[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
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- A poignant, heart-touching K-pop song. A bittersweet track that resonates with many different emotions.
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- [Solo Singer Special] K-POP & Korean Male Solo Artists
- [For when you want to cry] A ballad love song. A heartbreaking love song.
[Supreme Ballad Songs] K-pop that touches the heart. Korean Ballads (191–200)
봄은 있었다Younha
A classic ballad that slowly and gently swells, released in May 2013 by Korean singer-songwriter Younha.
Included on the album “Just Listen,” this song showcases Younha’s richly expressive vocals that are moving enough to bring you to tears.
The lyrics portray a protagonist who grows through the seasons of meetings and farewells, tightening your chest as you listen.
Imbued with a message of loss and renewal, it’s powerful like cherry blossoms swaying in the spring breeze, filling you with hope for a new departure.
If you listen to it when you’re feeling sentimental, it might make you even more emotional.
Like the day we first metPakuyonha
The theme song of the Korean drama “All In.” It’s sung by Park Yong-ha, who appeared in “Winter Sonata” and was popular in Japan.
It shines a spotlight on the drama’s male and female leads.
They want to be together but cannot.
The man has circumstances that keep him from staying by her side, and the woman, though it pains her, watches over him from afar.
Various problems stand in their way.
Even so, they secretly wish to be together when everything is finally resolved.
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!
[Exquisite Ballad Songs] K-pop that touches the heart. Korean Ballads (201–210)
Broken HeartMONSTAX
A heartbreak ballad by MONSTA X that vividly captures lingering feelings and a profound sense of loss after a breakup.
This moving track, included on their September 2015 mini-album “RUSH,” portrays the ache of being the only one still trapped in memories while the other person has already moved on—an unrequited, bittersweet longing powerfully conveyed through the members’ emotive vocals.
The song showcases a delicate side of a group best known for their strong beats and high-energy performances.
The album “RUSH” reached No.
6 on the Gaon Chart and sold over 30,000 copies.
Thanks in part to this achievement, they won the Next Generation Asian Artist Award at the 2015 Mnet Asian Music Awards.
Give it a listen when you want to face the pain of heartbreak or when you’re wrestling with unresolved feelings.
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.
