[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.
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- [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 (171–180)
LongingJung Seung Hwan
Popular ballad singer Jeong Seung-hwan is on a roll—he handled the OST for the globally acclaimed romantic comedy drama “King the Land,” among other achievements.
This is a track he released in July 2023: a love song filled with earnest emotion.
The composition is by Kim Dong-ryul, a renowned artist who has long been celebrated in Korea, guaranteeing impeccable quality.
Seung-hwan’s beautiful, sensitive vocals further accentuate the poignant charm of the song.
Give it a listen while thinking of someone precious to you.
Dear KamiliaKARA
When it comes to the driving force behind the K-pop boom in Japan, it was KARA, wasn’t it? Unfortunately, due to member departures and other factors, KARA effectively disbanded in 2016.
This is a ballad released in 2011, perfect for a gentle, heartfelt listen.
Enjoy the beautiful harmonies crafted by the members! Its message—wishing to keep walking together forever with the partner who supports you—quietly resonates in the heart.
StarOnestar
A romance drama starring EXO’s Sehun, Cho Jun-young, and Jang Yeo-bin, All That We Loved.
This is a medium-tempo ballad featured on its OST.
The song is by Onestar, also known as Lim Han-byul, a member of Monday Kiz and, in recent years, known as a master on the show Girls Planet 999, which produced Kep1er.
With lyrics that depict memories, it creates a moving atmosphere that evokes a sense of beautiful eternity.
It’s a track that may gently accompany and ease feelings of pain.
Yooou (Feat. BIG Naughty)PARK HYEON JIN, BIG Naughty
Yooou, a collaboration between Seoul-born PARK HYEON JIN and rapper BIG Naughty, is the perfect song when you want to enjoy a calm-tempo, soothing ballad.
Free of heavy effects and kept acoustic and organic, this track is a chill-out tune where his vocals heal a tired heart.
When you’re worn out from work or studying, give this song a listen and let his gentle voice lift your spirits!
Whenever, WhereverRoy Kim
An emotionally moving love ballad sung by Roy Kim.
This song was released in 2023 as part of the OST for the Netflix fantasy romance drama “My Demon.” Its straightforward devotion to a loved one strikes straight to the heart, leaving you with a sense of cleansing.
The message of love—that our hearts are together—slips in gently with a soft resonance.
Coupled with Roy Kim’s wonderful, soothing vocals, it wraps you in a calm warmth.
Not only did it elevate the drama, but it’s also a song you can listen to while thinking of someone special to you.
Farewell EverydaySOYOU
A former member of the idol group SISTAR, who were active in the 2010s, she is now pursuing a solo career.
Her new song is titled “Farewell Everyday,” a classic, straight-down-the-line ballad.
Rather than a crystal-clear tone, her appeal lies in a slightly husky, whispery voice—and you can fully enjoy that captivating whisper-voice in the soaring chorus, the song’s highlight.
It also shares many similarities with Japanese ballads, so be sure to give it a listen.
Take It SlowTIOT
A five-member boy group, TIOT, released this ballad in November 2024.
It offers comfort and encouragement to those worn out by hectic everyday life.
The rich strings and refreshing vocals blend beautifully, resonating with listeners.
Its message—“there’s no need to rush”—comes through gently in the relaxed tempo.
This is their third digital single, and the modern album cover also stands out.
It’s a track where the members’ excellent vocal abilities shine within a calm atmosphere.
Perfect for a night when you want to take things slow.
소주 한 잔imu chanjon
Lim Chang-jung, a popular actor and singer who was especially active from the 1990s through the 2000s.
His 2003 release “A Glass of Soju” is a ballad that conveys the aching feelings of lingering attachment to a lover.
It’s a long-loved classic that has been covered by K-pop idols, including Yunho of TVXQ.
Lim Chang-jung’s emotive vocals resonate gently in this song, giving it a charm that makes you want to sing it alone, carefully and quietly.
There are many masterpieces themed around alcohol, and perhaps in Korea they evoke strong empathy and amplify sentimental emotions.
Why did I end up falling in love with you?Tōhōshinki
TVXQ, who are also focusing on activities in Japan, have a signature song called “Why Did I Fall in Love with You?” It drew major attention, including winning a Japan Record Award, so many people are likely familiar with it.
The lyrics depict, from a male perspective, a love for the woman who left him.
A key point is how the title phrase is subtly changed step by step to delve deeper into his feelings.
By the way, the song also has a cappella and remix versions.
They offer a different vibe, so give them a listen.
Brave김종완(of NELL)
It was featured in Part 1 of the courtroom human drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo, which became a massive hit in 2022.
The hitmaker Noh Young-sim, who also worked on other parts, wrote and composed the song, and Kim Jong-wan of the rock band NELL performs it.
Along with the appeal of an individual, it also feels like it sings about the important things you come to realize while spending time together.
It gently resonates as if speaking for the feelings of Woo Young-woo’s colleagues, drawing you in with its deeply expressive vocals.