western pop will likely find it familiar, and it’s the kind of song that makes you want to belt it out at karaoke.
PLAYLucy
Many people may be tired of the routine of commuting between work and home.
That’s where “PLAY” comes in.
It’s a release by LUCY, a band formed through an audition program.
In the song, they encourage those who are worn out to try playing freely, like when they were children.
Its profound message is sure to move you.
The intentionally rough-sounding instrumental intro also beautifully expresses the theme of play.
And the music video—featuring a storyline in which an office worker reverts to being a child—is a must-see.
응급실IZI
This is the OST from the 2005 broadcast romantic comedy drama “Delightful Girl Chun-hyang,” which is based on a classic novel.
The song is by the rock band izi.
It has been covered by many artists, including BTS’s V, and has been sung and passed down for a long time.
It’s a generational favorite among people in their 20s to 40s and has long been a karaoke staple.
The love song’s lyrics, about saying and doing things that don’t match your true feelings, are highly relatable.
The melody is gentle and a standard ballad, making it easy to embrace.
한 남자Kimu Jongukku
Kim Jong-kook, a beloved national singer of South Korea.
His song “One Man (한 남자)” is guaranteed to touch your heart.
It’s a ballad with an R&B vibe, gently portraying the sorrow of a man after a breakup.
But it doesn’t just dwell on sadness; it delves deeper into what love and romance truly are.
It’s a great song to listen to with someone important to you, to reflect on love together and reaffirm your bond.
Also, don’t miss the beautiful falsetto.
Sing the spring(봄을 노래하다)40
This is a beautiful ballad by 40 (Forty), an artist from South Korea.
Released in April 2013, its melody evokes the breath of spring, and its lyrics, which capture the flutter of a budding crush, still resonate without losing their freshness.
The delicate emotional nuances are carefully woven into the music, gently drawing listeners in.
Why not experience that feeling of a soft spring breeze drifting by through this piece? It’s something you’ll want to listen to in those first moments after waking, too.
With 40’s tender, emotionally rich vocals and the finely crafted melodic line, it’s sure to set every lovestruck heart racing.
CirclesASTRO
A ballad filled with ASTRO’s heartfelt sentiments, created to mark their 8th debut anniversary.
Crafted by leader JinJin, this piece is a token of gratitude from the six-member Korean group.
Like the shift from winter to spring, it gently portrays the cycles of life.
The lyrics, dedicated to their fans, carry a deep sense of nostalgia and powerful emotion.
Released in February 2024, “Circles” is a gem that follows their ten EPs.
You can also feel a sense of remembrance for Moonbin.
It’s a song that stays close to your heart when you want to reflect on life’s milestones and cherished memories with loved ones.