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

A special feature on K-pop love songs recommended for anyone who wants to listen to Korean romance tracks!

Korean love songs often have lyrics that are even sweeter than their melodies, and they’re sure to make both girls and guys swoon.

Beyond the cuteness of songs that express feelings of love straightforwardly, tracks about unrequited love or the emotions after a breakup are also deeply moving.

Above all, the uniquely Korean sense of musicality and overflowing emotion will surely resonate across borders with many listeners.

In this list, we’ve picked out songs that sing about love in many different forms.

May your feelings reach the ones you care about!

K-POP and Korean love songs: Love songs that capture the Korean view of romance (211–220)

EgoCrush

Crush (크러쉬) – ‘미워 (Ego)’ MV
EgoCrush

A mid-tempo track included on R&B artist Crush’s third full-length album, “wonderego,” which features a number of timeless songs.

“Ego” is one of the four title tracks.

Its distinctive tempo feels soothing, and the lyrics—depicting the many emotions of love—leave a strong impression.

It might even capture that feeling of being hopelessly, overwhelmingly in love.

It’s an adorable song, especially if you listen while watching the music video featuring Crush himself.

If It Were MeHYNN

[MV] HYNN(박혜원) – If It Were Me(나였으면)
If It Were MeHYNN

Known for her overwhelming vocal prowess, Heen (Park Hye-won) has been drawing attention as a powerhouse singer-songwriter representing Korea.

Released in November 2024, this work is a ballad that delicately portrays the emotions of a poignant unrequited love.

It gives voice to the pain of harboring feelings for someone while knowing they won’t be returned.

Heen’s emotive vocals resonate deeply with the heart.

It’s a song that gently stays by the side of anyone carrying unspoken feelings.

SomethingKIM A REUM

김아름 𝗞𝗶𝗺 𝗔 𝗥𝗲𝘂𝗺 – 그런 사이 (𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴) 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗩
SomethingKIM A REUM

Kim Areum, a female singer whose city pop style enjoys steadfast support among aficionados.

Her track “Something” was pre-released from her 6th album, SEOUL WAVE.

It’s a love song about a subtle relationship that isn’t quite friendship, wrapped in a bittersweet mood.

It seems to portray the complex feelings of not knowing what your partner is thinking, and if the timing is right, you’ll likely find yourself all the more emotionally drawn in.

It sounds like it would be a perfect match for a nighttime drive.

그렇지 않아 (The Story Behind)KYUHYUN

‘그렇지 않아 (The Story Behind)’ MV | KYUHYUN EP ‘Restart’
그렇지 않아 (The Story Behind)KYUHYUN

A heart-stirring love song that rekindles sweet, bittersweet memories of romance.

Sung by SUPER JUNIOR’s Kyuhyun, this track is included on his album “Restart,” released in January 2024.

It portrays the complex emotions of unexpectedly reuniting with an ex, set to the strains of modern rock.

Kyuhyun’s delicate vocals beautifully capture a heart swayed by a past love.

The music video co-stars Won Ji-an, and its visual beauty, infused with Korean perspectives on romance, is also a highlight.

When you want to feel the poignancy of love, give it a listen—you’re sure to find moments you can relate to.

Fire GazingKyoung Seo

This is the latest song by Kyungseo, a singer-songwriter from South Korea.

Released in August 2024, it was produced as part of the OST for the drama “Serendipity’s Embrace.” It’s an emotionally rich ballad whose gentle, melodic tone resonates deeply.

Kyungseo’s delicate and expressive vocals further enhance the song’s appeal.

Depicting scenes of gazing into a campfire while reflecting on past memories, it’s perfect for quiet nights or contemplative moments.

As a track that elevates the drama’s most moving scenes, it has earned strong support from many fans.

Be sure to enjoy this piece, which fully showcases Kyungseo’s charm.

Heavenly fateLEE CHANGSUB

The soundtrack for the webtoon “A Not So Fairy Tale,” by Lee Changsub from South Korea.

As the lead vocalist of BTOB, his beautiful voice conveys the ache of unrequited love.

The protagonist’s complex emotions after parting with someone precious are portrayed alongside delicate strings and guitar.

Released in February 2024, this song reveals a new side to Lee Changsub’s solo work.

Recommended for anyone who has experienced heartbreak or who can relate to wishing happiness for someone important.

Its heartfelt lyrics and clear, pure vocals are sure to soothe the soul.

Into YouN.Flying

N.Flying (엔플라잉) ‘네가 내 마음에 자리 잡았다 (Into You)’ [Official Audio]
Into YouN.Flying

A song released in June 2024 by the South Korean rock band N.Flying.

While rooted in rock, it shines with a diverse musicality that weaves in elements of pop and hip-hop.

The lyrics depict feelings for a loved one taking root, skillfully expressing the scenes of falling in love—the racing heartbeat and intensifying emotions.

It’s a refreshing track with strong buzz, sure to resonate as a song that stays close to the hearts of those in love.

Castmates from the drama “Lovely Runner,” in which member Lee Seung-hyub appeared, have also voiced their support.

Recommended not only for those currently in a relationship, but also for anyone who wants to remember the purity of first love.

If You Ask Me What Love IsRoy Kim

로이킴 (Roy Kim) – 내게 사랑이 뭐냐고 물어본다면 (If You Ask Me What Love Is) MV
If You Ask Me What Love IsRoy Kim

It’s a ballad that gently questions the essence of love with a tender vocal.

Released in October 2024, it’s a warm track that perfectly captures the feeling of autumn.

It’s striking how love is compared to beautiful moments in nature, portrayed as fleeting yet precious.

True to Roy Kim’s style, it paints a simple and beautiful love story.

A “Roy actually” concert is scheduled for December at Seoul Olympic Park, where this song is expected to be performed.

It’s a moving piece that resonates with those searching for the meaning of romance—be sure to listen when someone special comes to mind.

Fallen Angel (feat. XYLØ)류수정(Ryu Sujeong)

류수정(Ryu Sujeong) ‘Fallen Angel (feat. XYLØ)’ M/V
Fallen Angel (feat. XYLØ)류수정(Ryu Sujeong)

A track marked by a dark, sentimental mood.

It’s a pre-release single from Ryu Sujeong, an artist from Korea, taken from her January 2024 release 2ROX, featuring the American artist XIRO.

The lyrics, which liken the pain of lovers hurting each other to “fallen angels,” cut straight to the heart.

It’s an ambitious work that takes on a fresh twist with the genre of dark pop.

Perfect for those who’ve tasted the sweetness and anguish of love, or who seek solace in music.

Ryu Sujeong’s crystalline vocals intertwine exquisitely with XIRO’s captivating voice, creating a song as evocative as a painting.

Cupid’s ArrowJunho & Lee Yu-Bi

[MV] Junho & Lee Yu-Bi(준호(2PM) & 이유비) – Cupid’s Arrow(취향저격) | 영화 Twenty 스물 OST
Cupid's ArrowJunho & Lee Yu-Bi

A fresh, spring-like youthful love song woven from sweet, translucent vocals and a pop sound.

It’s a duet by 2PM’s Junho and actress Lee Yu-bi.

Released in March 2015 as part of the OST for the film “Twenty,” this track captivates with a medium-tempo melody that skillfully fuses K-pop and R&B elements.

Closely aligned with the film’s story, it delicately portrays the heart-fluttering feelings at the start of love, with Junho’s gentle voice and Lee Yu-bi’s refreshing vocals blending beautifully.

Perfect for karaoke with friends or as background music for a drive with someone special.