[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 resonates with the soul. Korean Ballads (81–90)
HelloHuh Gak
One of powerhouse singer Huh Gak’s signature songs, this is a heartrending breakup ballad about longing for an ex-girlfriend.
Filled with the sorrow of losing someone precious and the aching feeling that no one but her will do, it’s a tear-jerking ballad that moved many listeners to tears.
FOCUS ON MEJus2
Jus2 is a unit formed by GOT7’s JB and Yugyeom.
It’s a pairing of the leader and the youngest member (maknae), with Yugyeom being the maknae.
This is the lead track from their 2019 mini album FOCUS.
True to its title, FOCUS ON ME, it’s a ballad that delivers a cool, masculine vibe of “right now, it’s all about me,” while still sounding smooth and emotive.
Their mesmerizing duo choreography is also a must-see.
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.
Just FriendsMeloMance
It sings about the aching inner feelings of a man who has a one-sided love for a female friend.
The man in the song comes across as very cautious and sensitive.
He’s afraid that the moment he reveals his feelings, their relationship as best friends will be lost.
Even when he tries to confess, he hesitates out of consideration for how she might feel.
You can clearly sense his conflict between wanting to support her as a friend and wanting to become someone special to her.
Wild FlowerPark Hyo Shin
This is a signature ballad by Park Hyo-shin, who became famous for his Korean cover of Mika Nakashima’s “Yuki no Hana.” It’s a poignant breakup song about longing for an ex-girlfriend, a heart-wrenching ballad that captures the pain of lingering feelings for someone you loved.
Winter LoveThe One
It was released in February 2013.
It was selected as the theme song for the Korean drama “That Winter, the Wind Blows.” It matches the drama’s mysterious and heartrending atmosphere.
You can feel the emotions of the protagonists, who draw closer while one keeps the truth hidden, gradually becoming attracted to each other.
The Goose’s DreamInsooni
This is the signature and most successful song by Insooni, a singer who represents South Korea.
It’s filled with dreams and hope, and listening to it gives you confidence and courage.
Insooni’s vocals warm the heart in this ballad.
BLOSSOMENHYPEN
“BLOSSOM” is both a love song that vows eternal love and a song about the bond with ENGENE.
It’s the first ballad among their Japanese-language tracks, included on their third Japanese single, “YOU -結-.” The tempo and lyrics, which feel like a gentle push on your back, are truly moving.
The message that even the time apart can deepen precious feelings, as well as the phrases expressing “ties and fate” that connect with the group’s name, are especially touching.
Along with the future they will continue to walk together, ENHYPEN’s beautiful vocals will resonate deeply in your heart.
I miss you so muchHwang Chi Yeol
It’s a signature song by Hwang Chi-yeul from the K-drama “Love in the Moonlight” (Moonlight Drawn by Clouds) OST.
The lyrics reflect the emotions of the drama’s protagonist, singing about realizing the depth and preciousness of love after parting from a loved one.
It’s a poignant, fleeting ballad.
Like ItYoon Jongshin
Yoon Jong-shin is a popular singer who has produced numerous hits, including movie theme songs.
This song is about a man who still can’t forget his ex and suffers after hearing rumors about her new boyfriend.
He tries to tell himself it might be a good chance to forget—just another passing chapter of love and life—but the pain remains.
Yoon Jong-shin’s passionate vocals heighten the sense of heartache.
It’s an achingly bittersweet ballad.