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

Almond ChocolateILLIT

ILLIT (아일릿) ‘Almond Chocolate’ Special Film

An original Japanese song by the popular girl group ILLIT that portrays a bittersweet love, woven from sweetness and bitterness.

Written as the theme song for the film “I Won’t Fall in Love Just for a Pretty Face,” the track is produced by SEKAI NO OWARI’s Nakajin and Pdogg, known for his work with BTS.

It skillfully captures single-minded devotion to one’s idol, along with the joy and inner conflict their presence brings, and—paired with a light, pop melody—expresses a sweet yet bittersweet youth.

Released in February 2025, this gem of a love song likens the multifaceted charm of one’s bias and the sweet-and-bitter nature of romance to almond chocolate.

Perfect for the Valentine’s season, it’s a down-to-earth depiction of a girl’s feelings in love and a recommended track for anyone who relates to “oshi-katsu.”

DittoNewJeans

NewJeans (뉴진스) ‘Ditto’ Performance Video

With production by Min Hee-jin, NewJeans is a girl group that has earned strong support for its fresh, distinctive concept.

“Ditto,” pre-released from their first single “OMG,” is a track that feels nostalgic and tugs at the heart.

Member Minji took part in writing the lyrics.

It’s retro yet polished, with a soft, airy mood.

Alongside lyrics that seem to depict the passage of time and budding feelings of love, the school uniforms and visuals in the music video evoke an emotional layer that overlaps with memories of student life.

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너에게 못했던 내 마지막 말은 (Unspoken Words)Davichi

다비치 (DAVICHI) – 너에게 못했던 내 마지막 말은 (Unspoken Words) MV

This is a song I recommend for women struggling with the pain of heartbreak.

It’s heartrending and sad, but it brings to mind a woman doing her best to forget her ex and move forward, and it feels empowering.

After a breakup, even when you think, “There’s no way I can live without him,” all you can do is try.

And no matter how hard you try—even if you still want to say you love him—this is a support song for women who choose to move forward.

I just hope you can get over the heartbreak quickly, turn the past into fond memories, and find a new connection.

Fall In LoveGFRIEND

GFRIEND – Fall In Love, 여자친구 – 물들어요 [정오의 희망곡 김신영입니다] 20160713

It’s a track from GFRIEND’s first full-length album and masterpiece, LoL.

It might not be one of GFRIEND’s most mainstream songs, but its happy mood and heart-fluttering melody are delightful.

I never believed in love at first sight, but I fell for someone and realized it’s real!—that’s the cute theme of the song.

It also portrays the gradual growth of a crush, and you can feel the excitement bubbling up.

It’s a heart-throbbing tune that makes you want to walk side by side with the person you like!

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After MidnightASTRO

ASTRO 아스트로 – After Midnight M/V

Astro, the male idol group whose name means “celestial body” or “star” in Spanish, included the romantic love song After Midnight—set against the theme of a summer night—on their 2021 album SWITCH ON.

The track features lively dance beats intertwined with beautiful strings and synths.

It’s K-pop packed with appeal, showcasing their rich choral work as they deliver a song that hints at a more mature relationship.

Why not spend your summer with its sultry phrases whispering words of love?

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mutō

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시든 꽃에 물을 주듯(The Lonely Bloom Stands Alone)HYNN(박혜원)

[MV] HYNN(박혜원) _ The Lonely Bloom Stands Alone(시든 꽃에 물을 주듯)

An adult love ballad about the end of a romance.

HYNN is a female vocalist, but her voice is expansive and powerful, reminiscent of Korean male singers.

From the opening to the chorus, the rhythm and melody portray the feeling of love withering and fading like a flower.

If you’re heartbroken, it will hit you hard and bring you to tears; even if you’re not, it draws you into an emotional world.

Recommended for those who like Korean female singers with powerful voices and a strong command of both high and low registers.

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en

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Thank you for Goodbye（헤어져줘서 고마워 ）BEN

[MAJOR9/벤] 벤(BEN) ‘헤어져줘서 고마워(Thank you for Goodbye)’ OFFICIAL MV

This is a song whose title, “Thank You for Breaking Up with Me,” has an undeniably powerful impact.

A line like that is dramatic, but it’s also something you’d never want to hear even once in your life.

Whether such an impactful phrase is sincere or just part of the complex push and pull between men and women is the question.

The couple in this song is facing a breakup crisis.

It’s a heartbreakingly imaginable situation: even while dating, something feels unfulfilled, and one person has lost the reason to stay together.

Ben’s heartrending vocals hit you right in the heart.