[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)
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.
Exquisite Ballad Songs: Soul-Stirring K-pop. Korean Ballads (51–60)
Stop TimeTVXQ (also known as Tohoshinki; literally “Rising Gods of the East”)
Toki wo Tomete from the five-member era of Tohoshinki.
A portion of the chorus was unveiled in a Menard commercial and also played in the film TOHOSHINKI THE LIVE 2009.
The response remained strong, and after being included on their best-of album, it was released as a single in 2010.
With Shinjiro Inoue—who has penned many Japanese lyrics—providing bittersweet words and the members’ delicate vocal work, the song wraps you in a fleeting sense that brings memories back to life.
It’s a classic ballad that makes you feel, in many ways, as if time itself could just stop.
Love StoryLyn
“Love Story,” released in 2016 as part of the soundtrack for the drama The Legend of the Blue Sea.
Although she doesn’t appear on television very often, Lyn—often hailed as the queen of radio—delivers a beautiful ballad.
It envelops you in a romantic mood as it portrays the love between a mermaid and a man on an epic scale.
The lyrics, which make your heart flutter with irresistible excitement, are of course charming, but Lyn’s soft, deeply expressive vocals also heighten the tender emotion and gently resonate in the heart.
Memory Of The WindNAUL
This is a track from singer-songwriter NAUL’s solo album, Principle Of My Soul, released after a 13-year hiatus.
It’s a song that imagines a relationship swayed by the wind, with lyrics about moving forward together with strength.
You could say the wind is the central theme, and it also reveals NAUL’s hidden determination.
The power of loveSEVENTEEN
Seventeen’s first Japanese original ballad and winter song, “Aino Chikara,” released in 2021.
It’s a warm track that feels like moving through winter toward spring.
From Wonwoo’s opening line, it brings back all kinds of memories.
In these unsettled times and an era overflowing with diversity, its soothing atmosphere and encouraging message resonate deeply and heal wounded hearts.
Just as days spent apart can strengthen our feelings, this song may deepen those emotions too.
It’s a ballad filled with love that stands by your side.
게으른 나 (Lazy Me)SANDEUL
A mid-tempo ballad released in 2020 by Sandeul, who is also a member of B1A4.
It captures the feeling of “I’m exhausted and don’t want to do anything” in an era overloaded with information and constant demands.
The languid atmosphere and the sigh at the beginning make it feel more real, and the vocals have a certain cuteness that’s a highlight, too.
It might be a rare type of song even among K-pop ballads.
It’s a track I’d recommend as a healing song for precious time spent in your room, and of course for busy days as well.
GrowingK.will
This is the title track of K.will’s sixth mini album, “Re:”.
The Japanese title is “The Flower Blooms,” and it was completed with composer Kim Do-hoon, K.will’s longtime collaborator.
Using the blossoming of a flower as a metaphor, the lyrics beautifully express the feelings of love in a lyrical ballad.