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

A glass of soju (one shot of shochu)Imu Chanjon

02 임창정 – 소주 한 잔

A quintessential Korean ballad that conveys the pain of heartbreak and regret through a deeply moving vocal performance.

Released in June 2003 by the accomplished artist Lim Chang-jung, it is included on the album “Bye.” Blending the sense of loss from losing a beloved partner with the bittersweet attempt to drown sorrow in soju, this song resonated with countless listeners and became a nationwide favorite.

It has been covered by many K-pop artists, including BTOB’s Seo Eunkwang, and continues to be loved across generations.

Its appeal lies in the profoundly emotional vocals and universal themes—anyone who has known the pain of love can relate.

A masterpiece of Korean ballads that you’ll want to listen to alone on a quiet night, letting it seep into your heart.

My Everythingshōjo jidai

열정 My Everything

A ballad that expresses a vow of love, passionately sung by Girls’ Generation.

This piece is a remake of a song by The Grace (Cheon Sang Ji Hee), and its delicate blend of piano and strings resonates deeply.

The lyrics carry the message “You are my everything,” pledging eternal love and gratitude to a cherished person, while the members’ mature, beautiful harmonies are truly moving.

Released in February 2025 as part of an album commemorating the 30th anniversary of SM Entertainment’s founding, the song has received high praise from many fans.

It’s perfect as wedding background music, and it’s also a wonderful choice when you want to convey your feelings to someone special or add color to a meaningful moment.

100!ONE PACT

ONE PACT 원팩트 ‘100!’ MV

Debuting in November 2023 as a standout boy group, ONE PACT delivers a thrilling dance track that fuses retro sounds with futuristic beats.

Four members from the audition program BOYS PLANET and one from the rap battle show High School Rapper 4 have come together, captivating listeners with powerful rap and melodious vocals.

As the title track of their third mini-album, PINK CRUSH, it expresses the exhilaration of love and pure feelings for someone special, resulting in a message-rich piece that resonates deeply with listeners.

Since its release on February 14, 2025, it has garnered strong attention in their home country, and hall concerts in Tokyo and Osaka have been scheduled for March.

With all members involved in the production, this song showcases ONE PACT’s signature groove and sophisticated sound.

춘몽HYUN SEO

현서 (HYUN SEO) – 춘몽

A track released in February 2025 by R&B singer Hyunseo.

Its approachable style and lyrics depicting longing leave a strong impression.

The melodious sound and rhythmic beat blend seamlessly, resonating deeply with listeners.

It’s a song that showcases the profound sensitivity he’s known for, which was highly praised on the EP “ABOUT MY DARK CLOUD Part.1.” It evokes a mood perfect for pensive moments, feelings of yearning, and a springtime setting.

Every Moment Of YouSon Shigyon(SUNG SI KYUNG)

Every moment of you Kimi no subete no shunkan Song Si-kyung (with Japanese/Korean readings)

A signature song by Sung Si-kyung, known as the Emperor of Ballads, from the OST of the Korean drama “My Love from the Star.” Gently singing of feelings for a loved one, this piece has continued to soothe many hearts since its 2014 release.

Sung Si-kyung’s sweet, delicate vocals beautifully convey the joy of feeling fulfilled simply by the other person’s presence.

The song ranked high on Korean music charts and even saw a Japanese version released, making it a beloved track across borders.

It’s perfect for moments when you’re thinking of someone special or when you want to feel warm at heart.

Like a Friend8TURN

8TURN(에잇턴) ‘이럴거면 다음생에(Like a Friend)’ Special Clip

An eight-member boy group, 8TURN’s December 2024 release.

Anticipation is high as it serves as a pre-release track from their fourth mini album.

The protagonist’s pure desire to become more than friends is colored by a catchy guitar riff and retro drums.

This is their first love song, showcasing a fresh, down-to-earth charm unlike their previous work.

It was unveiled as a surprise at their fan concert held in Seoul on December 7, sending fans into a frenzy.

A perfectly sweet-and-sour youth anthem that nestles close to the hearts of those in love.

SIRENAB6IX

SIREN

A medium-tempo track released in 2023 by the boy group AB6IX, which includes former Wanna One members.

It’s a love song that portrays how irresistibly charming the person they’re drawn to is—almost to a troubling degree.

It can also be read as depicting someone out of one’s league.

The lyrics resonate with the feeling of worrying that “you and I might not be a good match” and striving hard to carry oneself with confidence.

Combined with their beautiful vocals and gentle tones, a touch of bittersweetness comes through.

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