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.
Playlist
| K-POP and Korean tear-jerker songs: tracks that deeply resonate and bring you to tears | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| show_chart | Title | Playlist | Review |
| 1 | You are not aloneSEVENTEEN |  play_arrow | SEVENTEEN’s cheer song, a moving piece that stays close to people |
| 2 | FriendsBTS |  play_arrow | Jimin and V’s friendship: a moving song that vows an eternal bond |
| 3 | Missing You – YearningBTOB |  play_arrow | An emotional BTOB ballad that sings of the pain of parting |
| 4 | HARU HARUBIGBANG |  play_arrow | Tear-jerking masterpieces in K-pop: songs by BIGBANG |
| 5 | Grow UpStray Kids |  play_arrow | An encouraging anthem for those troubled by their dreams |
| 6 | DREAMBABYMONSTER |  play_arrow | The strong will of girls who pursue their dreams |
| 7 | Like WaterWENDY |  play_arrow | A soothing ballad that gently embraces you like water |
| 8 | COOL(Your rainbow)NMIXX |  play_arrow | NMIXX’s soothing ballad song |
| 9 | 울고 싶지 않아 (Don’t Wanna Cry)SEVENTEEN(세븐틴) |  play_arrow | SEVENTEEN’s poignant heartbreak song, Japan debut |
| 10 | LOVE SCENARIOiKON |  play_arrow | The Appeal of iKON’s Signature Song “LOVE SCENARIO” |
| 11 | The Happiest GirlBLACKPINK |  play_arrow | BLACKPINK’s heartrending breakup song resonates with the heart. |
| 12 | The Truth UntoldBTS |  play_arrow | A Story of Hidden Love and Conflict in a Garden of Sand |
| 13 | for me (feat.MRCH)JINJIN |  play_arrow | Moved by the singing voice: Jinjin’s life and music |
| 14 | SceneryV |  play_arrow | A heartfelt ballad by V (BTS), a poignant landscape of love |
| 15 | Either Wayive |  play_arrow | IVE's new song is a moving piece that resonates with the heart. |
| 16 | Beautiful MomentK.will |  play_arrow | K.will’s heartfelt breakup song resonates deeply |
| 17 | STAYBLACKPINK |  play_arrow | BLACKPINK’s bittersweet yet pop ballad |
| 18 | DOWNPOURI.O.I |  play_arrow | I.O.I’s final song: a youth of farewells and tears |
| 19 | HELLONu’Est |  play_arrow | NU’EST’s heartrending love song, the pain of betrayal |
| 20 | I Loved You Like a MovieBEN |  play_arrow | A ballad that depicts a movie-like love |
| 21 | Spring DayBTS |  play_arrow | BTS “Spring Day” Sewol Ferry memorial song |
| 22 | Best Of MeBTS |  play_arrow | A masterpiece whose wistful youth melody stirs the heart |
| 23 | 한숨 (BREATHE)Lee Hi |  play_arrow | Lee Hi’s heartfelt tribute song to Jonghyun |
| 24 | STAYStray Kids |  play_arrow | A ballad for Stray Kids fans |
| 25 | SmileJ Rabbit |  play_arrow | A gentle song that stays by your side when your heart is tired. |
| 26 | Through the NightIU |  play_arrow | A bittersweet love song that echoes through the night |
| 27 | As time goes byPark Boram |  play_arrow | Park Boram's 10th-anniversary song, a masterpiece that resonates with the heart |
| 28 | 헤어지자 말해요(Let’s Say Goodbye)박재정(Parc Jae Jung) |  play_arrow | Park Jae-jung’s heartbreak song stirs the soul |
| 29 | Baby Don’t CryEXO |  play_arrow | A bittersweet piano piece by EXO, inspired by The Little Mermaid |
| 30 | so far awayAgust D Feat Suran |  play_arrow | A soul-stirring song that portrays AGUST D’s anguish and hope |
| 31 | Good Bye (Prod. Jungkey)Whee In |  play_arrow | A bittersweet breakup song by MAMAMOO’s Wheein |
| 32 | RainTAEYEON 태연 |  play_arrow | A quiet song underwater filled with Taeyeon’s emotion |
| 33 | Beautiful (뷰티풀)Wanna One |  play_arrow | Wanna One’s new song: a ballad about heartbreak |
| 34 | Untitled (2014)G-DRAGON |  play_arrow | The essence of G-DRAGON’s cryptic song |
| 35 | BlueBIGBANG |  play_arrow | The Appeal of BIGBANG’s Heartbreak Ballad “BLUE” |
| 36 | PromiseChoi Yu Ree |  play_arrow | A song of healing for a wounded heart and of pure love |
