[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 resonates with the soul. Korean Ballads (141–150)
KazeYounha
The ballad “Kaze,” wrapped in the gentle tones of acoustic guitar and orchestra.
This track is by Younha, the artist whose “Event Horizon” continued to be a massive hit in her home country even in 2023.
It’s a Korean re-arrangement of a song included on her second full-length Japanese album, “Under the Same Sky,” released in 2010, and it was made public in May 2023.
The lyrics, which seem to sing of the passage of time and regret, quietly resonate, giving a sense of cleansing alongside Younha’s refreshingly clear vocals.
A fragile yet soothing masterpiece of a ballad—be sure to give it a listen.
Even for a momentSon Shigyon, Naul
Singer Sung Si-kyung, who is also active as an MC on variety and music shows, released this song, “Even for a moment,” in 2023 featuring Naul from the Korean R&B group Brown Eyed Soul.
It showcases choral work where the beautiful voices of these two artists—both overwhelmingly popular as ballad singers in Korea—intertwine.
It’s an emotional ballad that powerfully yet poignantly sings of continuing to cherish a lover, even after parting with the person they loved more than anyone else.
Miss You방예담(BANG YEDAM)
A piano ballad delivered by former TREASURE member Bang Yedam.
It was pre-released from his first mini album, “ONLY ONE,” which came out in November 2023.
This breakup song captures the feelings right before parting, echoing the loneliness and sentimentality of autumn and winter.
The bittersweet ache of losing someone irreplaceable is made even more resonant by Yedam’s deep expressive power.
I highly recommend listening along with the music video, where you can see Yedam playing the piano.
It’s incredibly beautiful and draws you in instantly.
[Exquisite Ballad Songs] K-pop that touches the heart. Korean Ballads (151–160)
Last ChanceSo Soo Bin
A ballad released in April 2024 by Seo Subin, a singer-songwriter from South Korea.
It was produced as part of the OST for the tvN drama “Queen of Tears.” Carried by a graceful, piano-centered sound, its heartrending melody and lyrics resonate deeply.
It delicately portrays a longing for lost love and the desire to close the distance with a beloved once more.
Subin’s emotionally rich vocals heighten the song’s impact, evoking a tightness in the chest with the wish to “keep living in your heart.” It’s a song for those who have lost a lover or experienced a farewell with someone precious.
봄눈 (Spring Snow)박지윤 (Park Ji Yoon)
An emotive ballad by Korean singer-songwriter Park Ji-yoon.
It’s included on her 2009 album “Flower, Again for the First Time.” Marking her return to music after six years, this work stands out for its lyrics that gently depict the arrival of spring.
With Park Ji-yoon’s clear, translucent vocals, it expresses the changing seasons and unwavering love.
A heartwarming song you’ll want to listen to on a calm afternoon.
It’s the kind of track that makes you want to spend time with someone special, wrapped in the warmth of spring.
We, From The First (친구, 그 오랜시간)jeong seunghwan (chon·sunfuan)
Jeong Seung-hwan, known as the “Prince of Ballads,” is famous for OSTs like Day & Night from Start-Up: Door of Dreams.
The lead track We, From The First from his 2021 EP Five Words Left Unsaid is a must-listen for anyone craving a supreme ballad.
The lyrics—crafted by Jeong himself along with labelmate Yoo Hee-yeol and hit lyricist Kim Eana—depict the emotions of harboring special feelings for a friend, and the ache of swallowing those feelings tightens the chest.
With its graceful sound and Jeong Seung-hwan’s expressive vocals, it’s sure to amplify your longing.
Maybe It’s Not Our Fault（그건 아마 우리의 잘못은 아닐 거야）Yerin Baek (Peku Iyerin)
Baek Yerin is a singer-songwriter under JYP Entertainment, home to artists like TWICE.
In 2019, she made a comeback after several years with the album “Our Love is Great,” and this is one of the songs from it.
Baek Yerin is a highly skilled singer with a beautifully clear, expansive voice.
This track feels like a mature couple’s love song about truly seeing each other and offering mutual support.
It makes me wish I could be like that, too.