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 tearjerker songs: moving, heart-touching tracks that bring you to tears (41–50)
AngelEXO
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.
Expiration dateSEVENTEEN
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.
GO AWAY2NE1
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
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.
신촌에 왔어Gavy NJ
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.
지독하게 (Severely)FTISLAND
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’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.