| 37 | 지못미(APOLOGY)iKON |  play_arrow | iKON’s masculine breakup song resonates with the heart. |
| 38 | 아름답고도 아프구나 (Beautiful Pain)BTOB |  play_arrow | BTOB moves hearts with a wistful, beautiful ballad. |
| 39 | FOOLWINNER |  play_arrow | YG's new male group: beautiful music video and vocals |
| 40 | Only I didn’t knowIU |  play_arrow | A moving masterpiece from IU, showcasing outstanding musicality |
| 41 | Don’t Forget(잊어버리지마)Crush(크러쉬) (Feat. Taeyeon(태연)) |  play_arrow | The ballad with Taeyeon and the Japanese scenery are captivating. |
| 42 | Song request(신청곡) (Feat. SUGA of BTS)LeeSoRa(이소라) |  play_arrow | A night listening to a bittersweet love song on the radio |
| 43 | 피어나 (Between you, me and the lamppost)LE SSERAFIM |  play_arrow | A heartwarming song of love and bonds by LE SSERAFIM |
| 44 | 지독하게 (Severely)FTISLAND |  play_arrow | Lee Hong-gi’s poignant love music video |
| 45 | GO AWAY2NE1 |  play_arrow | 2NE1’s heartrending breakup song captivates women. |
| 46 | Lovin’ youTVXQ (also known as Tohoshinki; literally “Rising Gods of the East”) |  play_arrow | A pioneering K-pop classic that sings of the sorrow of parting. |
| 47 | Eternal LightJINSOL |  play_arrow | An article introducing JINSOL’s new song, Eternal Light |
| 48 | BeautifulCrush |  play_arrow | The moving theme song from the drama Goblin (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God) |
| 49 | Best Wishes to you(잘 있나요)더원(The One) |  play_arrow | Korean R&B singer, a classic with a heartrending voice |
| 50 | AngelEXO |  play_arrow | A grand song in which EXO’s angel sings their feelings for you |
| 51 | LONELY (Japanese version)2NE1 |  play_arrow | Lyrics and visual expressions that convey loneliness |
| 52 | Let Me Go(놓아줘 with TAEYEON)Crush |  play_arrow | A beautiful duet song about Crush and Taeyeon’s breakup |
| 53 | 신촌에 왔어Gavy NJ |  play_arrow | A song about visiting a town of memories and being moved to tears by nostalgia |
| 54 | Maybe IfBiBi |  play_arrow | A classic song that sings of the regret and feelings after a heartrending farewell |
| 55 | Because I Love YouKang Minkyung |  play_arrow | A Korean duo singing of heartbreak and lingering attachment born from loving too much |
| 56 | On A Rainy Day(비가 내리는 날에는)YOUNHA(윤하) |  play_arrow | Younha’s heartrending farewell song like the rain |
| 57 | Sorry (Dear.daddy)f(x) |  play_arrow | A heartwarming song about feelings for one’s father |
| 58 | Quit(관둬)FTISLAND |  play_arrow | FTISLAND's mature breakup song |
| 59 | Expiration dateSEVENTEEN |  play_arrow | Depicting the expiration of emotions and the warmth of love |
| 60 | 우연인 듯 운명(But it’s Destiny)10cm |  play_arrow | The OST of the drama “Crash Landing on You” resonates with the heart. |
| 61 | I miss youGirl’s Day |  play_arrow | A heartbreaking masterpiece by a beautiful and talented girl group |
| 62 | Because of YouAFTER SCHOOL |  play_arrow | A junior idol’s song about the pain of heartbreak |
| 63 | LONELY씨스타(SISTAR) |  play_arrow | SISTAR’s moving farewell that sings of the pain of heartbreak. |
| 64 | Toy (Japanese ver)Block B |  play_arrow | The satirical music video for Block B's 'Toy' |
| 65 | Feel SpecialTwice |  play_arrow | A song that sings of gratitude and strength for fans who support one another |
| 66 | Moon and SunriseBoA |  play_arrow | A moving song with striking lyrics by BoA |
| 67 | Story of night fall(가을밤 떠난 너)Kassy(케이시) |  play_arrow | An autumn night, the unforgettable pain of a broken heart |
| 68 | HeavenAilee(에일리) |  play_arrow | A song of love and reunion, a moving work by a genius singer |
| 69 | The SongBTOB |  play_arrow | A heartwarming ballad that conveys BTOB’s love and bond |
| 70 | LOVEDRUNKEpik High, Crush |  play_arrow | A girl's song about healing the pain of heartbreak with alcohol |
