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: emotionally moving tracks that tug at your heartstrings and bring tears (1–10)
You are not aloneSEVENTEEN
SEVENTEEN, beloved by many in Japan for their cute charm and breathtaking performances, released their third Japanese single “Hitorijanai” in April 2021.
It’s a fan song imbued with feelings for CARATs that stands by everyone living through the COVID era.
Their love-filled message gently sinks in, and combined with the soft mood of the looping backtrack, it’s so moving it can bring you to tears.
The natural, unguarded look of the members in the music video is wonderful, too.
It’s a warm number that makes you believe our hearts are connected and that we’ll definitely meet again.
FriendsBTS
A unit song by the best-friend duo born in ’95, Jimin and V, included on the 2020 album MAP OF THE SOUL: 7.
It’s a friendship song with lyrics written by Jimin.
The bond of the two—known as the 95z—who attended the same school, and their many shared episodes overlap with BTS’s growth story, making it impossible to listen without tears.
They vow eternal friendship, wishing to stay together even a little longer, creating an atmosphere as if they are of one mind and body.
The lyrics that use seasonal phrases are also truly wonderful—it’s the ultimate friendship song! It makes you want to dedicate it to your beloved chingu.
Missing You – YearningBTOB
When it comes to K-pop songs that make you cry, this one is indispensable: BTOB’s massive hit “Missing You,” which won seven music show trophies.
It’s the title track of their 2017 album “Brother Act.” The song is about continuing to think of a former lover, a beautiful ballad filled with emotional charm.
Listening to it wraps you in a feeling of overflowing longing.
BTOB’s uniquely rich vocals convey both heartbreak and warmth.
And the shift in the latter half to a brighter mood—almost like breaking through—makes it all the more tear-jerking.
HARU HARUBIGBANG
When it comes to K-pop songs that make you cry, I think many people would name this one.
It portrays G-DRAGON, aka Jiyong, and T.O.P as romantic rivals, but in reality… Jiyong’s heartfelt performance as he sings about his feelings for her is so convincing that in just under five minutes, the music video makes you feel as if you’ve watched a two-hour drama.
It’s a masterpiece among masterpieces, on par with BIGBANG’s “Lie.”
Grow UpStray Kids
The support song “Grow Up” is recommended for people chasing their dreams or struggling when they don’t feel they’re improving.
It’s a medium-tempo track by Stray Kids, who are active in Japan, have held world tours, and have also made headlines for providing songs to JO1.
It was included on their 2018 debut mini album “I am NOT.” The feeling of someone cheering you on by your side and the message acknowledging you—saying you’re doing well—really hits home.
Listening to it on tough days when things aren’t going right can bring you to tears even more.
Beyond the vocals, the catchy chorus that you’ll find yourself humming is so pleasant, and it encourages you to keep doing your best in your own way.
DREAMBABYMONSTER
BABYMONSTER is a girl group born from the documentary program “Last Evaluation.” Their pre-debut song is “DREAM.” It portrays sleepless nights filled with worries and a strong determination to face hardships.
Though it starts as a gentle ballad, it gradually builds in power, and in the latter half there’s even a call-and-response section.
It’s a song that can gently lift your spirits when you’re feeling down.
COOL(Your rainbow)NMIXX
When you’re feeling blue, I really want you to listen to “COOL (Your rainbow).” It’s a medium-tempo ballad included on NMIXX’s second single ENTWURF, released in February 2022 by JYP.
The song’s atmosphere, wrapped in an ennui-like mood, is striking.
The members’ natural vocal tones shine through, gently delivering a message that says, “It’s okay to accept your feelings just as they are.” Listening to this track might bring you to tears and wash away your lingering worries.
It feels like NMIXX has the power to light up and color the nights when you’re plagued by bad dreams.
울고 싶지 않아 (Don’t Wanna Cry)SEVENTEEN(세븐틴)
SEVENTEEN’s heartbreak song, created by the group themselves—handling choreography, music production, and lyrics—showcases the overwhelming popularity and talent they’ve built as a self-produced idol group.
The latter half, where they sing about the bittersweet contradiction of saying “I don’t want to see you” while actually “wanting to see you so badly,” is especially poignant and tear-inducing.
With their long-awaited Japan debut set, expectations for their future success are higher than ever.
LOVE SCENARIOiKON
A signature song by iKON released in 2018, it’s the title track of their second album, RETURN.
The lyrics and composition were done by B.I, who was the leader until 2019, with Bobby also contributing to the lyrics.
The melody is pleasant with a touch of ennui, and the beauty of the chorus is especially striking.
The lyrics, which take a positive view of a love that has ended, are wonderful and make you want to hit repeat.
The latter half of the song, which brightens as if depicting a heart that has broken free, paradoxically brings you to tears!
Like WaterWENDY
WENDY, who continues to shine as the main vocalist of Red Velvet, made her long-awaited solo debut in 2021 with this song.
It’s a ballad as vast and embracing as the open sea.
Like water—essential to human life—it sings, “You are precious, too,” gently wrapping up even the worst of days.
WENDY’s expansive yet delicate vocals and the romantic melody seep in all the more deeply when times are tough.
The soft ad-libs in the interlude hit you right in the heart, and the climactic final chorus, where emotions overflow, is a total tearjerker.
It’s a gentle song that stays by your side amid days that are far from perfect.