K-pop and Korean love songs: Love songs that really capture the Korean view of romance

ThirstyTAEMIN

[STATION] TAEMIN 태민 ‘Thirsty (OFF-SICK Concert Ver.)’ Performance Video

An adult mid-tempo number released by SHINee’s Taemin in 2017.

It portrays a state of being unable to resist one’s instincts, wrapped in a sultry mood.

Precisely because it’s expressed by the sexy Taemin, the song’s allure stands out even more.

He’s sleek and cool, but with a slightly forceful edge that might make your heart skip a beat with the contrast.

This track depicts uncontrollable desire.

It’s the perfect love song for when you’re in that kind of romance or when you want to listen to something that gets your heart racing.

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KEI

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Last night (Guitar by Park Juwon)JEONGHAN X WONWOO (SEVENTEEN)

JEONGHAN X WONWOO (SEVENTEEN) ‘어젯밤 (Guitar by 박주원)’ Official MV

A sweet and bittersweet love song from a unit born out of the popular Korean group SEVENTEEN, performed by Jeonghan and Wonwoo.

It’s included on their debut single album THIS MAN, released in June 2024.

The lyrics, which tell the story of a man who visits in dreams, create a mysterious atmosphere.

Set to a medium tempo, the track unfolds a dark, seductive world.

Park Juwon’s guitar further elevates the song’s appeal.

It’s a track that stirs a mature romantic sensibility—perfect for listening alone at night.

Recommended not only for SEVENTEEN fans but also for anyone who enjoys smooth, moody K-pop.

To be honest(솔직하게 말해서 나)Kimu Nayong

[MV] Kim na young(김나영) _ To be honest(솔직하게 말해서 나)

Farewells, unfortunately, come around a few times in life.

This song is likely sung from a woman’s perspective about a couple who have been together for a long time.

Even though the man is the one who brings up the breakup, she doesn’t feel confident she can go through with it.

Because she can’t imagine even a single day apart! Isn’t this a feeling many of us experience after a heartbreak—asking ourselves, “How am I supposed to live without him?” Kim Na-Young’s heartrending voice strikes right at the heart and makes it ache.

I can only hope that a day like this never comes for any couple.

Me gustas tuGFRIEND

여자친구 GFRIEND – 오늘부터 우리는 Me gustas tu M/V

A signature song by the popular girl group affectionately called “Yeoja Chingu” by fans.

In Japanese, the title means “I like you.” It sings of a straightforward, pure love as a girl conveys her feelings to the boy she likes—right on the verge of confessing.

What’s especially cute is how she imagines the two of them being mutually in love and happy together.

It’s the perfect song for anyone about to confess their feelings.

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en

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HAPPYUchū Shōjo

[MV] 우주소녀(WJSN) – HAPPY

WJSN is an idol group made up of Korean and Chinese members.

Their looks are absolutely adorable! This track, “HAPPY,” will brighten your mood just by listening to it.

Its familiar, catchy melody and cute vocals make it the perfect number for boosting your spirits when you’re in love.

The lyrics, which feel like they express a joyful feeling with your whole body, really tug at a woman’s romantic heart! It’s a song that feels like a cheer-up anthem for women who want to become more beautiful and seize happiness!

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Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

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Blue ValentineNMIXX

NMIXX(엔믹스) “Blue Valentine” M/V

The title track from NMIXX, the girl group under JYP Entertainment, off their first full-length album “Blue Valentine,” released in October 2025.

Embodying the album’s key theme of the paradox of love, the song paints the pain that comes precisely from loving deeply in shades of “blue.” Opening with melancholic synths, it blends boom‑bap rhythms with pop‑rock‑leaning guitar riffs—an elevated take on NMIXX’s signature “MIXXPOP.” From mid-October, it took first place consecutively on five major Korean music programs and made its presence felt on charts at home and abroad.

A track that stirs listeners’ emotions with a driving sound imbued with poignant sorrow.

No Words Can SayRoy Kim

로이킴 (Roy Kim) – 달리 표현할 수 없어요 (No Words Can Say) Music Video

A digital single released in October 2025 by Roy Kim, who has firmly established himself as a singer-songwriter.

Written and composed by Kim himself, the track serves as a sequel of sorts to his 2024 love narrative “If You Ask Me What Love Is (내게 사랑이 뭐냐고 물어본다면).” From a chance encounter grows a fateful conviction; the piece gently weaves an inexpressible gratitude and the warmth of love through acoustic guitar and his tender tone.

Eschewing flashy build-ups, its appeal lies in a storytelling style that savors silence and space.

With mature lyricism that sings of embracing scars and loss as the essence of true love, it gently loosens the listener’s heart.

A sophisticated love ballad, perfect for listening alone on a quiet night.