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

Here I Am AgainYerin Baek

[사랑의 불시착 OST Part 4] 백예린 (Yerin Baek) – 다시 난, 여기 (Here I Am Again) MV

A huge hit by Yerin Baek, one of Korea’s leading singer-songwriters, from the OST of the romance drama Crash Landing on You, which became a sensation in Japan.

Her emotive vocals feel as if she’s speaking directly to you, drawing you into the world of the song and gently enveloping your feelings.

A love that grows deeper even when apart.

The aching portrayal of wanting to stay close despite having to say goodbye lingers in the heart.

It’s a ballad that quietly brings comfort no matter the circumstance.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KEI

Report a problem

You won’t forget meKIM CHAEHYUN

김채현 (Kep1er) ‘넌 날 잊지 못할거야’ MV | Official

Kim Chaehyun, who enchants as Kep1er’s main vocalist with her clear, crystalline voice.

This work, released in December 2025 as her first solo single, showcases a different side from her group activities and lets her individuality shine.

It’s a ballad built on a band sound, carefully conveying the complex emotions that linger after a breakup—feelings of loss and lingering attachment.

Chaehyun’s delicate yet resolute vocals draw you in, expressing a heart-wrenching poignancy.

Produced as part of a collaborative project involving Dreamus Company and others, it also sparked buzz with behind-the-scenes footage revealing the recording process.

It’s a track that seems to melt into the cold air of winter, best enjoyed alone on a quiet night.

I’m all earsTaeyeon

TAEYEON 태연 ‘겨울나무 (I’m all ears)’ Special Video

A deeply moving ballad sung by Taeyeon, the main vocalist of Girls’ Generation.

It was included as the closing track on the album “This Christmas – Winter is Coming,” released in the winter of 2017.

The lyrics are truly warm, as if gently listening to someone’s pain and assuring them, “I’ll stay by your side through the night.” It overflows with a kindness that feels like wrapping a shivering body in a blanket.

There may be no flashy production, but Taeyeon’s delicate vocals—so nuanced you can almost hear her breathing—stand out, and every listen brings you close to tears.

About a month after its release, a special video for the song was also unveiled.

On nights when you’re going through something hard, or when you just want someone to listen, play this softly.

It will surely make your heart feel lighter.

Standing On The EdgeHyolyn

HYOLYN(효린) ‘𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑬𝒅𝒈𝒆’ Special Film

Hyorin is a singer known for being a former member of the girl group SISTAR, which debuted in 2010.

This work is her digital single released in December 2025, as she continues to pursue a dynamic solo career.

It’s a ballad that tells the story of standing on the brink, meeting the light of her fans, and finding the strength to rise again.

The sound evokes the still air of dawn, and her delicate yet powerful vocals resonate deeply.

The fact that it was previewed at concerts and completed with the energy of the live audience adds an emotional layer.

Instead of a music video, a special film was released, further enriching the song’s lingering impact.

It’s a perfect track for nights when you want to quietly dwell in your feelings or express gratitude for someone’s support.

Solar SystemKIM SEJEONG

김세정(KIM SEJEONG) ‘태양계’ Official M/V

Kim Sejeong, who first rose to fame as a member of gugudan and is now beloved for both her acting and singing, released the single album “Solar System” in December 2025—a work that deeply resonates with the sensibilities of winter.

This release is a remake of one of Sung Si-kyung’s signature ballads, arranged by guitarist Jeok Jae, who breathes new life into the piece while preserving the lyricism of the original.

The lyrics poignantly liken the habits that linger after a breakup to the orbits of planets revolving around the sun.

With restrained, acoustic production, the sound blends seamlessly with her delicate vocals, echoing like an intimate soliloquy.

It’s a song that will gently accompany quiet nights spent alone in contemplation.

7월 7일 (One Of These Nights)Red Velvet

Red Velvet 레드벨벳 ‘7월 7일 (One Of These Nights)’ MV

Red Velvet, the five-member girl group affectionately known as “Redebe” in Japanese fandom, released “7월 7일 (One Of These Nights)” in 2016—a dreamy ballad themed around the legend of Tanabata.

The song’s appeal lies in its emotional, J-pop-like vocal melodies set over an R&B foundation.

In keeping with the Tanabata motif, the track also carries a distinctly Asian flavor in its tone, making it an especially compelling listen.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Yuuki

Report a problem

The Moment My HeartBoramiyu

The Moment My Heart

Singer-songwriter Boramiyu, who has gained support on YouTube for her cover videos and their clear, translucent tone, has released a single on December 21, 2025.

It’s a remake of the beloved ballad that Kyuhyun sang in 2020 as part of the OST for the webtoon “취향저격 그녀 (She is My Type).” The song captures the trembling heart just before confessing feelings to a crush, carried by delicate piano and string melodies.

Boramiyu’s conversational vocal delivery brings out a fresh, innocent charm distinct from the original.

With a warm sound that seems to melt into the crisp winter air, it’s sure to gently encourage anyone feeling timid about love.

It’s also perfect for listening alone on a quiet night.