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.
- Stylish K-pop and Korean songs. Songs with a nice vibe.
- 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
- Cute K-pop and Korean songs: heartwarming, energizing, and heart-throbbing tunes
- [Cute Korean Songs] K-POP used on TikTok
- [Korean Oldies · Genre-Free] Songs from Korea you’ll want to listen to now—nostalgic Korean tracks
- A poignant, heart-touching K-pop song. A bittersweet track that resonates with many different emotions.
- K-pop and Korean love songs: Love songs that really capture the Korean view of romance
- K-pop to color your Instagram stories: recommended Korean songs
- K-pop to listen to in winter: beautiful Korean songs that touch the heart
- K-pop friendship songs: heartwarming Korean tracks about borderless bonds
- [Classic and Contemporary Hits] Emotionally Stirring, Heart-Touching Songs
Emotional Korean songs: gently moving, sentimental masterpieces (1–10)
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.
Empty HeadASH ISLAND
A track released in 2019 by ASH ISLAND, a popular emo rapper who won the Rookie of the Year award at the Korean Hip Hop Awards 2020.
Rather than simply being unable to stop surrendering to alcohol, the song portrays a state of mind that feels inescapable.
When you can’t think about anything else and nothing seems to help, this kind of deep worldview can feel comforting.
You can feel the pent-up emotions with no outlet and the anguished cries that verge on madness.
사랑병동NEW!Wonpil
This is the title track from Unpiltered, the first solo mini-album released in March 2026 by Wonpil, who handles keyboards and vocals for JYP Entertainment’s band DAY6.
The song is an emotional piece that fuses delicate melodies with an explosive alternative rock sound.
Framing the pain of heartbreak with the motif of a “ward of love,” its candid lyrics lay bare uncontrollable feelings and strike straight to the heart.
Wonpil’s gentle yet earnest vocals dramatize wounds that won’t heal, making it a track that resonates deeply when you’re carrying a sense of helpless sorrow.
Emotional Korean songs: gently moving, sentimental masterpieces (11–20)
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.
GAME OVER ?NEW!HANRORO
Hanroro is a young singer-songwriter who stands out with a unique presence in South Korea’s indie scene.
The title track of the single “애증 (LOVE&HATE),” released in April 2026, is an indie rock number that depicts a solitary struggle amid the intertwining of love and hatred.
With literary phrasing, it conveys both a wish not to spend one’s once-in-a-lifetime existence on conflict and an anxiety about the vulnerability that comes with love.
The music video featuring Noh Jae-won also drew attention.
It’s a song that marks Hanroro’s current position as her acclaim continues to grow, including a win at the 2025 Melon Music Awards.
If you’re looking for music that resonates with shifting emotions, this is a must-listen.
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 (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.