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

PLAYLucy

[MV] LUCY – 놀이 (PLAY) / ENG, JPN sub

Many people may be tired of the routine of commuting between work and home.

That’s where “PLAY” comes in.

It’s a release by LUCY, a band formed through an audition program.

In the song, they encourage those who are worn out to try playing freely, like when they were children.

Its profound message is sure to move you.

The intentionally rough-sounding instrumental intro also beautifully expresses the theme of play.

And the music video—featuring a storyline in which an office worker reverts to being a child—is a must-see.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yamamoto

Report a problem

SOFA(소파)Crush

[MV] Crush(크러쉬) _ SOFA(소파)

This is a song released in 2014 by Crush, the R&B singer famous for “Beautiful.” It’s a beautiful ballad with lovely strings.

It’s a breakup song, describing sitting alone on the sofa they once shared and wishing for their lover to come back.

If you truly loved someone, you can’t forget them no matter how hard you try.

If you listen to this right after a breakup, I think you’ll relate so much that you won’t be able to stop crying.

Jungkook from BTS also did a wonderful cover, so be sure to check that out too.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KEI

Report a problem

ButterflyBEAST

BEAST(비스트) – ‘Butterfly’ MV

As their name BEAST suggests, they have a strong wild and powerful image, but a tender ballad like this suits them perfectly as well.

The sight of them sending someone off from within the blue flowers while saying “My Butterfly” feels as if they’re turning truly sorrowful feelings into a farewell blessing, and it brings tears to my eyes.

YOU KNOW ME BETTERkei

[오아시스 (OASIS) OST Part 5] Kei (케이) – YOU KNOW ME BETTER MV

Lovelyz, the idol group that went on hiatus in 2021.

They were active in the 2010s, and each member is now thriving in her own field.

Among them, Kei is gaining popularity as a musical actress and singer.

Her new song is “YOU KNOW ME BETTER.” True to her musical-theater background, her emotionally rich vocals are moving.

If you’re looking for a song that will make you cry, be sure to check it out.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

auditory hallucination,Jang Jae-in(feat. NaShow)

[Kill Me Heal Me O.S.T] Jang Jae-in – auditory hallucination, 장재인 – 환청, DMC Festival 2015

An insert song from the Korean drama “Kill Me, Heal Me,” which aired on MBC in Korea and achieved high ratings.

Used effectively throughout the dramatic tale of love and hate, it’s a memorable track highlighted by female singer-songwriter Jang Jae-in’s heartrending, wistful vocals.

It also drew attention when SEVENTEEN’s member Jeon Wonwoo performed the rap part at the 2016 Seoul Music Awards, the year SEVENTEEN won the Rookie of the Year award.

It was love지코 (ZICO) (Feat. LUNA of f(x))

It Was Love (Feat. LUNA) (사랑이었다 (Feat. 루나 of f(x)))

The young genius Zico, who handles songwriting across a wide range from hard-hitting hip-hop to bittersweet ballads, produced the track.

Luna, the songstress of f(x), delivers the vocals.

The soaring, almost screamed high notes in the interlude convey a surge of emotion, creating a synergistic effect with the scenes featuring Mariko Shinoda, formerly of AKB48.

MoonASTRO

아스트로(ASTRO) – 꿈속의 문(Moon) : Memory of the Moon

A tribute song filled with memories and hope.

This digital single was released in April 2025 to mark the second anniversary of Moonbin’s passing, featuring a collaboration between the boy group ASTRO and 22 artists who were close to him.

Written in part by ASTRO’s members and composed by JinJin, the track is a quietly resonant ballad.

The members’ careful, heartfelt vocals and the gently flowing, soothing melody line leave a strong impression.

The song has received praise from many artists—RM of BTS highlighted it on social media—and its deeply felt message of remembering someone dear is sure to touch many hearts.