[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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[The Finest Ballad Songs] K-pop that touches the heart. Korean Ballads (11–20)
I’m HomeNEW!EXO
A beautiful pop ballad by EXO where delicate piano melodies intertwine with rich, full-bodied strings.
It captures the joy of returning to a loved one after time apart, wrapping you in a warmth that feels like time has started moving again.
As you listen, you’ll truly feel, “This is where I belong,” and find deep peace.
Released ahead of the January 2026 album REVERXE, the music video dropped in December 2025.
The song’s first live performance at a fan meeting, coloring the reunion between the members and fans, is another heartwarming episode.
It’s the perfect BGM for returning home after a long time or reuniting with someone special.
Give this track a listen—a song that will gently warm your heart through the bitter chill of winter.
12 Hours (12시간)ASTRO
A track included on ASTRO’s May 2020 release, the album “GATEWAY,” from the refreshingly cool boy group.
It’s a poignant number that portrays the feelings in the 12 hours after a breakup.
Yet it isn’t overly sad—ASTRO’s gentle vocals somehow wrap you in a calm, soothing mood.
Even after breaking up, it doesn’t change the fact that the person is still precious to you.
The song also touches on the fear of forgetting those feelings, making it a piece that many listeners—regardless of gender—can relate to.
Expiration dateSEVENTEEN
Do emotions have an expiration date? That question stirs the heart in this ballad.
The Japanese melodies woven by the boy group SEVENTEEN resonate beyond language barriers.
Set to a beautiful interplay of strings and guitar, the song delicately portrays the lingering warmth in a room after a loved one is gone, and the everyday moments when one can still feel their presence even when alone.
Released in November 2024 as the theme song for NHK’s late-night drama “Will My Future Self Knock Some Sense Into Me?!,” the piece was written and composed by member Woozi, offering a deep reflection on the fragility and permanence of emotion.
In the music video, created as a sequel to “Now -Even If the World Ends Tomorrow-,” the members’ expressions as they immerse themselves in past memories aboard a spaceship are striking.
When you reflect on your relationship with someone precious, your heart will surely be moved, too.
안부 (Miracle)WENDY X MeloMance
“Anbu (Miracle),” released in 2023 by Wendy—active as a member of the idol group Red Velvet—and the male duo MeloMance, is a moving song whose touching story depicts the moment of reunion with a beloved person after being apart.
The conversational interplay between the male and female vocal parts evokes the image of two people conveying their feelings to each other.
It’s a ballad that celebrates the joy of meeting one’s destined person once again after overcoming various hardships.
Why not listen to the beautiful piano sound that carries their emotional vocals?
Goodbye NowTOMORROW X TOGETHER
A heart-touching Korean ballad that delicately portrays the bittersweet moment of parting.
It’s a cover of a song originally released by the band 015B in 1991, and it was also featured on the OST of the webtoon Love Revolution.
The five members’ refreshing vocals and nuanced emotional expression beautifully capture both the sorrow of farewell and the hope of meeting again.
The message—“Goodbye is not a permanent parting, but a promise to meet again”—is deeply moving.
It’s sure to gently embrace your feelings when you’re going through a breakup or a farewell with someone important.
ButterflyBTS
With their dedication and love for music—paired with an approachable charm—BTS now captivates attention around the world.
“Butterfly” is a 2015 track included on the album The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Pt.
2 from the Hwa Yang Yeon Hwa (The Most Beautiful Moment in Life) series, and it’s a ballad that perfectly fits the concept of portraying life’s beauty.
There are moments when, the more fun and happiness we feel, a sudden fear creeps in that it might all just be a dream.
Centered on Jungkook’s high-toned vocals, the song draws you even deeper into its world.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to closely and savor each lyric.
[Exquisite Ballad Songs] K-pop that touches the soul. Korean Ballads (21–30)
STAYBLACKPINK
BLACKPINK, also known as “Burupin,” released their single STAY in 2016.
With its acoustic melody, the beautiful vocals of main singers Jisoo and Rosé, and the cool raps by Jennie and Lisa, it showcases a side of them that’s not just cute but also cool.
The part where the members sing together, going “la-la-la~,” is super cute!