RAG MusicK-POP
Lovely K-pop

An emotional Korean song. A gently moving, sensitive masterpiece.

This is a playlist introducing emotional Korean tracks.

From K-R&B and love songs to tunes with a languid, melancholic mood, we’ve picked a wide variety.

That laid-back, mellow atmosphere—the kind that slowly seeps in—feels even more emotional at night, doesn’t it?

Perfect for use on TikTok, too.

The stylish sound alone is emotional, but if you really take your time to read the lyrics while you listen, you might find yourself even more immersed in the world they create.

With many tracks featuring lyrics that feel like they’re right there with you, these emo numbers can be a comfort when you’re heartbroken or when you just want to relax.

Emotional Korean songs: gently moving, sentimental masterpieces (1–10)

strawberry moonIU

[IU] ‘strawberry moon’ CONCERT Preview Clip
strawberry moonIU

Strawberry Moon draws you into a mysterious world.

It’s a single released in October 2021 by IU, an artist with nationwide popularity.

This romantic track overlays moments of happiness with the strawberry moon.

Its piano-centered, shimmering tones are pleasing to the ear.

IU’s high-tone vocals, which vividly bring the song’s atmosphere to life, are breathtakingly beautiful and emotional.

It might be nice to listen to it slowly while moon-viewing.

SHENIEL

니엘 (NIEL) – SHE MV
SHENIEL

A work distinguished by rhythms reminiscent of 70s soul music and a wistful, melancholy melody.

Niel—who is also active as a member of TEEN TOP—delivers vocals that delicately convey subtle emotions with a soft timbre.

It’s the title track of his fourth mini-album, “SHE,” a poignant song that portrays the emotional turbulence after a breakup.

Released in April 2025, it coincided with his activities in the musical “6 O’Clock Off Work.” The words spun from his sweet, gentle voice accompany listeners as they struggle to accept the end of a romance and attempt to move forward while still holding feelings for a former lover.

It’s a perfect track for a night drive or a quiet room when you want to sort through your thoughts.

When Dawn Comes Again (Feat. BAEKHYUN)Colde

[MV] Colde(콜드) _ When Dawn Comes Again(또 새벽이 오면) (Feat. BAEKHYUN(백현))
When Dawn Comes Again (Feat. BAEKHYUN)Colde

This song is about the feelings that arise when, under the concept of dawn, you suddenly think of someone you’ve since grown apart from.

It was released in 2021 by the captivating artist Colde—who blends R&B with various genres—featuring Baekhyun.

You can sense the poignancy in lines like “I think back to the day we met” and “we can’t return to the time when we didn’t know each other.” It also resonates with the lingering feelings after a breakup.

I think it fits well with the cooler, breezy seasons.

The vocals are both languid and gentle, yet emotional.

Emotional Korean songs: gently moving, sentimental masterpieces (11–20)

Merry Go RoundRisso, BNJX

Risso (리소), BNJX (밴젝스) – Merry Go Round [Music Video]
Merry Go RoundRisso, BNJX

A stylish number with a city-pop vibe.

It’s included on Seoul Drive, a collaborative album by singer-songwriter Riso—who has provided guide vocals and backing vocals for KARA and GFRIEND—and BNJX.

The music video also has an evocative, 80s-inspired atmosphere.

It brings to mind Mariya Takeuchi’s “Plastic Love,” while the distinctly Korean, sweet mood leaves a strong impression.

WITHOUT YOU (결국)G-DRAGON (feat. ROSÉ of BLACKPINK)

G-DRAGON (feat. ROSÉ of BLACKPINK) – WITHOUT YOU (결국) MV
WITHOUT YOU (결국)G-DRAGON (feat. ROSÉ of BLACKPINK)

A medium-tempo track released by G-DRAGON in 2012, “WITHOUT YOU,” is included on his first mini album, “One of a Kind.” It features BLACKPINK’s Rosé, making it a truly charismatic collaboration.

Although it’s a song about the end of a romance, its bright sound gives it a slightly different feel from typical breakup songs.

While there’s a refreshing side to it, the rap section in the latter half portrays the regret after the separation.

In reality there’s lingering attachment, yet the melodious sound—overlapping with the resolve to move forward into a new future—creates an emotional atmosphere.

Our SummerTOMORROW X TOGETHER

[T:TIME] TOMORROW X TOGETHER ‘Our Summer’ (selfie ver.) – TXT (투모로우바이투게더)
Our SummerTOMORROW X TOGETHER

If you want to feel the emotional rush of youth, I recommend Tomorrow X Together’s “Our Summer.” It’s a track from their 2019 debut mini-album, THE DREAM CHAPTER: STAR.

The sound evokes nostalgic memories, and their characteristically dreamy, vivid lyrics shine beautifully.

Listening might make you want to head out on a journey.

The five members look adorable in the music video too, so be sure to enjoy it together with the visuals!

WINE (오늘 취하면) (Feat.Changmo) (창모) (Prod. SUGA)SURAN

WINE (오늘 취하면) (Feat.Changmo) (창모) (Prod. SUGA)
WINE (오늘 취하면) (Feat.Changmo) (창모) (Prod. SUGA)SURAN

“WINE (If I Get Drunk Today)” is a mid-tempo track steeped in lingering feelings for an ex.

Released in 2017 by R&B singer-songwriter Suran, it became a hit primarily through downloads.

It’s a collaborative piece featuring Changmo and co-produced by BTS’s Suga.

With its bittersweet theme of looking back on memories over a glass of wine, the song resonates not only after a breakup but also on days when nothing seems to go right.

The mellow track and Suran’s languid vocals perfectly heighten its emotional pull.