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

GO AWAY2NE1

2NE1 – GO AWAY M/V

This is a breakup song by 2NE1, YG’s original girl-crush group that, sadly, disbanded a few years ago.

2NE1 tended to have more cool, edgy tracks and was one of the female units that resonated strongly with women rather than men.

Although this is a sad song, it’s quintessentially 2NE1: packed with a cool, decisive attitude that cuts off love, the kind of cool that makes even women who watch them admire them.

LONELY (Japanese version)2NE1

2NE1 – LONELY (Japanese version)

The lyrics, imbued with the complex feeling of “feeling lonely even when together,” come through plainly and directly thanks to the simple arrangement of just acoustic guitar and strings and their unadorned words.

The music video further highlights the loneliness, using imagery like black umbrellas in the rain and faded photographs to evoke a sense of isolation.

Expiration dateSEVENTEEN

SEVENTEEN (세븐틴) “Expiration Date” Official MV

Do emotions have an expiration date? That question stirs the heart in this ballad.

The Japanese melodies woven by the boy group SEVENTEEN resonate beyond language barriers.

Set to a beautiful interplay of strings and guitar, the song delicately portrays the lingering warmth in a room after a loved one is gone, and the everyday moments when one can still feel their presence even when alone.

Released in November 2024 as the theme song for NHK’s late-night drama “Will My Future Self Knock Some Sense Into Me?!,” the piece was written and composed by member Woozi, offering a deep reflection on the fragility and permanence of emotion.

In the music video, created as a sequel to “Now -Even If the World Ends Tomorrow-,” the members’ expressions as they immerse themselves in past memories aboard a spaceship are striking.

When you reflect on your relationship with someone precious, your heart will surely be moved, too.

AngelEXO

EXO-K 너의 세상으로 (Angel) Music Video

A single released by EXO in 2012.

Speaking of EXO, one of the fans’ joys is solving the puzzles each time—through member backstories and ciphers that incorporate sci-fi elements.

In this song, EXO take on the role of angels, singing a grand love song about their feelings for “you” in another world.

The lyric “Anywhere with you is heaven” is especially romantic.

Don’t Forget(잊어버리지마)Crush(크러쉬) (Feat. Taeyeon(태연))

[MV] Crush(크러쉬) _ Don’t Forget(잊어버리지마) (Feat. Taeyeon(태연))

The 11th single by Crush, a hugely popular singer whose releases have been consecutively hitting number one on the charts.

Filmed in Otaru and Sapporo, Japan, it features familiar scenery for Japanese audiences, heightening the sentimental mood.

Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon duets on the track, and the pair’s powerful vocals, combined with a wistful atmosphere, make for a superb ballad.

Song request(신청곡) (Feat. SUGA of BTS)LeeSoRa(이소라)

[M/V] LeeSoRa(이소라) – Song request(신청곡) (Feat. SUGA of BTS)

This is a love ballad by South Korean veteran singer Lee Sora, known for her signature very short, closely cropped hairstyle.

It’s a sad love song about turning on the radio on a sleepless, solitary night and requesting a song.

A poignant line stands out: “Hey DJ, play me a fun song that will make me smile.” The track also features SUGA from BTS, who is active as a music producer.

신촌에 왔어Gavy NJ

[MV] Gavy NJ(가비엔제이) _ I’m in Sinchon(신촌에 왔어)

It’s a ballad by the female vocal group Gavy NJ, who debuted in 2005, released in January 2020.

After returning to Sinchon for the first time in seven years, it overflows with the aching feelings of remembering a former lover against a changed landscape.

The lyrics and composition are by Min Myung-gi, who worked on many of Gavy NJ’s hits such as “Happiness.” Sinchon is a student district with many well-known universities, and you often hear street performances there.

Don’t we all sometimes find ourselves longing for those student days we can’t go back to? I think this song will make you want to visit Sinchon or a town full of memories, and gently move you to a bittersweet, sentimental mood that brings tears as you recall those nostalgic, happy times.

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피어나 (Between you, me and the lamppost)LE SSERAFIM

피어나 (Between you, me and the lamppost)

A song characterized by a melody that feels close to the heart and lyrics with deep meaning.

It’s included on the album “Unforgiven,” released in May 2023.

It drew attention as a fan song for which all LE SSERAFIM members took part in writing and composing.

It beautifully expresses a universal theme: the presence of a loved one becomes emotional support and gives the courage to move forward.

Through striking motifs— a quiet night, a single ray of light, and a secret shared by just two— it sings of the importance of bonds.

Not only does it symbolize the special relationship with fans, but its gentle message also resonates and brings tears to your eyes.

지독하게 (Severely)FTISLAND

FTISLAND – 지독하게 (Severely) M/V

FTISLAND, led by Lee Hong-gi.

He’s also known for playing Jeremy in the drama “You’re Beautiful,” which starred Jang Keun-suk and became a huge hit in Japan.

In Korea, Hong-gi has been active since childhood and is highly regarded for his acting, enjoying great popularity as a Hallyu star.

This song depicts a tragic love story about losing a lover in an accident, and its music video—like watching a drama—will bring you to tears.

AOA’s Seolhyun gives a strong performance as the heroine.

BeautifulCrush

Crush – Beautiful [Yu Huiyeol’s Sketchbook / 2017.09.06]

Crush’s hit song that became part of the soundtrack for the drama Goblin.

Its beautiful melody and Crush’s smooth, gentle vocals truly resonate.

Of course it brings back scenes from the drama, but the lyrics are so wonderful that you can’t stop the tears.

The message, “I’ll stay by your side,” conveys so powerfully the feeling of cherishing someone dear.

It makes you want to live a life where you can feel that way.

No matter how many times you listen, the tears won’t stop—this might just be the number one tearjerker in all of K-pop.

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