[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 truly resonates. Korean Ballads (41–50)
Where Are We NowMAMAMOO
MAMAMOO delivers joy and hope with their wonderful music and harmonies.
“Where Are We Now” is the title track of their 2021 mini-album “WAW,” on which every track is a ballad.
Among their songs, it stands out as an exceptionally beautiful and profound ballad, expressing a grand worldview through MAMAMOO’s signature vocal prowess.
It reflects the bond of the four members who have overcome the seventh-year jinx and are embarking on a new journey.
For listeners, it will likely evoke different stories for each person.
While the lyrics gently accompany various farewells, they also carry a soft feeling that seems to cast a single ray of light into an uncertain future.
StayUrban Zakapa
Urban Zakapa, the R&B group loved for their emotionally rich music.
Formed in 2009, they are known as a trio in which every member boasts outstanding vocal ability.
Their title track for the mini-album “STAY,” marking their first full-group activity in about four years, was released in November 2025.
It also drew attention for the story that member Kwon Soon-il created it while thinking of his close friend, singer Suzy.
Even if it’s only in a dream, the earnest wish to simply have someone by your side resonates deeply alongside beautiful harmonies.
Delicately portraying a heart swayed by the premonition of parting, this work features Suzy and actor Lee Do-hyun in the music video, adding a cinematic touch to the narrative.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on a winter night, in the moments when you’re thinking of someone intensely.
BREATHELee Hi
A soothing ballad for weary hearts.
The lyrics are written to help you relax as you take deep breaths.
When you’re feeling down and sighing, take a deep breath instead.
Exhale until the haze in your chest clears away.
There are times when you’re utterly exhausted and want to rest, but can’t.
Still, this song gently whispers that it’s okay to take a break sometimes.
It wraps around your hunched back with a deep sense of love and kindness.
UniverseEXO
Universe, EXO’s winter special album released on December 26, 2017, features this song as its title track.
The music video release and album launch were originally scheduled for December 21, but were postponed by five days to pay respects following the news of the passing of Jonghyun, a member of their senior labelmate group SHINee.
Foreveraespa
Aespa, a girls’ group that debuted in 2020 with a now-rare small-member lineup and an impressive near-futuristic avatar concept, released this winter ballad in 2021.
It’s a remake of a song by Yoo Young-jin—an esteemed senior at SM Entertainment and an active composer—originally included on the 2000 album “Winter Vacation In SMTOWN.com,” with Yoo himself handling the arrangement.
Alongside the beautifully refined arrangement featuring acoustic guitar and strings, the sweet melody and the members’ lovely vocals are utterly enchanting.
Its slightly retro vibe is adorable, and it’s packed with the charm of K-pop’s pure depictions of love.
Meaning “forever,” this song would suit a wedding, and it overflows with a gentle warmth that soothes a tired heart—an absolutely top-recommended ballad.
Days without youDavichi
A track included on the album “&10.” It portrays the painful emotions after breaking up with a lover.
It depicts that hollow feeling right after a heartbreak.
Anyone who’s been through it will recognize it.
In particular, there’s a scene where seeing a photo of your ex with someone else makes sadness and anger well up.
Breaking up while you’re still in love is truly tough, isn’t it?
StarlightBOL4
A gentle yet bittersweet love ballad themed around the twinkling stars in the night sky.
Upon waking from sleep, a beloved softly whispers to me.
I gaze up at the starry sky and wish to stay by his side forever.
His tender voice gradually fades away.
It was a voice from my memories; the one I love was not actually there.
It feels like something that would help me sleep on a restless night.