[Exquisite Ballad Songs] K-pop that touches the soul. Korean Ballads

POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.

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.

Exquisite Ballad Songs: K-pop That Touches the Heart. Korean Ballads (211–220)

그 말은 하지마 (Don’t say that)달리(DALIE)

달리(DALIE) – 그 말은 하지마 (Don’t say that) OFFICIAL M/V

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.

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Lucky Charm2PM NICHKHUN (닉쿤)

2PM NICHKHUN (닉쿤) “Lucky Charm” M/V

Lucky Charm2PM NICHKHUN (닉쿤)

This is an ultra-sweet ballad where 2PM’s Nichkhun, who looks like a real-life prince, truly appears like one! It’s the lead track from his 2018 solo album “ME.” It’s a song where a man, utterly smitten with his girlfriend, whispers his happiness.

Calling his beloved a unicorn—how romantic is that? It’s a song that perfectly fulfills the dreams of girls who long to be told and thought of in such a way.

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In conclusion

Listening to a variety of iconic Korean ballads, you can’t help but feel your eyes well up.

The wistful melodies and rich, dynamic vocals—being able to appreciate these qualities so simply is one of the true pleasures of Korean music, isn’t it? The melodies brim with pathos, often with a strong “crying” element.

The atmosphere and worldview can change completely depending on whether the singer is male or female, so be sure to pay attention to that as well.