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

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

Heartfelt K-pop: Iconic Ballads by Korean Female Artists (1–10)

To My YouthBolbbalgan4

[181118] 볼빨간 사춘기 (Bol4) – 나의 사춘기에게 To My Youth @용인시 수험생을 위한 특별콘서트 By. TaeJeong
To My YouthBolbbalgan4

Korean singer Bolbbalgan4.

Her name is read as Porupalgan Sachungi, and in Japan she’s also known as Akahoppo Shishunki (Red Cheek Puberty).

Her song “To My Youth” is a poignant ballad looking back on a youth that wasn’t loved by those around her.

The original is in Korean, but there’s also a Japanese version titled “To My Adolescence” (Watashi no Shishunki e).

Her crystal-clear voice amplifies the sorrowful lyrics many times over, making them all the more compelling.

If you listen to this song while reading the lyrics, your tension will melt away—and the tears won’t stop.

Don’t you know (모르시나요)Davichi

다비치 – 모르시나요 LIVE CLIP | 2025 DAVICHI CONCERT ‘𝑨 𝑺𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒄𝒉 𝒊𝒏 𝑻𝒊𝒎𝒆’
Don't you know (모르시나요)Davichi

The OST from the drama IRIS II is characterized by a deeply resonant melancholy.

Released in February 2013 by the Korean female duo Davichi, it’s a ballad that powerfully conveys the ache of unrequited love.

The exquisite harmonies woven by Lee Hae-ri and Kang Min-kyung delicately express the pain of lost love.

It received high acclaim, including a nomination for Best OST at the Mnet Asian Music Awards.

Featured in key scenes of the drama, it was remade by ZO ZAZZ and became a massive hit in Korea in January 2025.

It’s perfect for moments when you want to soothe the pain of heartbreak or cleanse your heart.

I’m all earsNEW!Taeyeon

TAEYEON 태연 ‘겨울나무 (I’m all ears)’ Special Video
I'm all earsNEW!Taeyeon

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.

DOWNPOURI.O.I

아이오아이 (I.O.I) – 소나기 (DOWNPOUR) MV
DOWNPOURI.O.I

This is “소나기,” meaning “Shower,” the final single by I.O.I, the time-limited group formed in season 1 of the audition program Produce 101.

It’s a song about the sadness of parting, but just as a sudden shower soon stops and the sky clears, it carries a message to fans that we’ll be able to meet again soon.

It’s a lovely expression, isn’t it? SEVENTEEN’s Woozi took part in writing and composing the song.

Either Wayive

IVE 아이브 ‘Either Way’ MV
Either Wayive

Since their debut, the girl group IVE has continued to captivate people—not only through records and accolades, but in so many other ways as well.

This song is one of the three title tracks that were pre-released from their first EP, ‘I’VE MINE,’ which came out in October 2023.

I’m sure some listeners were shocked when they first heard it.

It’s a message song that stands in stark contrast to their past work, which has showcased glamorous charm and powerful styles, yet you can still feel IVE’s core shining through.

The deeper you empathize, the more it resonates—a ballad whose gentle words offer comfort, perfectly suited to the present moment.

if(만약에)Taeyeon

[DJ티비씨] 태연(Taeyeon) – 만약에 ♬ #비긴어게인3 #DJ티비씨
if(만약에)Taeyeon

When it comes to indispensable K-pop girl groups, Girls’ Generation is a must.

And at the core of the group is, of course, Taeyeon, the lead vocalist.

This song is one of Taeyeon’s solo tracks, and it’s truly moving.

As the title “If (만약에)” suggests, when we’re in love, the word “if” often pops into our heads.

“What if I do this and he leaves me—wouldn’t that be heartbreaking?” We often think like that, don’t we? Isn’t this a song with so many relatable moments?

Sour GrapesLE SSERAFIM

[909 직캠 4K] 르세라핌 풀캠 ‘Sour Grapes’ (LE SSERAFIM FullCam) | @JTBC K-909 221022
Sour GrapesLE SSERAFIM

LE SSERAFIM made a striking debut in 2022.

The group is composed of five members with rich diversity: two Japanese, two Korean, and one Korean-American.

Their individuality shines through in Sour Grapes, a track that skillfully blends elements of ballad and dance-pop.

The song is included as the closing track on their first mini-album, FEARLESS, and features soothing vocal work that could lull you to sleep right after finishing the album.