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!
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Soul-stirring K-pop: Masterful ballads by Korean female artists (21–30)
Ending SceneIU
Actor Kim Soo-hyun appears in the music video, and the song feels just like a drama.
Among those who’ve gone through a breakup, quite a few have probably heard something like, “You’re a wonderful person, so there’s someone better out there for you,” right? Every time I hear that, I think, “Then why don’t you date me?” But that’s not how it works, is it? It’s just a selfish line disguised as kindness.
IU has a cute little-sister image, but she also delivers these bittersweet love songs with real power.
Plant(화분)SEJEONG(세정)
Sejeong’s “Plant (화분)” is a simple ballad that makes the most of her beautiful vocals.
Formerly the main vocalist of the eight-member girl group gugudan, she has been actively pursuing a solo career since the group disbanded.
Featured on her milestone first mini album, 화분, the title track “Plant (화분)” delivers particularly moving lyrics that use clever rhetoric to portray herself spending time beside the one she loves, like a houseplant.
K-POP That Touches the Heart: Masterpiece Ballads by Korean Female Artists (31–40)
DREAMBABYMONSTER
BABYMONSTER is a girl group born from the documentary program “Last Evaluation.” Their pre-debut song is “DREAM.” It portrays sleepless nights filled with worries and a strong determination to face hardships.
Though it starts as a gentle ballad, it gradually builds in power, and in the latter half there’s even a call-and-response section.
It’s a song that can gently lift your spirits when you’re feeling down.
My DestinyLyn
This is an OST from the drama My Love from the Star starring Kim Soo-hyun.
The singer, Lyn, rarely appears on variety shows and is an artist who truly competes with just her voice.
Within her calm, meticulous delivery, you can also feel a powerful presence.
It’s a classic love song about wishing to spend time once more with the person you loved, if only it were possible.
Lyn’s quiet vocals evoke something like a mature, genuinely precious kind of love.
Growing UpMinseo
Minso was born in 1996 and debuted as a solo artist in 2018.
She originally trained to become an idol, but ended up starting out solo.
With her strong expressive power and vocal ability, it feels like her talents shine more than they would have as an idol.
Her skill is evident from the high praise she received from Yoon Jong-shin—synonymous with Korean ballads—on the audition show Superstar K7.
This song is about a woman who, after a breakup, realizes her partner’s feelings and her own selfishness, and grows as a person.
It’s a bittersweet heartbreak, but the song conveys a sense of potential and brings a calm to the heart.
On Such a DayWINTER
A ballad whose gentle healing permeates through a wistful melody.
Sung by Winter of the girl group aespa, this track was released in April 2025 as part of the OST for the drama “Someday Wise Resident Life.” The song portrays the struggles and growth of the drama’s young doctors, and Winter’s tender vocals embrace unbidden sadness and loneliness in a way that resonates deeply.
Her clear voice overflows with empathy and comfort.
It’s a song that will quietly stay by your side when you feel a sudden pang of loneliness or when your heart is tired.
Dark CloudYounha
A song released in January 2020 by Younha, who has also worked in Japan.
It’s included on the album UNSTABLE MINDSET.
It’s said to be about Younha herself, and you can gradually feel her deep feelings for someone precious.
The title carries the nuance of “dark clouds,” and it evokes “what if…” thoughts about how life might have turned out differently.
Younha is known as one of Korea’s finest vocalists, but it’s not just her singing ability—her overwhelming expressive power gives you goosebumps.
Highly recommended when you’re in the mood for a tear-inducing ballad.
