[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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[Exquisite Ballad Songs] K-pop that touches the heart. Korean Ballads (201–210)
DEARESTTōhōshinki
The ballad by TVXQ that portrays a love transcending life and death has deeply moved listeners.
One of the gems on their 20th-anniversary album “ZONE” tenderly sings of the happiness of feeling a bond with a loved one, and of moving forward with hope even while reflecting on the fragility of life.
Set against a classical arrangement rich with piano and strings, the voices of Yunho and Changmin resonate beautifully, drawing listeners into a world full of emotion.
Released in November 2024, the song’s music video also depicts a timeless bond of love through the story of a grandfather and a young girl.
When facing heartbreak or a turning point in life, this song is sure to be by your side.
Pray임한별, 에스페로
A warm, heartfelt song released in February 2024.
Lim Han-byul’s gentle voice and Espero’s harmonies resonate as if staying close to your heart.
The collaboration between Lim Han-byul, known for drama OSTs like Goblin, and the rising star group Espero, who debuted in 2022, became a hot topic.
The lyrics, which depict the challenges faced by high school baseball players, are infused with an unyielding spirit that truly stirs the heart.
It’s also striking how the forward-looking attitude is expressed through the metaphor of a dragonfly.
This is the perfect track for moments when you’re trying to overcome setbacks or when you want to cheer someone on.
Try to rememberSung Si-kyung
This is a cover of the song of the same name by The Brothers Four.
It’s a gentle, warm love song that looks back on young love.
The season in the memories is from autumn into winter.
The depictions of nature are beautiful and evoke a sense of nostalgia.
A love nurtured in a kind world continues to warm the heart even when you look back on it as an adult.
It makes you want to experience a love that feels like this!
You Are My SpringHWANG CHI YEUL(황치열)
Singer Hwang Chi-yeul released his first single album Chiyeol in 2007 and drew attention with its title track Only Once.
His song You Are My Spring is a natural, approachable piano ballad that also resonates with Japanese pop sensibilities.
The beautiful piano tones blend exquisitely with his gentle voice, creating a tender, soothing, and emotional atmosphere.
His relaxed vibrato is especially calming, so try playing it during leisurely moments on your day off.
우린 그렇게 사랑해서 (Because we loved)KANG MIN KYUNG X CHOI JUNG HOON
A collaborative number by Davichi’s Kang Min-kyung and Choi Jung-hoon, the frontman of the band JANNABI.
It was released in September 2022.
In the sentimental autumn season, we long for duet ballads.
The lyrical lyrics draw you in, recalling the days when feelings flowed back and forth between lovers.
The richly expressive vocals of the two seep into this track, and the final chorus is deeply moving—sure to tug at your heartstrings.
Though tinged with sorrow, it somehow carries a warmth that mirrors the loneliness we feel in autumn.
사랑은 늘 도망가Imu Yon’un
A medium-tempo ballad featured on the 2021 drama “Young Lady and Gentleman” soundtrack.
Lim Young-woong, who shot to fame by winning the audition show “Mr.
Trot,” handled and covered his first-ever OST with this song, which became a massive hit.
The original is by Lee Moon-se.
It’s a masterpiece that gently sings of the sentimental feeling that love always slips away.
You’ll be drawn in by its one-of-a-kind lyrics, and it’s nice to listen to at a relaxed pace.
It’s also popular among older listeners, so it’s a great choice for family karaoke.
DoorAria (tripleS)
A ballad that sings of aching, bittersweet love.
It’s a track by tripleS ARIA, a unit of the Korean idol group tripleS.
The lyrics, themed around rain and parting, were written by singer-songwriter Heize.
They gently portray the pain of heartbreak and the hope of meeting again.
Included on the single album “Structure of Sadness,” released in January 2024.
With Dahyun’s lead vocals at the fore, the harmonies of the five members resonate deeply.
It’s a song you might connect with even more on rainy days or after a breakup.
A piece that lets you feel the beauty within sorrow.
No Better Than Strangers (Feat. Whee Sung)Baby Soul
This is a solo number by Baby Soul, a member of the girl group Lovelyz.
She sings to a boyfriend full of excuses, saying she’s fed up and wants him to stop bothering her.
Even though her words sound harsh, you can imagine that in her heart she’s still hung up on him.
It’s a quintessentially Korean, melancholy love song.
This TimeJO YURI
This Time is a sentimental, heartwarming ballad.
It’s a 2022 solo track by Jo Yuri, who also shone as a member of IZ*ONE, and it was included on her first mini-album, Op.22 Y-Waltz: in Major.
A ballad delivered by Yuri, known for her strong vocals, is simply the best.
The song conveys a message to a loved one, imbued with the romance and candid emotion characteristic of Korean ballads.
Its touching lyrics can also be felt as a message to her fans, and Yuri’s affection—her resolve to cherish the days to come—fills you with warmth.
Way HomeKim Soo Hyun
A bittersweet yet warm ballad by Kim Soo-hyun that colors the moving climax of Queen of Tears.
Its nostalgic melody and lyrics that look back on beautiful memories of the past resonate deeply.
You can also feel a ray of hope to reclaim lost love, making it a song that leaves a lasting impression.
Released in April 2024, it also drew attention as the drama’s theme song.
Kim Soo-hyun’s emotionally rich vocals further enhance the drama’s world.
It’s the perfect track for when you want to reaffirm your bond with someone special or bask in nostalgia.
Savor this gem of a ballad by a beloved Korean actor.