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

Just FriendsPIANO MAN

[MV] PIANO MAN(피아노맨) _ Just Friends(후회할 것 같아서) (Prod. By VAN.C)

A piano man with a clear, captivating voice.

The title is “Just Friends,” with the subtitle “후회할 것 같아서,” which captures the essence of the song.

The phrase appears repeatedly in the lyrics, pronounced ‘hu-hoe-hal go gat-ta-seo,’ meaning ‘because I thought I’d regret it.’ If you confess and get rejected, you don’t know if you’ll be able to meet or hang out afterward—you might never see each other again.

Considering that risk, some people choose to stay just friends and hold on to their one-sided feelings.

But this song is about taking a step forward with courage to make the person you love happy.

It’s a wonderful, uplifting song that gives you courage!

게으른 나 (Lazy Me)SANDEUL

(MV)산들(SANDEUL)_게으른 나(Lazy Me)

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.

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KEI

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GrowingK.will

[MV] K.will(케이윌) _ Growing(꽃이 핀다)

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.

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en

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strawberry moonIU

[IU] ‘strawberry moon’ CONCERT Preview Clip

There are some parts that really burst with brightness, so some people might wonder how well it fits as a ballad, but it’s a very moving song.

Released in October 2021, “strawberry moon” portrays feelings of love with a fantastical worldview that’s very characteristic of IU.

The atmosphere is surely adorable, but the beauty of each word’s sound and IU’s clear, soaring vocals strike straight to the heart.

I think your impression will change between the music video and the concert preview version, so be sure to listen to both and compare.

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KEI

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WaitEXO

EXO 엑소 – WAIT (Live 0xFesta with EXO)

The overlapping vocals of the EXO members create a gentle, soothing song.

While EXO has many powerful tracks, they also showcase a beautiful ballad like this one, centered on members with strong vocal abilities.

It’s a romantic winter love song that conjures thoughts of a cherished lover on a cold day when it feels like it might snow.

You find yourself thinking, “I want to see them soon,” while worrying, “I hope they don’t catch a cold in this weather.” It paints a picture of a happy couple—some might admire it or even feel a bit envious.

Listening to it fills you with happiness.

Dream LaunchWayV

WayV (WeiShen V) 'Dream Launch Plan (Dream Launch)' MV

SM Entertainment’s boy group NCT has a complex system.

NCT doesn’t have fixed members; instead, groups form infinitely from among NCT’s members for each activity.

Among them, WayV is the unit for promotions in China, and Kun, Ten, Winwin, Lucas, Xiaojun, Hendery, and YangYang participate in this song.

It’s a track that makes you look forward to these ambitious members taking off and succeeding even more.

It’s a song that cheers on those who are pursuing their dreams.

RomanticSHINee

SHINee – Romantic LIVE

In both Korea and Japan, many people think of this song when it comes to SHINee’s ballads.

It’s a heartbreak song depicting a man who longs for his ex, insisting that it has to be her, with a poignant melody and lyrics that deeply resonate.