Tearjerker K-pop ballads: Korean songs that will make you cry

My DreamYoonmirae(윤미래)

[M/V] Yoonmirae(윤미래) – My Dream

Here’s an OST from the drama Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung, which portrays a love story between Joseon’s first female historian and a prince who has never fallen in love.

Yoonmirae, a Korean R&B singer and rapper, also performs under the artist name Tasha.

Though she’s an R&B singer and rapper, she’s a bundle of talent who’s also phenomenal at singing ballads—her soaring high notes make you want to hit repeat over and over.

This song, from a woman’s perspective, has a slightly bashful feel, as if she’s asking the man she loves to hold on to her.

내사랑 내곁에Kimu Hyonshiku

김현식 – 내사랑 내곁에

This is a huge hit by Kim Hyun-sik, who has been described as the Korean Yutaka Ozaki.

Released in 1991, its title means “My Love, By My Side,” and it was adapted into a film in 2009.

Recorded before he fell ill and released posthumously, the song features Hyun-sik’s husky voice, which feels gently yet warmly enveloping—enough to bring tears to your eyes.

It sounds as if he’s singing with his very soul.

Even now, it continues to be covered by many artists and is passed down as an immortal classic.

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The Ordinary Man(뻔한남자)I SUNGI (I SUNGI)

[MV] LEE SEUNG GI(이승기) _ The Ordinary Man(뻔한남자)

Lee Seung-gi, who’s been active as an actor in recent years, has made a return! This song is included on his December 2020 album “The Project.” It’s a ballad created in collaboration with Yoon Jong-shin, famous for “좋니 (Like It).” It’s a song about a breakup with universal lyrics that you’ll surely relate to.

It’s so frustrating how, instead of changing, the two just got used to going with the flow… There’s no end to the regret.

The final scene where he sits in the chair conveys a sense of “nothingness” in many ways and leaves you with a painful ache.

Lee Seung-gi’s stunningly beautiful vocals will bring you to tears.

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Breakups(몇 번의 이별)Jeong Hyobin (Chung Hyobin)

[MV] Jeong Hyo Bean(정효빈) _ Breakups(몇 번의 이별)

Jeong Hyobin, a female singer who debuted in 2019 and is a must-listen if you’re into ballads.

She has also drawn attention with “Starlight,” an OST from the drama Run On.

Released in 2020, “Breakups” is a song about separation; its simple arrangement of guitar and strings pairs with Jeong Hyobin’s delicate vocals to create a deeply affecting ballad.

In the latter half, when her voice rises an octave into high tones, it’s guaranteed to make your emotions overflow.

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헤어지자 (Prod. 정키)휘인 (WHEE IN)

[MV] 휘인(WHEEIN) – 헤어지자 (Prod. 정키)

It’s a track from MAMAMOO’s Wheein’s 2019 album “soar.” Her delicate vocals are absolutely beautiful.

While it has a soothing, healing effect that can bring you peace, it also portrays the heartbreaking feeling of drifting so far apart from a small misunderstanding that there’s no turning back.

In the end, it becomes unbearable and she says goodbye… it’s incredibly sorrowful.

A tear-jerking ballad that fully conveys Wheein’s sensibilities.

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