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

이럴거면 그러지말지(Shouldn’t Have…)Pekuayon

Baek A Yeon(백아연) “Shouldn’t Have…(이럴거면 그러지말지) (Feat. Young K)” M/V

“Shouldn’t Have” is a work that Baek A Yeon herself wrote and composed.

Her vocals perfectly suit the calm R&B style, and the song became a hit by resonating with many listeners.

It’s said that the main reason it gained so much support is that it skillfully captures genuine, relatable feelings in the lyrics, prompting a wave of people who found themselves identifying with the words.

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.

The Day was BeautifulKassy

[LIVE CLIP] 케이시 (Kassy)_’그때가 좋았어’ (The day was beautiful)

Casey’s “The Day was Beautiful” is a breakup song with female vocals.

The warm tone of the guitar pairs perfectly with Casey’s wistful voice, and it really resonates.

She originally started her career on a rap show, but her singing is impressively good as well.

Casey writes her lyrics based on her own experiences, so if you’re interested, try reading a Japanese translation of the lyrics too.

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F.F.L.YMIYEON

미연 (MIYEON) ‘F.F.L.Y’ SPECIAL CLIP

Miyeon of (G)I-DLE, beloved as one of the foremost classic vocalists in the K-POP scene, continues to expand her reach not only through group activities but also as an MC and model.

This song is included on her second mini-album “MY, Lover,” released on November 3, 2025.

It portrays the wavering emotions that follow the end of love, with Miyeon herself participating in the lyric writing.

The lyrics symbolically depict a relationship falling apart and a fading warmth, carrying a heartrending, poignant impact.

Rather than belting with force, her deliberately restrained vocals leave a strong impression, conveying a more mature allure.

Even within an album that doubled the previous release’s first-week sales to 200,000 copies, this is a deep, quietly resonant track you’ll want to listen to alone on a calm night.

If It Were MeNa Yoon Kwon & D.O.

[Special Clip] 나윤권(Na Yoon Kwon) & 도경수(Doh kyung Soo) – ‘나였으면’

Veteran balladeer Na Yoon Kwon—unrivaled when it comes to singing aching love—and D.O., the main vocalist of EXO, have realized a dream collaboration.

The beloved ballad that drew attention as part of the 2004 drama Crown Prince’s First Love OST and was included on the album Addiction has been reborn with a fresh touch in November 2025.

Its plaintive portrayal of unrequited love—the heart-wrenching thought, “If only I were the one by their side”—tightens the chest.

Na Yoon Kwon’s deep, resonant voice intertwines with D.O.’s warm yet wistful vocals, drawing listeners into an even more dramatic development.

It’s perfect for those long autumn nights when you feel lonely and want to quietly lose yourself in the music.

LOVEDRUNKEpik High, Crush

EPIK HIGH (에픽하이) – 술이 달다 (LOVEDRUNK) ft. CRUSH [Official MV]

Is it a pun? LOVED, DRUNK—in other words, it’s a love song about alcohol.

The Japanese title is “Sake ga Amai” (literally, “The Sake Is Sweet”).

It sounds classy, but the content is a love song that sings of a girl’s heartbreaking attempt to forget a breakup by drinking.

Right from the start: “wobbly feet,” “spinning head.” Most people have probably gotten that drunk before, but not many have from heartbreak.

The much-talked-about music video is unique and eye-catching, too.

The woman who appears is the singer IU, an artist Gen Hoshino has his eye on, and in the video she’s fighting someone.

It’s probably a metaphor—maybe it was hard to directly depict the act of getting drunk.

Crush(크러쉬)Zion.T

[MV] Zion.T(자이언티), Crush(크러쉬) _ Just(그냥)

It’s a song called “Crush,” a collaboration between Zion.T and Crush.

It was a big hit in South Korea.

As a breakup song, its theme honestly expresses the straightforward feelings of unexpectedly running into an ex-girlfriend after a breakup.

Rather than just being sad, the lyrics capture the awkwardness of that encounter and how seeing her brings to light the lingering feelings I’d been pretending not to notice.

The raw, unvarnished lyrics that portray the unbearable shabbiness of myself in that moment are deeply relatable.