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K-pop that touches the heart: iconic ballads by Korean female artists

What kind of songs move you? When you hear those pure, soaring high notes that only a clear, expansive female vocal can deliver, it feels like your heart is being cleansed—a sensation that gently seeps in.

In particular, many Korean singers have a passionate, emotionally rich singing style that really shakes you to your core.

Among them, we’ve carefully selected standout ballads by female vocalists! From intimate, everyday-friendly tracks to grand, sweeping pieces that only ballads can offer… you’re sure to be moved!

K-pop That Touches the Heart: Masterpiece Ballads by Korean Female Artists (71–80)

HeavenHYNN

[MV] HYNN(박혜원) _ Heaven
HeavenHYNN

This is the debut single by Ailee, a female solo singer renowned for her overwhelming vocal prowess and considered one of South Korea’s leading solo artists.

HYNN (Park Hye-won), who placed in the Top 3 on the audition show Superstar K 2016, covered and released the song on May 14, 2023.

It’s a love ballad that sings of unwavering love—the belief that no matter what happens, you can overcome anything as long as you’re with the one you cherish.

The powerful emotion of caring for someone truly resonates.

In the latter half of the music video, there’s an awe-inspiring scene where she removes the microphone and lets her voice ring out directly.

이수영 ‘날 찾아 (Find Me)Lee Soo Young (I Su-yon)

Lee Soo Young 이수영 ‘날 찾아 (Find Me)’ MV
이수영 '날 찾아 (Find Me)Lee Soo Young (I Su-yon)

This is a song released in March 2020 by Lee Su-hyun, who is also known as the Queen of Ballads.

It’s a song about feelings for someone you love, and like a wish for those feelings to melt away with the snow, it gently seeps into your heart.

The more you try to forget, the harder it is if you really love them, right? It tenderly stays with that aching thought of ‘How can you be okay?’ and Lee Su-hyun’s calm, expressive vocals draw you even deeper into the emotion.

number one girlROSÉ

ROSÉ – number one girl (official music video)
number one girlROSÉ

Through this work, Rosé delicately expresses her inner emotions.

It’s a ballad themed around the longing for love, and it resonates deeply.

Released in November 2024, the song is included on her first solo full-length album, “rosie,” which came out in December.

The track was produced by Bruno Mars, with Rosé herself participating in both the songwriting and composition.

In the music video, her subtle expressions stand out against the backdrop of Seoul’s nightscape.

It’s especially recommended for those who have experienced heartbreak or are seeking to discover their own self-worth.

Farewell EverydaySOYOU

[MV] SOYOU(소유) _ Farewell Everyday(우리는 매일 이별을 향해 걸어가지)
Farewell EverydaySOYOU

A former member of the idol group SISTAR, who were active in the 2010s, she is now pursuing a solo career.

Her new song is titled “Farewell Everyday,” a classic, straight-down-the-line ballad.

Rather than a crystal-clear tone, her appeal lies in a slightly husky, whispery voice—and you can fully enjoy that captivating whisper-voice in the soaring chorus, the song’s highlight.

It also shares many similarities with Japanese ballads, so be sure to give it a listen.

Who is reflected in this world?SooYoung

Sooyoung, also known as a member of Girls’ Generation, has released her first solo single in Japan, “Unstoppable.” This track is the B-side and was selected as the ending theme for the drama “Chiba-kun in My Town.” It’s a ballad distinguished by beautiful piano and strings, with Sooyoung’s clear, translucent vocals resonating deeply.

The lyrics evoke a journey of self-discovery, making it perfect for times when you feel lost in life or want to boost your self-esteem.

She reportedly recorded it with the drama’s monologues in mind, which adds to its compelling sense of unity with the show’s world.

Nights Into Days (Prod by. 나얼)Taeyeon

[MV] 태연(TAEYEON) – 혼자서 걸어요(Nights Into Days) (Prod. by 나얼)
Nights Into Days (Prod by. 나얼)Taeyeon

Taeyeon, a member of Girls’ Generation—the idol group that helped ignite the K-pop boom—also shines as a solo artist.

In 2023, she released “Nights Into Days (Prod.

by Naul),” a song that portrays the aching wait for a loved one who has drifted away.

The intertwining of beautiful string tones with her clear, translucent vocals offers a soothing sound.

It’s a ballad that gently wraps nighttime feelings of anxiety and loneliness in love.

Lend your ear to this sweeping tale where a bittersweet story unfolds.

OVERDOSU-Rim

Let me introduce the soulful ballad “OVERDOS.” It’s a release by U-Rim, a next-generation artist who debuted in 2022.

The song centers on a woman who has lost the person she loves, portraying her yearning as an “addiction.” It also stands out for expressing how the sadness doesn’t fade with time.

The depiction is sure to tug at your heart.

Another appeal is its relatability—you can overlay it onto various situations and easily empathize with it.