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Lovely K-pop

[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.

[Exquisite Ballad Songs] K-pop that touches the soul. Korean Ballads (161–170)

Lonely NightOnestar(임한별)

[최초 공개] 임한별 – 혼술하고 싶은 밤 Special Clip
Lonely NightOnestar(임한별)

A ballad that keeps you company on a wistful night.

This remake by South Korean artist Lim Han-byul was released in August 2024.

The original song was unveiled by Ben in 2020.

Lim Han-byul, a highly skilled singer-songwriter, also performed as a member of Monday Kiz.

This work delicately captures the feelings that make you want to drink alone on a lonely night.

The lyrics convey regret for lost love and days that won’t return, and Lim Han-byul’s emotive vocals resonate deeply.

It’s a recommended track for anyone looking to soothe a hurting heart.

Je T’aime폴킴

★한껏 봄날 느낌 물씬★ 폴킴 – Je T’aime [유희열의 스케치북] 20190405
Je T'aime폴킴

This is a medium-tempo ballad sung by singer-songwriter Paul Kim for the 10th-anniversary project of the music show Yoo Hee-yeol’s Sketchbook.

Paul Kim is known for his irresistibly sweet voice—so charming he’s often called a “eardrum boyfriend.” In “Je T’aime,” you can feel a gentle, comforting warmth, as if he’s speaking softly to you, and it really brightens your heart.

The melody has a cozy, cute vibe, and the pure sentiment of “I want to enjoy my morning coffee with you every day” is truly lovely.

It’s the kind of song that’s guaranteed to soothe you every time you listen.

My AngleFLY TO THE SKY

This song, which became a hot topic because Aoi Miyazaki appeared in its music video, is one of Fly to the Sky’s signature tracks.

It’s a heartbreak ballad about a man who still longs for his ex-girlfriend; even though he knows there’s no going back, his feelings for her come through so poignantly that they’re almost painful.

Sorrow songLim jae beum

[MV] Lim jae beum(임재범) _ Sorrow song(비가)(장옥정,사랑에 살다 OST Part 1)
Sorrow songLim jae beum

It’s the theme song of the historical drama “Jang Ok-jung, Living by Love.” In Korean, “Sorrow Song” is called “Biga,” which means “lament.” Lim Jae-beom is a singer with remarkable charisma who consistently dominates Korea’s music charts.

His weighty voice adds a special flourish to the story.

I BelieveShin Seung Hun

I Believe — Shin Seung-hun, My Sassy Girl OST
I BelieveShin Seung Hun

It’s one of Shin Seung Hun’s signature songs that catapulted him to fame, featured as an insert song in the film “My Sassy Girl.” Many who’ve seen the movie will remember it.

The lyrics portray a man thinking of his lover from whom he’s been separated, and the gentle vocals and laid-back ballad make it a soothing track.

BLUEDreamNote

[드림노트] ‘BLUE’ Official M/V
BLUEDreamNote

DreamNote is a South Korean girl group formed in 2018.

Known for their solid dance-pop style as a classic idol group, they’ve recently been releasing tracks that incorporate hip-hop, continuing to evolve as idols.

Their new song, BLUE, is a dance-pop-based ballad that also features a rap section in the middle.

It’s often tricky to make rap blend well with this kind of sound—rap parts can easily feel out of place—but in this track, the mix is executed beautifully.

Farewell EverydaySOYOU

[MV] SOYOU(소유) _ Farewell Everyday(우리는 매일 이별을 향해 걸어가지)
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.