Tearjerker K-pop ballads: Korean songs that will make you cry
When do you break down in tears?
When you go through a breakup, when you can no longer see someone important to you—so many emotions can well up at times like these.
Here, we carefully curate and introduce K-pop “songs that make you cry” that stand close to each person’s desire to weep.
From tracks that overwhelm with grand, expansive worlds to songs that intimately capture everyday life, we cover a wide range—classic staples, of course, and new releases added as they come.
May these emotion-rich songs unique to K-pop help soothe your heart, even just a little.
- K-POP and Korean tear-jerker songs: tracks that deeply resonate and bring you to tears
- [Exquisite Ballad Songs] K-pop that touches the soul. Korean Ballads
- K-pop that touches the heart: masterful ballads by Korean male artists
- K-pop that touches the heart: iconic ballads by Korean female artists
- K-pop and Korean love songs: Love songs that really capture the Korean view of romance
- A poignant, heart-touching K-pop song. A bittersweet track that resonates with many different emotions.
- [K-POP] Korean 'yami' songs that fit a blue mood
- [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.
- [Korean popular music] Popular trot songs. Masterpieces by trot singers.
- A J-POP song highly popular in South Korea [with a Korean-language cover too!]
- [Korea] A ballad-style friendship song. A roundup of classic K-pop masterpieces
- K-pop to color your Instagram stories: recommended Korean songs
Tearjerker K-pop Ballads: Korean Songs That Will Make You Cry (61–70)
BeautifulCrush
A ballad released in 2016 that is one of Crush’s signature songs.
It was repeatedly featured in memorable scenes of the drama Goblin, generating a flood of inquiries and heightening the emotional moments.
Its gentle, beautiful melody tugs at your heartstrings.
The lyrics, which convey a desperate longing to be together, are so moving that they could bring you to tears just by reading them.
If you listen to “Beautiful” when you’re reminiscing about days spent with a former lover or feeling sentimental, it might make you even more emotional.
Crush’s smooth, flowing vocal delivery is also soothing and deeply affecting.
Every nightEXID
A signature song by EXID, the popular Korean girl group, whose wistful melody and the members’ beautiful harmonies resonate deeply.
Released in October 2012, this track delicately captures the pain of heartbreak and lingering attachment.
The loneliness that grows night after night and the complex feelings toward a past love press upon the listener’s heart.
LE’s newly written rap part is rhythmic yet suffused with melancholy.
This work will stand by everyone troubled by love and offer comfort.
It’s a medium-tempo tune brimming with mature allure, where acoustic tones blend with EXID’s bewitching charm.
My Life 4 U2PM
A love ballad that makes your heart flutter with its purity.
Dubbed “beast idols” for their overwhelming wild appeal, 2PM released it in 2010.
It’s included on their 3rd single “Don’t Stop Can’t Stop” and on the Japan-released best-of album “2PM Best (2008 ~ 2011 in Korea).” The pure sentiment of vowing to risk one’s life for you is truly moving.
What’s more, hearing the vocals resonate directly at a live show makes it even more emotional and can bring you to tears.
Don`t you know(PROD.ROCOBERRY)ZO ZAZZ
An unconventional genius who burst onto the Korean music scene.
Debuting in January 2025, this track has drawn attention for his powerful, emotive ballad vocals that carry the original song.
The grand orchestral soundscape interwoven with his rich, husky voice creates a world steeped in poignancy, evoking the sorrow of parting from someone dear.
Arranged by Ahn Young-min and performed by a 50-piece orchestra, the expansive sound blends seamlessly with his vocal prowess.
Originally known as a Davichi song from the drama IRIS 2’s OST, this version offers a fresh, male-perspective interpretation.
It has surpassed 5 million views on YouTube and is gaining traction on domestic rebound charts.
Highly recommended for those who love ballads that resonate deep in the heart.
Why did I end up falling in love with you?Tōhōshinki
TVXQ are also focusing on their activities in Japan.
One of their signature songs is “Why Did I Fall in Love with You?” It drew major attention, including winning the Japan Record Award, so many people likely know it.
The lyrics portray, from a male perspective, love for the woman who left him.
A key point is how the title phrase is gradually altered as the song delves deeper into his emotions.
By the way, there are also a cappella and remixed versions of the track.
They have a different vibe, so give them a listen.
Star 1117ATEEZ
The love-filled ballad “Star 1117” was released by the boy group ATEEZ in 2020 and included on the album “TREASURE EPILOGUE: Action To Answer,” the conclusion of the series.
The title 1117 refers to the day the fandom name ATINY was decided, carrying heartfelt sentiments directed toward their fans.
When you listen to this song, vivid memories are sure to come flooding back.
The lyrics, which liken a beloved person to a star, overlap with an unbreakable bond and make your heart swell.
Above all, the group’s beautiful vocals—especially the soaring emotion in the latter half—are moving to the point of tears.
A Song For YouNu’Est
A ballad released in 2019, when NU’EST celebrated their 7th debut anniversary.
It’s a song dearly loved by fans.
All the members wrote the lyrics together, and the heartfelt message they wanted to deliver to fans resonates warmly and gently.
The long-awaited Japanese version, released after a while, stirs up all kinds of emotions—the feeling of having waited so long—and can even move you to tears.
It’s a song of gratitude built on cherished feelings and careful attention to every detail.
It really makes your heart swell.