[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 soul. Korean Ballads (171–180)
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.
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.
FutureRed Velvet
OST Part 1 from the drama START-UP, starring Suzy (formerly of miss A), which features a story reminiscent of Itaewon Class.
It’s a beautiful ballad where you can savor the members’ soft, lovely vocals, highlighted by a distinctive, looping synthesizer sound with gorgeous resonance.
A song that fits both the drama and everyday life, about overcoming hardships through the love of someone precious.
With lyrics painted in a realistic yet romantic way, it feels like they’ll lead you toward the “future.”
그 말은 하지마 (Don’t say that)달리(DALIE)
A single released in 2021 by singer-songwriter DALIE.
It’s a heartbreak song that portrays the inability to let go of a lover whose affection has completely faded.
Sometimes breakups come out of the blue, don’t they? Maybe resentment has piled up over time, or perhaps there’s been a change of heart toward someone new.
Either way, there’s nothing more painful and sorrowful than loving someone and not being able to reach them.
It makes you want to cry out, Why!? and beg them to stay.
The warm acoustic sound and DALIE’s emotionally rich vocals make your feelings spill over before you know it.
Your eyes tellBTS
A Japanese original ballad by BTS where emotions overflow through their sublime high-tone vocals.
It was selected as the theme song for the film “Your Eyes Tell,” starring Yuriko Yoshitaka and Ryusei Yokohama, a remake of the Korean drama “Always.” The Japanese lyrics are incredibly beautiful.
The sound, featuring Jung Kook, gives a sense of dawn-like light and conveys a powerful resolve to “move forward no matter what the past holds.” A track brimming with Jung Kook’s talent! The song’s atmosphere feels like offering up a wish, and when you listen to it in difficult times, it stays close to you and brings you to tears.
[Exquisite Ballad Songs] K-pop that touches the soul. Korean Ballads (181–190)
If I Love AgainHan Dong Geun
Singer Han Dong Geun, who rose to prominence after appearing on a Korean audition program, specializes in pop ballads and has captured the hearts not only of young women but also of many Korean madams.
His new song is “If I Love Again.” Since Korean pop ballads share many similarities with Japanese ballads, this is recommended even for those who aren’t fond of the bright, upbeat tracks often heard in K-pop.
LongingJung Seung Hwan
Popular ballad singer Jeong Seung-hwan is on a roll—he handled the OST for the globally acclaimed romantic comedy drama “King the Land,” among other achievements.
This is a track he released in July 2023: a love song filled with earnest emotion.
The composition is by Kim Dong-ryul, a renowned artist who has long been celebrated in Korea, guaranteeing impeccable quality.
Seung-hwan’s beautiful, sensitive vocals further accentuate the poignant charm of the song.
Give it a listen while thinking of someone precious to you.