Various K-pop breakup songs [relatability, next steps, poignancy]

Do Men Cry?Davichi

Do Men Cry (남자도 우나요)

“Do Men Cry (남자도 우나요)” is a song in which the pain of heartbreak resonates alongside Davichi’s outstanding vocals.

Released in 2012 as the first installment of composer Shin In-soo’s 20th-anniversary project “The S,” it portrays the lingering feelings that remain after a breakup.

The song conveys the inability to put on a brave face or instantly erase memories—sentiments many people can likely relate to.

Although it’s written from a female perspective, the lyrics of the first verse in particular give the impression that men often feel this way too, making the song one that can comfort listeners from various backgrounds.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KEI

Report a problem

After You’ve GoneM.C The Max

[MV] M.C the MAX(엠씨더맥스) _ After You’ve Gone(넘쳐흘러)

M.C The Max’s “After You’ve Gone” is a sweeping breakup ballad that I especially want anyone nursing a broken heart to hear.

The singer, Isu, is widely regarded as one of Korea’s top four vocalists, and this track showcases his overwhelming vocal prowess.

The music video is a story-driven piece that traces a couple from meeting to parting, so watching the visuals while listening to the song will make it all the more moving.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Saitō Ayumu

Report a problem

I will show youAilee

[MV] Ailee(에일리) _ I will show you(보여줄게)

Ailee is a K-pop singer from the United States.

She’s young, but she’s one of those singers with incredible vocal ability.

Having grown up in America, her voice is powerful, and when she sings in English, her pronunciation is super cool, giving her vocals a striking, piercing quality.

This song makes the most of those traits—it’s a track that conveys a strong determination to forget the man she broke up with, and listening to it when you’re feeling sad can be very empowering.

Because I Love YouKang Minkyung

강민경 (KANG MIN KYUNG) – 사랑해서 그래 (Because I Love You) MV

It’s a heartbreak song that gives a very refined impression.

The theme is heavy: because she loved him, she ended up tying him down too much.

You can also feel her lingering attachment to him.

“I can’t forget you—what should I do?” Those are the words sung by Kang Min Kyung of the Korean female duo Davichi.

She says she poured her own experiences into the song.

The Japanese title is “Because I Love You, That’s Why.”

Good GoodbyeHwasa

화사 (HWASA) – ‘Good Goodbye’ MV

A digital single released by Hwasa, known as a member of MAMAMOO, from P NATION in October 2025.

It contemplates whether a parting moment can be called a “good goodbye,” portraying the struggle of suppressing one’s own feelings while wishing the other person happiness, set to a mid-tempo, ballad-like arrangement.

Hwasa was deeply involved in writing and composing, and the minimalist production highlights the nuances in her voice.

The emotional boiling point arrives as the melody soars in the chorus.

The music video features actor Park Jung-min, carefully depicting the quiet acceptance of separation between lovers.

An alternate version by the string quartet Duomo was released simultaneously, expanding the afterglow through orchestration.

It’s a song that quietly stays by your side when you want to empathize with pain that doesn’t need to scream.

끝 (The End)Gwon Jina (Kuwon Jina)

[BugsTV] Kwon Jin Ah (권진아) – The End(끝)

This is a breakup song by musician Kwon Jin Ah, who gained attention on the audition show K-POP Star Season 3.

It depicts a situation where a lover gradually grows cold.

When things stop going well, it’s painful to think, “We were so happy when we first started dating—why did it have to change?” There may be a certain mutual sense of the atmosphere right before a breakup.

It ties in with the visuals so closely that it’s almost unbearably poignant.

It takes a lot of courage to finally make up your mind and say goodbye, but the way this song ends seems to spark the feeling of moving forward.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KEI

Report a problem

How SweetNewJeans

NewJeans (뉴진스) ‘How Sweet’ Official MV

A song by NewJeans, the group leading the new generation of K-pop.

While the melody is rhythmic, the lyrics convey a woman’s feelings as she overcomes a breakup and looks forward.

You can feel the joy of meeting a new self and the importance of trusting yourself and moving ahead.

It’s a positive, empowering message song that’s likely to resonate with anyone who’s experienced heartbreak.

The catchy mid-tempo melody and the members’ smooth vocals stand out.

Released in May 2024, this track is a standout in NewJeans’ discography.

The lyrics, which capture the sense of liberation that comes with the end of a romance, are sure to encourage those who want to move forward.