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

Sorry (Dear.daddy)f(x)

Sorry (Dear. Daddy)

A track from f(x)’s first mini-album, NU ABO.

A heartwarming ballad that candidly expresses feelings toward a father.

Krystal and Luna sing the honest feelings of a daughter who can’t be straightforward with her dad, making the inner turmoil resonate painfully—an emotionally powerful song.

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.

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.

우연인 듯 운명(But it’s Destiny)10cm

[사랑의 불시착 OST Part 1] 10cm – 우연인 듯 운명 (But it’s Destiny) MV

Featured on the soundtrack of Crash Landing on You—a drama that became a hit in Japan through Netflix—this song portrays the beginning of the story where the two protagonists meet.

The performers, 10cm, are artists who emerged from Korea’s indie scene and enjoy strong support among K-pop fans as well.

Interwoven lyrical piano tones and layered ensembles enrich the drama’s world, making it even more captivating.

It’s wrapped in a beauty that gently evokes thoughts of those miraculous moments that feel like coincidence yet destiny.

A ballad you’ll want to listen to while watching the sky change.

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I miss youGirl’s Day

[MV] GIRL’S DAY(걸스데이) _ I miss you(보고싶어)

A heartbreaking tearjerker by a four-member girl group who are also active in dramas and films.

Many of the members have been selected among the 100 Most Beautiful Faces in the World, and they are well-regarded for their vocal abilities, combining beauty with talent.

The chorus, which repeats ‘I want to see you,’ is filled with urgency and grips the viewer’s heart.

Because of YouAFTER SCHOOL

After School – Because of You MV (HD)

Rather than cute idols, After School’s third single gives a strong impression of elegant, sophisticated women.

It’s a breakup ballad, but the parts that express the frustration of loss are powerful, and the surging emotions are conveyed through the members’ unceasing, overflowing tears.

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.