[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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- [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 heart. Korean Ballads (201–210)
사랑은 늘 도망가Imu Yon’un
A medium-tempo ballad featured on the 2021 drama “Young Lady and Gentleman” soundtrack.
Lim Young-woong, who shot to fame by winning the audition show “Mr.
Trot,” handled and covered his first-ever OST with this song, which became a massive hit.
The original is by Lee Moon-se.
It’s a masterpiece that gently sings of the sentimental feeling that love always slips away.
You’ll be drawn in by its one-of-a-kind lyrics, and it’s nice to listen to at a relaxed pace.
It’s also popular among older listeners, so it’s a great choice for family karaoke.
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.
No Better Than Strangers (Feat. Whee Sung)Baby Soul
This is a solo number by Baby Soul, a member of the girl group Lovelyz.
She sings to a boyfriend full of excuses, saying she’s fed up and wants him to stop bothering her.
Even though her words sound harsh, you can imagine that in her heart she’s still hung up on him.
It’s a quintessentially Korean, melancholy love song.
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.
Way HomeKim Soo Hyun
A bittersweet yet warm ballad by Kim Soo-hyun that colors the moving climax of Queen of Tears.
Its nostalgic melody and lyrics that look back on beautiful memories of the past resonate deeply.
You can also feel a ray of hope to reclaim lost love, making it a song that leaves a lasting impression.
Released in April 2024, it also drew attention as the drama’s theme song.
Kim Soo-hyun’s emotionally rich vocals further enhance the drama’s world.
It’s the perfect track for when you want to reaffirm your bond with someone special or bask in nostalgia.
Savor this gem of a ballad by a beloved Korean actor.
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.”
Lost of loveU-KISS
It’s one of the signature songs by U-KISS, a K-pop idol group that’s also very popular in Japan.
This winter love song expresses feelings for a precious person; it’s addressed to a girlfriend living far away, and warmly sings, “no matter how far apart we are, I love you.” It’s a ballad.