K-POP and Korean tear-jerker songs: tracks that deeply resonate and bring you to tears
When it comes to Korean songs and K-pop, there are so many deeply moving, tear-jerking tracks.
Ballads are especially popular among Koreans.
Here, we’ve carefully selected Korean songs that are so touching they might bring you to tears.
From heartbreak anthems to encouraging tunes and songs about bonds, there are many different kinds of tearful tracks.
The moments that tug at your heartstrings differ from person to person, but we’ve focused on the “tearjerker” points—so be sure to soak them in while reading the bilingual lyrics.
- Tearjerker K-pop ballads: Korean songs that will make you cry
- A poignant, heart-touching K-pop song. A bittersweet track that resonates with many different emotions.
- K-pop that touches the heart: iconic ballads by Korean female artists
- [Exquisite Ballad Songs] K-pop that touches the soul. Korean Ballads
- Stylish K-pop and Korean songs. Songs with a nice vibe.
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- An emotional Korean song. A gently moving, sensitive masterpiece.
- [K-POP] Korean 'yami' songs that fit a blue mood
- [K-POP] Korea’s graduation song: a message that speaks straight to the heart [2026]
- Cute K-pop and Korean songs: heartwarming, energizing, and heart-throbbing tunes
- [Korean Oldies · Genre-Free] Songs from Korea you’ll want to listen to now—nostalgic Korean tracks
- A Korean song you often hear on TikTok. Trending K-pop.
- [Korean popular music] Popular trot songs. Masterpieces by trot singers.
K-POP and Korean tearjerker songs: tracks that deeply resonate and bring tears (21–30)
Best Of MeBTS
A track that intoxicates with its exquisitely polished melody line and visuals that feel like a coming-of-age film, so moving it tightens your chest.
Occasional images of a lunar eclipse evoke the moon, which can only reveal its presence when lit by the sun.
Two people who once overlapped drift apart, and the plea—“You’re precious to me, so please don’t go”—grips the heart.
The song was provided by The Chainsmokers, the songwriter-producer duo behind a monster hit with 400 million views on YouTube.
SmileJ Rabbit
The song that soothes me when I’m having a tough day or feeling down is ‘웃으며 넘길래 (Smile).’ It’s by the female duo J Rabbit—vocalist Jung Hae-sun and instrumentalist Jung Da-woon—and is included on their 2012 album ‘Looking Around.’ It’s the kind of song that gently stays close to the feelings you’re holding in your heart, saying, “There are days like that,” and it moves me to tears.
The piano melody also slips right into those sentimental emotions.
People often say, “Smile especially when times are hard,” and this warm track truly gives you that strength.
한숨 (BREATHE)Lee Hi
A moving ballad by Lee Hi, who debuted as a sensational rookie with overwhelming vocal prowess.
It’s also known for having lyrics penned by SHINee’s Jonghyun.
When I think that each word—so genuinely comforting to the weary—was spun from his own delicate heart and personal struggles, I am left speechless.
The song was performed in his memory at the 32nd Golden Disc Awards.
Through the NightIU
IU’s ‘Through the Night’ is a song I want you to listen to on nights when your heart overflows with love for someone.
IU’s clear voice pairs perfectly with the honest, sweet lyrics, creating a bittersweet yet warm and gentle masterpiece.
You might even find yourself wanting to fall in love as you listen.
As time goes byPark Boram
A track included on singer Park Boram’s EP “The Last Song,” released to commemorate her 10th anniversary since debut.
It’s a gem of a ballad that tugs at the hearts of ballad fans.
The poignant lyrics about the passage of time and parting, paired with piano melodies and her emotionally rich vocals, resonate deeply.
Released in August 2024, this song is a rearrangement of the piece she performed in the finals of a 2010 audition program.
Coming out after Park Boram’s sudden passing, it has deeply moved her fans.
It’s perfect for moments when you want to reminisce about someone dear.
Baby Don’t CryEXO
EXO is a boy group that presents a global world with a planet-themed concept.
This song is included on their 2013 first album, XOXO (KISS & HUG), which became a million seller.
It’s a love song that draws you in with a heartrending piano line, lyrical melody, and unison vocals.
Its tumultuous beauty leaves a strong impression.
Inspired by The Little Mermaid, the track overlaps with an unfulfilled love that brings tears.
Even if the tragic ending is unavoidable, the heartfelt wish is that the one you love won’t be sad.
헤어지자 말해요(Let’s Say Goodbye)박재정(Parc Jae Jung)
Park Jae-jung, whose voice blends gentleness with power, is loved by many.
Among the songs he sings, the heartbreak ballad “헤어지자 말해요 (Let’s Say Goodbye)” is especially known for making listeners cry.
As the title suggests, it portrays a man who wishes the woman would be the one to bring up the breakup, and a woman who tries to do so but hesitates.
However, if you listen closely, you can tell that deep down they don’t really want to part—that’s the part that brings tears.
