K-POP and Korean tear-jerker songs: tracks that deeply resonate and bring you to tears

Toy (Japanese ver)Block B

Block B -『Toy (Japanese ver)』 Official Music Video Full

This is the 5th Japanese single by the seven-member male idol group Block B.

In the chorus, five members stand perfectly still in a neat line, evoking the image of displayed “toys.” Meanwhile, in the background as Zico—who has been chosen—gets dragged off by a girl who’s told to “use” him, there’s a sign that reads “trash only no recycling.” The story ends back at a garbage dump similar to the opening scene.

It’s the kind of irony that’s so characteristic of Block B, but when you think about the emotions behind it, it’s enough to make you cry.

Feel SpecialTwice

TWICE “Feel Special” M/V

A TWICE track released in 2019.

At first glance, it might not seem like a tearjerker, but the lyrics are what you should pay attention to.

They convey the members’ thoughts and feelings, singing that even when they’re hurt and on the verge of breaking under all the criticism, they can keep going because their fans are there—“your presence gives us strength.” It really tugs at the heartstrings.

The scene where Mina and Chaeyoung gaze at each other also nudges the tear ducts.

It’s a song overflowing with the charm of TWICE, who have become stronger and more beautiful, powered by the unwavering support of their fans.

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Moon and SunriseBoA

BoA – Moon & Sunrise

A single in which BoA’s lyrics, crafted to tug at the heartstrings, fit perfectly with a melody line that strikes a chord.

Perhaps because she had only recently come to Japan from Korea, the lyrics were written entirely in hiragana, but the fact that only the word “涙” (tears) was written in kanji hints at BoA’s talent as a lyricist.

It later drew attention again when Girls’ Generation’s Tiffany covered it in Korean.

Story of night fall(가을밤 떠난 너)Kassy(케이시)

[MV] Kassy(케이시) _ Story of night fall(가을밤 떠난 너)

Casey is a female solo artist.

This is a tear-jerking track from her 2019 album “Rewind.” The title translates to “On an Autumn Night, You Who Left,” evoking an image of both body and heart growing cold before the onset of winter.

With Casey’s husky, mature voice, the song conveys the feelings of a woman who can’t forget the boyfriend who left in autumn, even after years.

She thought time would heal her, but she finds herself waiting for him endlessly, overcome by the unbearable sadness of it all.

HeavenAilee(에일리)

Ailee(에일리) _ Heaven MV

Ailee, whose extraordinary, genius-level vocal ability drew attention even before her debut, released this as her debut song.

It’s a love song that sings of the ultimate love—how simply being with the one you love turns this world into heaven.

There are various interpretations of the music video, but one theory is that he has passed away.

She meets someone new, yet the look in his eyes is gentle, as if he’s blessing her happiness.

The SongBTOB

비투비 (BTOB) – ‘노래 (The Song)’ Official Music Video

A medium-tempo ballad with BTOB’s signature beautiful melody and a comforting feel.

It’s the title track of their third full album, “Be Together,” released in 2022, marking their first comeback as a full group in four years—and the way the song title is naturally woven in is lovely.

While it can be read as a love song, the lyrics that convey their bond with fans quietly touch the heart.

Phrases like “for you” and “we’ll keep singing” are so moving they bring tears to your eyes.

The gentle vocals of all the members soften your mood—an ode to love packed with pure BTOB-ism.

Truly tear-jerking.

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LOVEDRUNKEpik High, Crush

EPIK HIGH (에픽하이) – 술이 달다 (LOVEDRUNK) ft. CRUSH [Official MV]

Is it a play on words? LOVED, DRUNK—in other words, it’s a love song about alcohol.

The Japanese title is “Sake ga Amai” (“The Liquor Is Sweet”).

It sounds mature, but the content is a bittersweet love song about a girl trying to forget a heartbreak by drinking.

From the very beginning: “wobbly feet,” “a head that’s spinning.” Most people have gotten at least that drunk before, but probably not from heartbreak.

The much-talked-about music video is unique and eye-catching, too.

The woman who appears is the singer IU, an artist Gen Hoshino has also praised; in the video, she’s fighting someone.

It’s likely a metaphor—perhaps it was hard to directly depict the state of being drunk.