[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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[Exquisite Ballad Songs] K-pop that truly resonates. Korean Ballads (41–50)
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.
From the beginning until nowRyu
Even those who don’t usually listen to K-pop will likely find this intro familiar.
Brimming with a captivating charm that draws you in and won’t let go, this song is singer-songwriter Ryu’s debut single, chosen as the theme for the drama “Winter Sonata,” which sparked the Yon-sama craze.
Its impact became such a social phenomenon that it was even performed on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
Lyrics that poignantly depict the nobility and pain of love, carried by Ryu’s beautiful, silky voice, are sure to move you to tears.
First WinterSUNG SI KYUNG, IU
This digital single, released in December 2019, drew attention as their first collaboration in about nine years.
Sung by Sung Si-kyung, one of Korea’s leading ballad singers, and IU, beloved across generations, the song centers on the theme of lovers experiencing their first winter together.
Rather than flashy climaxes, it’s marked by a gentle, conversational melody and quiet strings, with the duo’s warm vocals slowly seeping into a chilled heart.
Coupled with the Christmas imagery in the lyrics, it’s a track you’ll want to play on snowy nights or when you wish to spend a quiet moment with someone special.
It quickly climbed the charts upon release and was even nominated at the MAMA music awards, winning wide acclaim.
A top recommendation if you’re looking for a tender winter ballad!
이수영 ‘날 찾아 (Find Me)Lee Soo Young (I Su-yon)
This is a song released in March 2020 by Lee Su-hyun, who is also known as the Queen of Ballads.
It’s a song about feelings for someone you love, and like a wish for those feelings to melt away with the snow, it gently seeps into your heart.
The more you try to forget, the harder it is if you really love them, right? It tenderly stays with that aching thought of ‘How can you be okay?’ and Lee Su-hyun’s calm, expressive vocals draw you even deeper into the emotion.
Early SpringChoi Yu Ree
Choi Yuri is a South Korean singer-songwriter who gently captures everyday emotions with her soft, warm-toned voice.
A highly skilled artist, she won the Grand Prize at the 29th Yoo Jae-ha Music Contest and is also known for contributing to the OST of the drama “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.” Her work released in February 2026 is “Early Spring,” a piece that delicately portrays the threshold between winter and spring, carried by piano and string melodies.
She wrote and composed the song herself, crafting a ballad that expresses a heart swaying between anxiety and comfort.
This release comes about four months after her previous album, “머무름, 하나 (Stay, One).” It’s a song best enjoyed when your heart feels a little tired or during a quiet night alone—one that gently stays by your side and soothes a chilled heart.
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.
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?
