[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
- Stylish K-pop and Korean songs. Songs with a nice vibe.
- An emotional Korean song. A gently moving, sensitive masterpiece.
- A poignant, heart-touching K-pop song. A bittersweet track that resonates with many different emotions.
- [Touching the Heart] Timeless Ballad Masterpieces. A Collection of Unfading Classics and the Latest Songs [2026]
- Korean karaoke songs: beloved tunes from popular ballads to K-pop
- [Korean Oldies · Genre-Free] Songs from Korea you’ll want to listen to now—nostalgic Korean tracks
- [Korean popular music] Popular trot songs. Masterpieces by trot singers.
- Cute K-pop and Korean songs: heartwarming, energizing, and heart-throbbing tunes
- [Solo Singer Special] K-POP & Korean Male Solo Artists
- [For when you want to cry] A ballad love song. A heartbreaking love song.
[Exquisite Ballad Songs] K-pop that touches the soul. Korean Ballads (181–190)
Take It SlowTIOT
A five-member boy group, TIOT, released this ballad in November 2024.
It offers comfort and encouragement to those worn out by hectic everyday life.
The rich strings and refreshing vocals blend beautifully, resonating with listeners.
Its message—“there’s no need to rush”—comes through gently in the relaxed tempo.
This is their third digital single, and the modern album cover also stands out.
It’s a track where the members’ excellent vocal abilities shine within a calm atmosphere.
Perfect for a night when you want to take things slow.
소주 한 잔imu chanjon
Lim Chang-jung, a popular actor and singer who was especially active from the 1990s through the 2000s.
His 2003 release “A Glass of Soju” is a ballad that conveys the aching feelings of lingering attachment to a lover.
It’s a long-loved classic that has been covered by K-pop idols, including Yunho of TVXQ.
Lim Chang-jung’s emotive vocals resonate gently in this song, giving it a charm that makes you want to sing it alone, carefully and quietly.
There are many masterpieces themed around alcohol, and perhaps in Korea they evoke strong empathy and amplify sentimental emotions.
Why did I end up falling in love with you?Tōhōshinki
TVXQ, who are also focusing on activities in Japan, have a signature song called “Why Did I Fall in Love with You?” It drew major attention, including winning a Japan Record Award, so many people are likely familiar with it.
The lyrics depict, from a male perspective, a love for the woman who left him.
A key point is how the title phrase is subtly changed step by step to delve deeper into his feelings.
By the way, the song also has a cappella and remix versions.
They offer a different vibe, so give them a listen.
Brave김종완(of NELL)
It was featured in Part 1 of the courtroom human drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo, which became a massive hit in 2022.
The hitmaker Noh Young-sim, who also worked on other parts, wrote and composed the song, and Kim Jong-wan of the rock band NELL performs it.
Along with the appeal of an individual, it also feels like it sings about the important things you come to realize while spending time together.
It gently resonates as if speaking for the feelings of Woo Young-woo’s colleagues, drawing you in with its deeply expressive vocals.
다시 사랑한다면 (니글니글 버터플라이)김필
The original song is by female singer Do Won-kyung from 2001.
This is a cover version by male singer-songwriter Kim Feel, who has worked on various OSTs including Itaewon Class.
His performance on King of Mask Singer drew attention and became popular.
It’s a heartrending love song about how the more two people think of each other, the more it leads to a sorrowful end.
Kim Feel’s resonant voice lingers beautifully, leaving a deep impression.
It has remained high on karaoke charts.
Ballads that stir the emotions like this are truly hugely popular in Korea, and you can really feel their appeal.
Glowing LightHYNN
A song by the skilled Korean singer-songwriter HYNN, released in June 2024.
It’s an emotional, ballad-style K-pop track that expresses the joy of finding light while wandering through a cold dream.
A moving piece that makes you feel you can find hope even in the darkness.
HYNN’s distinctive voice and expressive delivery truly stand out.
Blending delicate piano melodies with powerful vocals, the song was also performed on the Korean music show The Show, capturing the hearts of many fans.
It’s a work I highly recommend to anyone who wants to keep moving forward without giving up, no matter the circumstances.
FloweringLucy
This is the debut song by Lucy, a South Korean rock band formed through the band audition program “Superband.” A four-piece group known for a violin-forward sound, they deliver a distinctive sonic palette.
Released in May 2020, the track gently conveys the feeling of waiting for spring’s arrival.
Amid vibrant string arrangements, vocalist Choi Sang-yeop’s rich, lustrous voice resonates deeply.
The lyrics, filled with hope as they move from winter’s cold toward spring, will gently encourage anyone ready to take a new step.
Catchy and easy to listen to, this song is highly recommended for those interested in Korea’s top-tier bands.