[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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- [For when you want to cry] A ballad love song. A heartbreaking love song.
[Exquisite Ballad Songs] K-pop that resonates with the soul. Korean Ballads (1–10)
When it rainsBTOB-BLUE
A song with a beautifully vivid depiction of rain.
When it rains, I remember the day I broke up with my lover.
Rain shows up a lot in love songs, doesn’t it? While it’s falling, my chest feels unbearably tight.
I think I might calm down once it stops, but then I recall my lover who said they loved the sound and smell of rain.
It makes me realize I still love them.
I can’t help but wish they would come back to me, like the rain returns.
Me After YouPaul Kim
Paul Kim, who debuted in 2014, was already in his mid-20s at the time—considered quite late in the Korean music scene—but he steadily earned recognition thanks to his solid talent.
With this song, he won first place on a music show for the first time in 2018.
The title means something like “Meeting You.” The lyrics describe how meeting his lover made his life richer and happier, and they express a desire to stay together as well as feelings of gratitude.
Paul Kim’s warm vocals are relaxing to listen to.
It’s a very happy love ballad that wraps you in a sense of bliss!
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.
Day By Day조이(JOY)
Joy, a member of Red Velvet who also shines in various solo activities, truly captivates.
“Day By Day” is a track from her 2021 album HELLO, which marked her solo debut.
It’s a cover of a song originally released in 1999 by the female duo As One.
The lyrics, overflowing with pure feelings and heartfelt gratitude, are deeply moving.
And the biggest highlight is Joy’s delicate, beautiful vocals! She conveys the song’s warm atmosphere so well that it’s enough to bring you to tears.
Her performance on Yoo Hee-yeol’s Sketchbook is also deeply touching—please give it a listen.
It’s the very definition of a superb ballad.
헤어지자 말해요(Let’s Say Goodbye)박재정(Parc Jae Jung)
Park Jae-jung, whose voice blends gentleness with power, is loved by many.
Among the songs he sings, the heartbreak ballad “헤어지자 말해요 (Let’s Say Goodbye)” is especially known for making listeners cry.
As the title suggests, it portrays a man who wishes the woman would be the one to bring up the breakup, and a woman who tries to do so but hesitates.
However, if you listen closely, you can tell that deep down they don’t really want to part—that’s the part that brings tears.
