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: moving, heart-touching tracks that bring you to tears (41–50)
Quit(관둬)FTISLAND
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.
K-POP and Korean tearjerker songs: tracks that deeply resonate and move you to tears (51–60)
Best Wishes to you(잘 있나요)더원(The One)
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.
HeavenAilee(에일리)
Ailee, whose extraordinary, genius-level vocal ability drew attention even before her debut, released this as her debut song.
It’s a love song that sings of the ultimate love—how simply being with the one you love turns this world into heaven.
There are various interpretations of the music video, but one theory is that he has passed away.
She meets someone new, yet the look in his eyes is gentle, as if he’s blessing her happiness.
Lovin’ youTVXQ (also known as Tohoshinki; literally “Rising Gods of the East”)
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.
MoonASTRO
A tribute song filled with memories and hope.
This digital single was released in April 2025 to mark the second anniversary of Moonbin’s passing, featuring a collaboration between the boy group ASTRO and 22 artists who were close to him.
Written in part by ASTRO’s members and composed by JinJin, the track is a quietly resonant ballad.
The members’ careful, heartfelt vocals and the gently flowing, soothing melody line leave a strong impression.
The song has received praise from many artists—RM of BTS highlighted it on social media—and its deeply felt message of remembering someone dear is sure to touch many hearts.
Let Me Go(놓아줘 with TAEYEON)Crush
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…
Maybe IfBiBi
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.