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)
Destiny (2025)Monday Kiz, Lee Yi Kyung
An emotional duet ballad by Monday Kiz, the Korean vocal group renowned for their overwhelming vocal prowess, and actor Lee Yi Kyung.
The track is the title song of the single “Monday Kiz’s Footprints Vol.1 (with Lee Yi Kyung),” released in July 2025, and is a remake of a beloved classic originally featured on the OST of the 2006 drama “Wolf (늑대).” It seems to portray the aching hearts of two people irresistibly drawn together by inescapable fate.
The contrast between Monday Kiz’s soul-stirring vocals and Lee Yi Kyung’s emotionally rich singing is deeply moving.
The grand harmonies immediately draw listeners into the world of the story.
It’s perfect for a night when you want to immerse yourself in a dramatic ballad—give it a listen.
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.
Untitled (2014)G-DRAGON
A ballad released by G-DRAGON in 2017.
With Jiyong’s uniquely artistic expression and human sensitivity, it’s often cited as a quintessential heartbreak song.
You can really feel the aching desire to meet again even though it’s no longer possible—the wish for the other person’s happiness, yet, if at all possible, the longing to meet and talk once more.
Wanting to get it back even at the cost of losing everything might be proof of just how special it was.
And yet, Jiyong’s kindness and generosity in wishing for the other person’s happiness overflow throughout, making it a truly tear-jerking, must-cry track.
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.
Fallen StarElaine (일레인)
The 2019 Korean drama Vagabond, starring Lee Seung-gi and former miss A member Suzy, became available to watch in Japan on Netflix right away.
It’s a thrilling series in which the protagonist, caught up in a civilian airliner crash, uncovers a national conspiracy.
One of the songs from its OST is sung in English despite being from a Korean drama.
Its gentle tones and soaring vocals make it a very pleasant track.
Way HomeKim Soo Hyun
A gem of a ballad sung by popular Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun.
Released in April 2024 as part of the OST for the drama “Queen of Tears.” Carried by a heartbreaking yet warm melody, it sings of the hope to reclaim beautiful memories of the past and a love that was lost.
Soo-hyun’s emotionally rich vocals further enhance the nostalgic atmosphere.
It’s a song worthy of the drama’s climax, one that stirs the heart every time you listen.
Perfect for healing the pain of heartbreak or when you’re wishing to reunite with someone dear.
It’s sure to gently stay by your side.
PARADISEINFINITE
INFINITE is a six-member South Korean male idol group that has been active since 2010.
They have been active in Japan since 2011, gaining popularity through solo concerts and festival appearances.
They also have many Japanese-language songs, making them a great recommendation for those who want to focus on lyrics.
My LoveI Hai
This is the song used in the palace love story overflowing with handsome men, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, which aired in Korea in 2016.
In addition to the cute IU and the popular heartthrob Lee Joon-gi, EXO’s Baekhyun also appeared, making it a hot topic.
The singer of this track, Lee Hi, debuted with YG Entertainment at 17 and amazed music fans with her soulful, powerful vocals.
She showcases that talent in this song as well—an achingly beautiful love song that feels like clinging to the one you love.
Flowing down the cheekSeo Yeong-eun
This is the OST from the 2017 Korean drama Ruler: Master of the Mask.
As a young crown prince who was raised hiding his face behind a mask fights to reclaim his throne and kingdom, many moving stories of friendship and love unfold.
The singer of this song, Seo Young-eun, began her career as a jazz vocalist and made her album debut in 1998.
Her clear voice is truly beautiful! She has worked on the OSTs of numerous dramas to date.
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.