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

봄은 있었다Younha

4. 봄은 있었다

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.

CompleteGirls’ Generation

SNSD – Complete @ 2011 Girls Generation Tour DVD

It’s the well-known Korean star group Girls’ Generation’s “Complete.” It gently sings of a happy woman’s feelings as she believes in a future living together with the one she loves.

Active across Asia, Europe, and the United States, they’re known in English-speaking regions as “Girls’ Generation,” and they’ve expanded their careers not only as singers but also as models and actresses.

Ending SceneIU

[MV] IU(아이유) _ Ending Scene(이런 엔딩)

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.

Dark CloudYounha

[MV] YOUNHA(윤하) _ Dark Cloud(먹구름)

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.

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Growing UpMinseo

[MV] MINSEO(민서) _ Growing Up(성장) (LISTEN 032)

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.