| 71 | Good NightJeong Sewoon |  play_arrow | A bittersweet love song that recalls a finished romance |
| 72 | 그때 헤어지면 돼 (Only then)Roy Kim |  play_arrow | Roy Kim’s free-spirited voice of love |
| 73 | Rains in HeavenNCT DREAM |  play_arrow | NCT DREAM’s soothing 80s-style healing song |
| 74 | Indestructibleshōjo jidai |  play_arrow | A song filled with love for Girls' Generation’s fans |
| 75 | Us, AgainSEVENTEEN |  play_arrow | SEVENTEEN’s touching, fan-loving song |
| 76 | It’s unbearably painfulMC Mon feat. Merou |  play_arrow | A heart-touching song that sings of the aching pain of a bittersweet love |
| 77 | You, Clouds, RainHeize Feat. Shin Yong Jae |  play_arrow | A song of memories with someone I can’t forget |
| 78 | PLAYLucy |  play_arrow | A band song for people tired of the commute between work and home |
| 79 | SOFA(소파)Crush |  play_arrow | Crush’s heartbreak ballad, a masterpiece that sings of bittersweet feelings |
| 80 | ButterflyBEAST |  play_arrow | A poignant ballad by the wild BEAST |
| 81 | YOU KNOW ME BETTERkei |  play_arrow | After Lovelyz disbanded, Kei has been active as a singer and musical actress. |
| 82 | auditory hallucination,Jang Jae-in(feat. NaShow) |  play_arrow | The moving insert song from “Kill Me, Heal Me” |
| 83 | It was love지코 (ZICO) (Feat. LUNA of f(x)) |  play_arrow | An emotional song composed by Jico and sung by Luna |
| 84 | MoonASTRO |  play_arrow | A tribute song to Moonbin filled with the members’ feelings |
| 85 | Elaine (일레인) – Fallen Star |  play_arrow | A spy action film with an inspiring theme song |
| 86 | All I do(그대만 떠올라)Roy Kim |  play_arrow | ‘All I do’: a gentle song that sings of a heart in love |
| 87 | 그런 날루니 (Luny) |  play_arrow | A moving work whose poignant song by Runi resonates in the heart |
| 88 | MasqueradeAalia (알리아) |  play_arrow | A song that portrays a woman’s strong will to pursue power |
| 89 | Smile FlowerSEVENTEEN |  play_arrow | A song that depicts growth and bonds with a beautiful melody |
| 90 | Remember meGUMMY(거미) |  play_arrow | Drama OST, Komi-san’s emotional expression |
| 91 | Dazzling LightATEEZ |  play_arrow | An emotional EDM ballad, a classic hit from the eighties |
| 92 | After You’ve GoneM.C The Max |  play_arrow | Korean band, a moving ballad with a heartbreak theme |
| 93 | Meteor(유성)RooRee(루리) |  play_arrow | A love song that sings of long-distance romance and the Milky Way |
| 94 | 길 (The way)Sohyang (소향) |  play_arrow | An emotional track by Sohyang, featured as an insert song in a Korean drama |
| 95 | Why did I end up falling in love with you?Tōhōshinki |  play_arrow | Lyrics and expressive techniques of TVXQ’s signature songs |
| 96 | DreamingANYUJIN (IVE) |  play_arrow | IVE’s An Yujin’s solo song is amazing. |
| 97 | HAPPYDAY6 |  play_arrow | DAY6's new song, a question directed at happiness, resonates with the heart. |
| 98 | I Miss You 보고싶다김범수 |  play_arrow | Kim Bum-soo’s classic “Missing You” is moving. |
| 99 | 어떤날엔(Someday)Kimu Jefan |  play_arrow | Crash Landing on You OST, moving vocals |
| 100 | A Walk To Goodbye(이별을 걷다)Ō Chi-retsu (Fan Chiyoru) |  play_arrow | A touching Korean song themed around heartbreak |
| 101 | I Don’t Love YouUrban Zakapa |  play_arrow | A bittersweet love song by Urban Zakapa |
| 102 | Stand by UTōhōshinki |  play_arrow | A heartfelt song that sings of the regrets of lost love and an unchanging love |
| 103 | We(우리가)BAEK Z YOUNG(백지영) |  play_arrow | A poignant Korean ballad lamenting a sorrowful farewell |
| 104 | The First LoveMinseo |  play_arrow | A bittersweet song of first love, Minsuh's beautiful singing voice |
| 105 | 산소호흡기(Respirator)HAN, Seungmin |  play_arrow | The power of music to light hope and support one another |
