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

Quit(관둬)FTISLAND

FTISLAND (FT아일랜드) – ‘관둬 (Quit)’ MUSIC VIDEO

Speaking of FTISLAND, their debut as high schoolers gave off an image of good looks and youthful energy, but by 2019, when this song was released, the members had entered their thirties and felt like they had grown into a mature band.

This track is also about the moments before a breakup, but it’s like a man’s anguished cry as he realizes his girlfriend doesn’t love him and accepts it.

It’s a bittersweet, adult love song about understanding that no matter how you struggle, nothing will change.

Best Wishes to you(잘 있나요)더원(The One)

[MV] 더원(The One) _ Best Wishes to you(잘 있나요)(Kangchi, the Beginning(구가의 서)OST Pt.6)

A supreme tearjerker by The One, an R&B singer often called the Brian McKnight of Korea, who has contributed to numerous drama OSTs.

In the MBC TV drama ‘Gu Family Book,’ this song always played during the crying scenes, delivering immense emotion to the epic historical series.

The vocals sound as if he’s singing through tears, and the heartrending lyrics are irresistible.

Lovin’ youTVXQ (also known as Tohoshinki; literally “Rising Gods of the East”)

TVXQ / Lovin’ you

An early classic by TVXQ, who helped ignite the K-pop boom and led the Korean music scene alongside artists like BoA.

The song portrays lovers at the moment of parting; Jaejoong sings with deep poignancy about how once-brilliant, colorful moments recede endlessly into the distance.

In the Japanese music video, Japanese actress Reina Asami plays the tragic heroine.

Let Me Go(놓아줘 with TAEYEON)Crush

Crush (크러쉬) – ‘놓아줘 (with 태연)’ MV

A duet with Taeyeon from before Crush enlisted! It’s included on the EP “with HER,” which features collaborations with various female artists.

The song portrays a heart that has lost its tenderness and is a breakup song about deciding to end things.

The simple wording lets the lyrics sink in smoothly.

With Crush’s sweet vocals, it has a somewhat relaxed vibe, but that gentle mood can still unexpectedly tug at your heartstrings.

The back-and-forth between the two is truly beautiful…

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Maybe IfBiBi

[M/V] 비비(BIBI) – 우리가 헤어져야 했던 이유 :: 그 해 우리는(Our Beloved Summer) OST Part.2

This is the OST from the drama Our Beloved Summer, which drew attention for its star-studded cast including Kim Da‑mi from Itaewon Class and Choi Woo‑shik from Parasite.

The song is by BIBI, a female singer‑songwriter who also worked on TWICE’s “MORE & MORE.” It makes you dwell on the regret of a breakup and wonder, “What if I could change…?” As you picture the person you love finally turning back to you, BIBI’s languid vocal style pulls you into the song’s mellow world.

The piano rhythm, which seems to express a faint sense of hope, together with the beauty of the chorus melody, loosens your tear ducts.

I think it resonates even more deeply when you can’t forget the person you love, even after you’ve parted ways.

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LONELY씨스타(SISTAR)

[MV] 씨스타(SISTAR) – LONELY

SISTAR’s final single, which gained popularity for its healthy sexiness.

It’s a song about heartbreak, but there’s no male lead; instead, the members are shown throughout, lingering over the farewell.

Seeing the group—known for many summer tracks—take a commemorative photo on the beach at the end is truly moving.

Toy (Japanese ver)Block B

Block B -『Toy (Japanese ver)』 Official Music Video Full

This is the 5th Japanese single by the seven-member male idol group Block B.

In the chorus, five members stand perfectly still in a neat line, evoking the image of displayed “toys.” Meanwhile, in the background as Zico—who has been chosen—gets dragged off by a girl who’s told to “use” him, there’s a sign that reads “trash only no recycling.” The story ends back at a garbage dump similar to the opening scene.

It’s the kind of irony that’s so characteristic of Block B, but when you think about the emotions behind it, it’s enough to make you cry.

Feel SpecialTwice

TWICE “Feel Special” M/V

A TWICE track released in 2019.

At first glance, it might not seem like a tearjerker, but the lyrics are what you should pay attention to.

They convey the members’ thoughts and feelings, singing that even when they’re hurt and on the verge of breaking under all the criticism, they can keep going because their fans are there—“your presence gives us strength.” It really tugs at the heartstrings.

The scene where Mina and Chaeyoung gaze at each other also nudges the tear ducts.

It’s a song overflowing with the charm of TWICE, who have become stronger and more beautiful, powered by the unwavering support of their fans.

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Moon and SunriseBoA

BoA – Moon & Sunrise

A single in which BoA’s lyrics, crafted to tug at the heartstrings, fit perfectly with a melody line that strikes a chord.

Perhaps because she had only recently come to Japan from Korea, the lyrics were written entirely in hiragana, but the fact that only the word “涙” (tears) was written in kanji hints at BoA’s talent as a lyricist.

It later drew attention again when Girls’ Generation’s Tiffany covered it in Korean.

Rains in HeavenNCT DREAM

NCT DREAM 엔시티 드림 ‘Rains in Heaven’ MV

A heartfelt song by the talented young group NCT DREAM.

Released in August 2024, this track is a healing song rooted in 80s pop.

The members’ sweet and gentle vocals envelop the listener.

The lyrics carry deep compassion and hope for a loved one, offering comfort to those going through difficult times.

It was first performed on their world tour titled “THE DREAM SHOW 3,” moving fans with its debut.

A warm, reassuring piece that stays close to the hardships and sorrows everyone encounters in life.