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

GoodbyePaku Hyoshin (Paku Hyoshin)

[MV] Park Hyo Shin(박효신) _ Goodbye(굿바이)

It’s a ballad notable for Park Hyo-shin’s high-tone voice and gentle vocals.

The theme is a man’s heartbreaking resolve: lingering feelings for an ex, finally letting go of a love he couldn’t give up.

Even after the breakup, he keeps remembering his lover, replaying memories in the back of his mind.

In doing so, he ends up letting his former lover linger within him.

Deciding to say “goodbye” to all of that is important, but it’s also incredibly painful.

Anyone who has gone through a breakup will likely relate.

TIAMOT-ARA

T-ARA 티아라 “TIAMO” 띠아모 MUSIC VIDEO

T-ARA’s song “TIAMO,” sung by the Korean girl group, is also recommended for anyone who wants to listen to Korean love songs.

It’s a mid-tempo, heartwarming track with a pleasant melody that carries pure feelings of affection for someone special.

Watching the snow-filled music video will make you want to listen to it in winter, a season full of couple-centered events like Christmas.

The lyrics, which convey the message “Just having you makes me happy,” remind us of the beauty of love.

It’s also a song that makes you feel grateful for being loved in return.

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Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

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Love is like watchings stars with youDECEMBER

[MV] DECEMBER(디셈버) _ Love is like watchings stars with you(사랑은 너와 별을 보는 것)

A love song with a quiet, warm atmosphere that feels like gazing up at the starry sky with your sweetheart.

Delivered by the accomplished artist December in December 2021, it’s a gentle, soothing ballad tune.

The emotive harmonies woven over the acoustic guitar’s timbre and beautiful string arrangements resonate in the heart.

The lyrics, filled with cherishing the other person and vows of eternal love, read like a tender letter.

It’s the level of polish you’d expect from December, who has produced numerous hits since their 2009 debut.

Perfect as a gift for a birthday or anniversary to someone irreplaceable, this is a romantic track that makes you want to listen under the stars.

Too Late to Say I Love YouKIXO

Too Late to Say I Love You (사랑한다고 하긴 너무 늦었나봐요)

A medium-tempo number released in May 2025 by singer-songwriter Kiso.

Featuring Cho Wonsang of LUCY, this track delicately portrays regret and heartache over lost love.

It captures the feeling of realizing it’s too late to say “I love you,” and is sure to resonate with many listeners.

The gentle arrangement layered with their clear, transparent vocals delivers a deeply moving experience.

Highly recommended for anyone who regrets a past relationship or struggles to convey their feelings to someone special.

A little bit moreJINHO (PENTAGON), Rothy

[MV] JINHO(진호) (PENTAGON(펜타곤)), Rothy(로시) _ A little bit more(조금만 더) (김비서가 왜 그럴까 OST Part.4)

This is a magnificent ballad where piano and strings are elegantly interwoven, released in June 2018 as part of the OST for the drama “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?”.

Jinho, the main vocalist of PENTAGON, delivers powerful high notes that blend beautifully with solo singer Rothy’s clear, crystalline voice.

Together, they carefully portray the delicate emotions of a couple who have just fallen in love.

The song was used in memorable scenes throughout the drama, gently narrating the protagonists’ subtle feelings and resonating with many viewers.

It’s perfect not only for those harboring bittersweet feelings of love, but also as background music for spending time with someone special.

Cupid’s ArrowJunho & Lee Yu-Bi

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

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.

It’s You (Duet With IU)SUNG SI KYUNG (Son Shigyon)

It’s You (Duet With IU) (Bonus Track) (그대네요 (Duet With 아이유) (Bonus Track))

A gem of a duet by Sung Si-kyung, a leading figure in Korea’s ballad scene known for his delicate harmonies, and IU, renowned for her outstanding vocal prowess.

Released in 2010 as a bonus track on Sung Si-kyung’s album “The First,” this was the pair’s first collaboration.

The song portrays the bittersweet feelings of lovers reuniting after a long time, with their voices blending beautifully to leave a deep, lingering impression.

Nominated for Best Collaboration at the Mnet Asian Music Awards, it garnered significant acclaim.

If you enjoy duets, why not try singing it at karaoke?