| 106 | Another Day먼데이 키즈(Monday Kiz), 펀치(Punch) |  play_arrow | A heartrending love song from Hotel Del Luna |
| 107 | Time and Trace하현상 (Ha Hyun Sang) |  play_arrow | A song that sings of the pain of a heart bound by the past. |
| 108 | I want you to be happyA Pink |  play_arrow | A ballad filled with Apink’s friendship and gratitude |
| 109 | Your eyes tellBTS |  play_arrow | A beautiful Japanese ballad as a movie theme song that resonates with the heart |
| 110 | Love PoemIU |  play_arrow | A moving IU song that sings of love and the power to live |
| 111 | Make U SmileYENA |  play_arrow | A poignant, heart-touching ballad, a wish for promises and reunion |
| 112 | CoinciDestinyWeki Meki |  play_arrow | The final single that sings of a poignant meeting and farewell |
| 113 | Breakup TaxiKimu Yon’u |  play_arrow | Kim Yeon-woo’s classic ballad about a heartbreaking farewell |
| 114 | Good GoodbyeHwasa |  play_arrow | Hwasa’s digital single depicts the emotions of a breakup. |
| 115 | What 2 Do ft.Crush, Jeff Bernat |  play_arrow | A sentimental winter song by an R&B male duo |
| 116 | 얼음인형(Ice Doll)박재정(Parc Jae Jung) |  play_arrow | Park Jae-jung’s poignant first-love ballad |
| 117 | 느리게 오는 겨울서율(베리굿) |  play_arrow | A wistful winter ballad sung by an idol |
| 118 | Run with me(도망가자)Sonu Jongoa |  play_arrow | A healing song by Sunwoojunga that stands by you in difficult times |
| 119 | Who Really Knows( 누가 아는가)도나(DONNA) |  play_arrow | A secret suspense story of a man and woman taking on politics and crime |
| 120 | Don`t you know(PROD.ROCOBERRY)ZO ZAZZ |  play_arrow | Korean rookie draws attention with new ballad song |
| 121 | EmptyCHEN |  play_arrow | Chen’s ballad sings of the pain of heartbreak. |
| 122 | Run With MeRoy Kim |  play_arrow | Movie theme song, Roy Kim’s moving work |
| 123 | A goodbye like thisSecret |  play_arrow | A hidden K-pop gem infused with secret feelings |
| 124 | sunshowerI Sonhi |  play_arrow | A bittersweet love story between a fox and a human |
| 125 | The Day was BeautifulKassy |  play_arrow | Kassy, a popular South Korean female singer, sings a heartbreak ballad. |
| 126 | I’ll BE THERESTAYC |  play_arrow | STAC’s heartbreak song, with a poignant and beautiful singing voice |
| 127 | DoorAria (tripleS) |  play_arrow | A classic song that sings of the pain of heartbreak and the hope of reunion |
| 128 | It’s Love(사랑인걸)Huh Gak(허각) |  play_arrow | I'm moved by Hogaku's heartrending heartbreak song. |
| 129 | Forget YouSejin |  play_arrow | The moving song 'Forget You' sung by Sejin |
| 130 | I believed in time.YOUNHA(윤하) |  play_arrow | A bittersweet rock song about memories that believed in time |
| 131 | GoodbyeEun Gaeun |  play_arrow | An emotional ballad that sings of memories of love |
| 132 | TimelessSG WANNABE |  play_arrow | A classic song that sings of the bittersweet feelings before parting and a sense of gratitude |
| 133 | Take It SlowTIOT |  play_arrow | TIOT’s healing ballad song |
| 134 | POSSIBLEWATERFIRE |  play_arrow | An emotional song by WATERFIRE from a survival show |
| 135 | 불어온다(NOT THE END)Highlight |  play_arrow | A song of strength and hope to move forward after heartbreak |
| 136 | AlwaysWanna One |  play_arrow | A ballad whose lyrics and vocals resonate with the heart |
| 137 | Counting DaysUrban Zakapa |  play_arrow | A moving work that sings of the pain of heartbreak and the wish for a reunion |
| 138 | See you later(있어줘요)Jang Deok Cheol(장덕철) |  play_arrow | A song that sings of the bittersweet feelings for an ex-girlfriend |
| 139 | 헤어져줘서 고마워(Thank you for Goodbye)벤(BEN) |  play_arrow | A poignant breakup song about the love of a petite singer named Ben. |
| 140 | Destiny (2025)Monday Kiz, Lee Yi Kyung |  play_arrow | A moving ballad by Monday Kiz and Lee Yi-kyung |
