[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
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- A poignant, heart-touching K-pop song. A bittersweet track that resonates with many different emotions.
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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.
[Supreme Ballad Songs] K-pop that touches the heart. Korean Ballads (191–200)
I love youPOSITION
A cover of Yutaka Ozaki’s classic song “I LOVE YOU.” It captures love from a perspective different from Ozaki’s original world.
In the Korean version, the lover has passed away, and the song longs for their memory.
The sorrowful yet beautiful strings—reminiscent of a Korean drama OST—are simply outstanding.
It’s the kind of song that soothes a broken heart when you’re going through a breakup.
LingeringRYEOWOOK
A ballad whose gentle piano melody and Ryeowook’s soft vocals sink deep into the heart.
Hailing from Korea, Ryeowook is a powerhouse singer known as the main vocalist of SUPER JUNIOR.
This work is a poignant love song that looks back on memories with a precious person against the backdrop of a snow-covered cityscape.
While wrapped in the chill of winter, its delicate lyrics portray the enduring presence of a beloved who remains warm in one’s heart.
Released in December 2023, the song pairs a heartwarming melody perfect for the season with Ryeowook’s shining vocal prowess, showcasing his three-octave range.
Recommended for those who have experienced a breakup or for moments when you want to remember someone dear.
빈칸 KindSHINee
A slow ballad that gives you goosebumps with the beauty of SHINee’s harmonies.
They’re amazing at dance tracks, but their expression in ballads is incredibly captivating too! This is the closing number of Don’t Call Me, their first album in two and a half years following their military service.
Minho’s sexy low notes, Key’s reassuring tone, Taemin’s delicacy, and Onew’s high notes and falsetto are all breathtakingly beautiful.
The lyrics, which feel like words left in a blank space, carry gratitude for those who supported you through hard times and really strike a chord.
It might make you think of someone you can’t forget.
It’s a warm song that conveys not only romance and friendship, but a deeper sense of appreciation.
Over U, GoodbyeSeeun x J (STAYC)
Si-eun and J from STAYC, performing as a unit, present a heartrending folk ballad that begins with a delicate guitar melody.
Depicting the pain of parting and the journey of growth, the song resonates with a determination to move forward—“I won’t cry anymore”—even as it nostalgically looks back on beautiful memories of the past.
It was released as a surprise on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024.
Saeun’s dreamy vocals and J’s husky voice blend beautifully, creating a track that gently comforts anyone nursing a broken heart.
A gift following the success of their first world tour, TEENFRESH, it’s a ballad perfect for listening alone on a quiet winter night.
세 번의 날갯짓을 약속해Whee In
A ballad resonating with a message of love from Wheein, also known as a member of MAMAMOO.
The title translates to “The Third Butterfly’s Promise,” and it was released in February 2025.
It was created together with Park Woo-sang, who has also worked on MAMAMOO’s songs.
The lyrics evoke a profound sense of embrace toward a loved one, and Wheein’s delicate vocals are deeply moving.
Recommended for when you’re thinking of someone special or want to calm your heart.
You’ll be wrapped in a soothing comfort.
Bye bye my blueYerin Baek
For city pop fans, Yerin Baek is a female singer you can’t miss.
This is a ballad track included on her EP released in June 2016.
Her delicate vocals, intertwined with a repeating piano motif, sink into the heart alongside lyrics that portray the complexities of love.
Self-criticism, envy, and deep longing are expressed in a perfect balance, gripping the listener from the start.
It’s a song to savor especially in spring—when new encounters and farewells make our emotions fragile.
Its bittersweet yet hopeful atmosphere is sure to resonate with you.
봄은 있었다Younha
A classic ballad that slowly and gently swells, released in May 2013 by Korean singer-songwriter Younha.
Included on the album “Just Listen,” this song showcases Younha’s richly expressive vocals that are moving enough to bring you to tears.
The lyrics portray a protagonist who grows through the seasons of meetings and farewells, tightening your chest as you listen.
Imbued with a message of loss and renewal, it’s powerful like cherry blossoms swaying in the spring breeze, filling you with hope for a new departure.
If you listen to it when you’re feeling sentimental, it might make you even more emotional.
I WillHa Dong Qn
Isn’t getting caught up in past events something that happens to everyone, at least to some degree? This song is one that gently stays by your side in those moments.
It’s a poignant track by Ha Dong-kyun, a highly skilled Korean ballad singer.
Released in April 2021, this work is a remake of a song by the group 7Dayz, with whom he debuted in 2002—revived after 22 years.
It portrays the feeling of being unable to forget a lost love and being trapped in the pain it brings.
The lyrics, woven with his rich, resonant voice, are sure to strike a chord.
It’s a recommended listen for anyone carrying the pain of heartbreak or wanting to dwell on feelings for someone dear.
Like the day we first metPakuyonha
The theme song of the Korean drama “All In.” It’s sung by Park Yong-ha, who appeared in “Winter Sonata” and was popular in Japan.
It shines a spotlight on the drama’s male and female leads.
They want to be together but cannot.
The man has circumstances that keep him from staying by her side, and the woman, though it pains her, watches over him from afar.
Various problems stand in their way.
Even so, they secretly wish to be together when everything is finally resolved.
My Everythingshōjo jidai
A ballad that expresses a vow of love, passionately sung by Girls’ Generation.
This piece is a remake of a song by The Grace (Cheon Sang Ji Hee), and its delicate blend of piano and strings resonates deeply.
The lyrics carry the message “You are my everything,” pledging eternal love and gratitude to a cherished person, while the members’ mature, beautiful harmonies are truly moving.
Released in February 2025 as part of an album commemorating the 30th anniversary of SM Entertainment’s founding, the song has received high praise from many fans.
It’s perfect as wedding background music, and it’s also a wonderful choice when you want to convey your feelings to someone special or add color to a meaningful moment.