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.
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K-POP and Korean tear-jerker songs: tracks that deeply resonate and bring you to tears (31–40)
지못미(APOLOGY)iKON
“APOLOGY” is a song that, unlike iKON’s previous tracks, carries a completely different tone—one that hints at rugged masculinity, telling a breakup story from a man’s perspective.
With beautifully written lyrics like, “That promise that we’d be together forever—it’s gone now.
I’m sorry I couldn’t keep it,” it’s a track that pierces the listener’s heart.
아름답고도 아프구나 (Beautiful Pain)BTOB
When it comes to ballads, it’s no exaggeration to say BTOB.
They’ve given us countless hits, and their 2018 release “Beautiful Pain” is no exception—its exquisite melody and vocals amplify those moving, bittersweet feelings.
Memories of days gone by and irreplaceable moments rise like a revolving lantern, gently bringing tears to your eyes.
Tied to the album title “HOUR MOMENT,” it’s a masterpiece that makes you reflect on time that will never return and gives you the courage to cherish the days to come.
Don’t Forget(잊어버리지마)Crush(크러쉬) (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.
FOOLWINNER
A four-member male music group that debuted as the next torchbearers of YG Entertainment, which produced acts like BIGBANG and 2NE1.
The music video, filmed at a wedding venue in Los Angeles with the ambiance of a medieval castle, captivates visually with its white costumes and blazing flames.
The harmony of “FOOL,” a song of regret and confession, resonates and leaves a poignant, reflective mood.
Only I didn’t knowIU
IU, an artist hugely popular for her high musicality and charm.
“Only I Didn’t Know” is the title track included on the repackaged version of her third mini-album, “Real+.” In Japanese, the title carries the meaning “The Story Only I Didn’t Know,” and the lyrics, which portray unbearably heartrending emotions, really tug at the heart.
It resonates with heartbreak, of course, but also with the sorrow of realizing that what you thought was happiness was actually a misunderstanding—the kind of storytelling that brings tears to your eyes.
The lyrics are so profound that this ballad invites many different interpretations, wouldn’t you say?
K-pop and Korean tearjerker songs: moving, heart-touching tracks that bring you to tears (41–50)
Song request(신청곡) (Feat. SUGA of BTS)LeeSoRa(이소라)
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.
피어나 (Between you, me and the lamppost)LE SSERAFIM
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.