| 141 | Falling In LoveDavichi (다비치) |  play_arrow | A female duo whose emotional pain and beautiful singing voices shine |
| 142 | 잊지 말아요Baek Ji Young |  play_arrow | Baek Ji-young’s moving love song resonates with the heart |
| 143 | For your futureCHANSUNG(2PM) |  play_arrow | Chansung’s new song expresses a desire to restore a lost relationship. |
| 144 | Remember MeKYUHYUN |  play_arrow | Kyuhyun’s heartrending love song and the feelings of a farewell |
| 145 | Broken HeartMONSTAX |  play_arrow | MONSTA X’s heartbreak ballad |
| 146 | A Song For YouNu’Est |  play_arrow | A Song of Gratitude for NU'EST’s 7th Anniversary |
| 147 | EYES, NOSE, LIPS -KR Ver.-SOL (from BIGBANG) |  play_arrow | A masterpiece that portrays the pain of heartbreak in a true-to-life way |
| 148 | DEARESTTōhōshinki |  play_arrow | A heartwarming love song by Tohoshinki |
| 149 | 내사랑 내곁에Kimu Hyonshiku |  play_arrow | A hit song by a singer reminiscent of Yutaka Ozaki, a soulful voice |
| 150 | Nameless (With Jang HyeJin)HUI |  play_arrow | A poignant ballad that stirs the heart—a timeless classic. |
| 151 | Smile Good ByeJUNGWOO |  play_arrow | A moving song about Fu Bao’s farewell with Grandpa |
| 152 | Make me cry(나를 울려)Cha Ga-eul, Jang Sae-byeok |  play_arrow | An emotional ballad titled 'Make me cry' |
| 153 | 편지 (The Letter)Kimu Gwanjin |  play_arrow | Introduction to Kim Kwang-jin’s ballad songs |
| 154 | 나의 생각, 너의 기억 (My Thoughts, Your Memories)KYUHYUN (Kyuhyon) |  play_arrow | The bittersweet pain and passion of a love I can't remember |
| 155 | DIVINEshōjo jidai |  play_arrow | A grand and powerful ballad by Girls' Generation |
| 156 | On Such a DayWINTER |  play_arrow | My heart is healed by Winter’s new song. |
| 157 | FOREVERD.O |  play_arrow | D.O.’s ballad song, drama OST |
| 158 | Longing For The One I LostHYNN |  play_arrow | Hin’s heartbreak ballad, where sorrow and hope resonate |
| 159 | TURTLETwice |  play_arrow | Cute love song, lyrics that resonate with the heart |
| 160 | Bluefrom20 X HELLO GLOOM |  play_arrow | An inspiring electronic music duo from South Korea |
| 161 | How can I love the heartbreak, You’re The One I Love악동뮤지션 (AKMU) |  play_arrow | A sorrowful nighttime scene of two people on the verge of parting |
| 162 | GoneBANG&JUNG&YOO&MOON |  play_arrow | A sentimental ballad comeback track by four former B.A.P members |
| 163 | 혼술하고 싶은 밤 Lonely nightBEN |  play_arrow | A drinking-alone song that sings of the loneliness of the COVID-19 pandemic |
| 164 | By Your SideCrush |  play_arrow | A heartwarming Crash song that sings of love and bonds |
| 165 | Glowing LightHYNN |  play_arrow | A moving song that sings of hope and progress, resonating in the heart. |
| 166 | Way HomeKim Soo Hyun |  play_arrow | A moving song that sings of hope for a lost love |
| 167 | One KissRIIZE |  play_arrow | RIIZE's new song, a moving piece that vows eternal love |
| 168 | don’t leave me (거짓말처럼)TOIL, Gist |  play_arrow | A poignant ballad portraying the pain of heartbreak, resonating with the heart. |
| 169 | Our SeasonXIA |  play_arrow | Junsu’s new song resonates with a voice of hope and gratitude |
| 170 | I AM UJejun |  play_arrow | Jaejoong’s 20th Anniversary: A Song of Gratitude and Hope |
| 171 | 봄눈 (Spring Snow)박지윤 (Park Ji Yoon) |  play_arrow | A love song like the spring breeze, nestling close to the heart |
| 172 | all of my lifePARK WON(박원) |  play_arrow | A sad song about a man who loses his reason to live after breaking up with his lover |
| 173 | 온도차(Your temperature)kimu bogyon (kimu bogyon/NEON) |  play_arrow | A poignant song overflowing with inner voices, Temperature Gap |
| 174 | Wait Me ThereA Pink |  play_arrow | Apink’s 13th-anniversary single: a song of gratitude and moving forward |