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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K-POP That Touches the Heart: Masterpiece Ballads by Korean Female Artists (31–40)
봄은 있었다Younha
A ballad that unfolds with a bittersweet scene.
This track is included on Just Listen, the album released in May 2013 by Younha, a singer-songwriter from South Korea.
It delicately portrays the feelings of looking back on a love that has passed with the arrival of spring.
Younha’s clear, translucent voice resonates as if gently enveloping the pain of heartbreak and the hope of new beginnings.
It’s the perfect song for when you want to bask in memories of love while sensing the changing seasons.
You’ll surely find yourself relating to its heartfelt vocals and lyrics.
Make U SmileYENA
A poignant ballad whose moist, tender vocals bring tears to your eyes.
This emotionally rich song by Yena—who has been steadily growing her fanbase since her solo debut—conveys a fragile longing: to keep a promise made with a loved one who has been lost, and to hope for a reunion someday.
Created with the wish to bring “smiles” to its listeners, the track is included on the mini album “SMARTPHONE,” released in August 2022.
It fully showcases the expressive power she cultivated as a former member of IZ*ONE.
Offering warmth and hope, it will resonate with those who spend nights alone or have experienced parting from someone dear.
The promise to keep from swaying in the wind teaches listeners the steadfast strength of love.
Lonely night (혼술하고 싶은 밤)BEN
Since her solo debut in 2012, BEN has captivated listeners with her adorable looks and beautiful, gentle voice.
Her song “Lonely night (혼술하고 싶은 밤)” is a perfect ballad for gazing at the night sky and slipping into solitary contemplation.
Her clear vocals feel as if they’re speaking softly to you, perfectly matching the tender, all-embracing lyrics.
On nights when you ache for someone, or when loneliness feels overwhelming, why not let her voice soothe you?
AzaleasAli
Ali, who has proven her talent in the Korean music scene through appearances on programs like Immortal Songs 2, returns with her first new track in about three years since the 2022 digital single Four Leaf Clover.
This ballad, which modernizes elements of pansori—Korea’s traditional vocal art—delicately portrays lingering feelings for a former lover and the hope entrusted to a flower that blooms again.
It beautifully fuses the depth of pansori, which Ali has been familiar with since childhood, with her rich expressive power.
A highly recommended song for those who want to convey the feelings that lie deep within their hearts through song.
부탁해요Wax
It’s a song that captures the very complex feelings of a woman.
It’s full of emotions: the sadness of breaking up with a lover, the kindness of sending him on to the next woman, and the feelings you only understand after being apart.
She knows exactly what kind of person he is and could probably describe him better than anyone.
She wonders why they can’t keep dating, but there are things you only realize after breaking up—like how continuing probably wouldn’t work out anyway.
I think the moment you become aware of that is the most painful.
K-pop That Touches the Heart: Masterful Ballads by Korean Female Artists (41–50)
힘들 때마다 생각나는 친구오현란
This is a song included on Oh Hyun-ran’s solo debut album, “Oh Hyun-ran 1st Album,” released in 1998, when she was a member of the vocal group Page.
It’s a gentle ballad with a mood that also resonates with Japanese songs.
The title carries the meaning of “a friend I always think of in difficult times.” It’s a comforting, enveloping track that makes you long for the time spent with friends and brings calm when you think of those moments.
Hyun-ran’s beautiful vocals deepen the emotion even further.
Please give it a listen when you’re going through tough times.
SquareYerin Baek
A track where Baek Yerin confidently sings entirely in English, just like a singer active in the West—she’s simply so cool in this one.
She originally debuted in 2012 as part of 15& under JYP Entertainment, but despite her strong vocals, she wasn’t treated well by the agency.
After moving to BLUE VINYL in 2019, her popularity surged with this song.
It’s a breakup song, but it feels crisp and refreshing, giving off the vibe of a cool, self-possessed woman!