K-pop that touches the heart: masterful ballads by Korean male artists

It’s Love(사랑인걸)Huh Gak(허각)

[MV] Huh Gak(허각) – It’s Love(사랑인걸)

A master of tear-jerking ballads, South Korean singer Huh Gak spins a heartrending breakup song.

Released in July 2024, it voices feelings for someone that won’t fade even as the days pass.

It captures relatable emotions—the way words of love can trigger pain and the longing to hold someone again.

With a runtime exceeding eight minutes, the track’s structure highlights its deep emotional expression.

True to Huh Gak’s reputation for acclaimed drama OSTs, this work seeps into the heart alongside its visuals.

It’s a song that will quietly stay by your side on nights when you want to soothe the ache of heartbreak.

Smile Good ByeJUNGWOO

[푸바오와 할부지 OST Part.1] 정우 (JUNGWOO) – 이젠 웃으며, 안녕 (Smile Good Bye) MV

Jungwoo, who is active as a member of NCT, delivers a ballad for the soundtrack of the film “Fu Bao and Grandfather.” The touching work portrays the farewell between Fu Bao—the first panda in South Korea to be successfully bred naturally—and the “grandfather” who cared for her.

Released on March 23, 2024, Jungwoo’s gentle vocals resonate with tender poignancy.

The lyrics, filled with gratitude and well-wishes for Fu Bao as she returns to China, convey the bond between animals and humans.

In the music video, you can see Jungwoo singing in the studio along with adorable footage of Fu Bao.

It’s a song that leaves a warm afterglow, offering comfort to anyone who has experienced parting with someone dear.

You Are My SpringHWANG CHI YEUL(황치열)

[MV] HWANG CHI YEUL(황치열) _ You Are My Spring(나의 봄날)

Singer Hwang Chi-yeul released his first single album Chiyeol in 2007 and drew attention with its title track Only Once.

His song You Are My Spring is a natural, approachable piano ballad that also resonates with Japanese pop sensibilities.

The beautiful piano tones blend exquisitely with his gentle voice, creating a tender, soothing, and emotional atmosphere.

His relaxed vibrato is especially calming, so try playing it during leisurely moments on your day off.

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Get Ready To Leave (feat. Onestar(임한별))Huh Gak(허각)

[MV] Huh Gak(허각) _ Get Ready To Leave(떠나보낼 준비해 둘걸 그랬어) (feat. Onestar(임한별))

This is a sublime collaboration number by South Korea’s powerhouse balladeers, Huh Gak and Lim Han-byul.

A ballad that captures the emotions before a breakup, its piano- and strings-centered, stirring arrangement beautifully highlights their heartrending vocals.

Since winning the audition program Superstar K2, Huh Gak has released numerous works from 2010 onward, including the mini-album First Story and the acclaimed Little Giant.

In this piece as well, his harmony with Lim Han-byul blends seamlessly, showcasing profound emotional expression.

It’s a song that gently stays by your side on nights of heartbreak or when you’re trying to move past a farewell with someone dear.

I will come to youJIN

그리움에

A heartfelt ballad carried by a delicate, piano-spun melody.

Jin’s warm vocals convey the emotions he held during his military service with poignant clarity.

Featured on his first solo album, “Happy,” released in November 2024, the song portrays a farewell to a loved one and a promise to reunite.

A parting on a day of falling white snow, and a pledge to meet again in the season of the gentle spring breeze—it overflows with the tenderness of a letter to his fans.

You can feel the passion of Jin, a member of the popular Korean group BTS, who reportedly began writing it the day after his discharge.

It’s a recommended “ballad for the heart,” one that stays by your side when you’re feeling down or thinking of someone dear.

I Can’t ForgetKIM JAE JOONG

I Can’t Forget (From “SHOW MUSIC Dream High”)

The multi-talented artist Kim Jaejoong’s new song was released in January 2025 as part of the OST for the show musical Dream High.

A cover of the original track produced by J.Y.

Park, this ballad portrays the aching feelings of someone who can’t forget a past lover.

Jaejoong’s delicate, emotionally rich vocals resonate deeply with listeners.

The lyrics are striking for how they convey lingering attachment—the love that time can’t heal, the pain of revisiting places tied to memories.

Jaejoong is also dedicated to social contribution through music, donating the proceeds from this release.

HERO (From the Film ″Firefighters″)Park Hyo Shin

PARK HYO SHIN (박효신) ‘HERO’ (From the Film “Firefighters”) Official MV

A gem of a ballad by Park Hyo-shin.

His duet with BTS’s V, “Winter Ahead,” also made waves.

This song was written as the theme for the film “Firefighter,” released in December 2024.

Park Hyo-shin was involved in every step—lyrics, composition, and arrangement—marking his first new release in five years.

It carries a message for those who quietly express love out of sight and devote themselves without fanfare.

Park Hyo-shin’s powerful vocals and distinctive timbre truly stand out.

Perfectly in harmony with the film’s profound message, it leaves a deep impression on listeners.

The lyrics, which convey a wish for everyday safety, are perfect for anyone thinking of someone dear.