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

HELLONu’Est

NU’EST(뉴이스트)_HELLO(여보세요)MV

A song released by NU’EST in 2013.

From the very start, the impactful phrase that captures the moment of picking up the phone and the members’ beautiful vocals put you in a wistful mood.

The melody is both familiar and gently overflowing with sadness—it really tugs at the heartstrings.

It tells a tragic story: he goes to pick up his girlfriend, only to arrive at her house and witness her spending time with another man.

Even so, he tries to act normal on the phone, but deep down he wants her to deny it.

It portrays the aching heart of a man in that situation.

If something like this happened to me, I don’t think I’d just cry—I might not even be able to get back up.

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KEI

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Either Wayive

IVE 아이브 ‘Either Way’ MV

Since their debut, the girl group IVE has continued to captivate people not only with records and unforgettable moments, but with so much more.

This song is one of the triple title tracks that was pre-released from their first EP, “I’VE MINE,” in October 2023.

While it’s a message song that contrasts with their previous works, which showcased glamorous charm and powerful style, you can still truly feel IVE’s essence.

Its gentle words fit the times we live in, and the lyrics—overlapping with the group’s image—quietly bring tears to your eyes.

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KEI

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Beautiful MomentK.will

[MV] K. will(케이윌) – Beautiful Moment(내 생에 아름다운) | Beauty Inside 뷰티 인사이드 OST

K.Will, a solo artist under Starship Entertainment, home to artists like Monsta X, is a highly skilled performer known for his powerful vocals and unique character, even being called the “male Mariah Carey.” This song, which also appears in The Beauty Inside, is a breakup track told from a male perspective.

You can feel the bittersweet resolve of a man who, because he loves her, decides to watch over her even after they part.

The lyrics comparing her to stars in the night sky are romantic, and that very romance deepens the sorrow that resonates with listeners.

STAYBLACKPINK

BLACKPINK – ‘STAY’ M/V

BLACKPINK is hugely popular not only in Asia but around the world.

Their bittersweet yet pop-infused ballad “STAY” is a perfect example.

In the first half of the song, set to a simple guitar tone, the lyrics express both hatred toward the man who hurt her and a love she still can’t let go of.

In the latter half, the mood shifts dramatically: accompanied by handclaps and a brighter melody, the song turns to declaring love for him.

The message comes through not only in the lyrics, but also in this key change.

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Spring DayBTS

BTS (방탄소년단) ‘봄날 (Spring Day)’ Official MV

It’s “Spring Day,” a ballad by BTS, who have now risen to become global superstars.

If you look only at the lyrics, you might think it’s a song about parting, but some say that behind the song lies a reference to the very tragic Sewol ferry disaster in Korea.

It’s said that beneath the heartbreak-like lyrics is a message to never forget the high school students whose lives were taken far too young.