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)
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.
Blue WhaleQWER
This work, which has garnered attention as a girls’ band effort by QWER, is a remake of a signature song by YB, a stalwart of the Korean rock scene.
The original, released in 2011, has long been loved as a masterpiece that depicts human loneliness and dialogue, using the life of whales as its motif.
In QWER’s version, they honor the original’s worldview while blending in the distinctive tones of a girls’ band.
Released as a special single in October 2025, the track surpassed 1.5 million views in just one day, and received high praise from the original songwriter, Yoon Do-hyun, who called it “a satisfying result that strikes a balance—neither too similar nor too different.” It’s a song that conveys a sincere, straight-ahead approach to a classic of rock.
WindFTISLAND
An epic rock ballad released by the band FTISLAND in 2017.
It was included on their commemorative 10th-anniversary album, OVER 10 YEARS.
A fragile, heartrending song that seeps into a weary heart.
Beginning with a gentle, piano-based arrangement that gradually layers into an intense band sound, it pulls you in even deeper.
Hongki’s commanding vocals—like he’s pouring out everything he feels—amplify the emotion even more.
It’s filled to the brim with an unbreakable longing, to the point where the sorrow of heartbreak feels unstoppable.
DREAMBABYMONSTER
BABYMONSTER is a girl group born from the documentary program “Last Evaluation.” Their pre-debut track is “DREAM.” The song portrays sleepless nights filled with worries and a strong determination to face challenges.
It starts as a gentle ballad, gradually builds in intensity, and even features a call-and-response section in the latter half.
Its heartfelt message and straightforward vocals will move you to tears when you’re going through tough times.
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.