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

It Was LoveOnestar(임한별)

[MV] Onestar(임한별) _ It Was Love(이별하고 나서야 깨달았어)

This is a track released in May 2024 by Onestar, the singer-songwriter Lim Han-byul from South Korea.

Formerly active as a member of A’ST1 and Monday Kiz, he is now pursuing a solo career.

It’s a moving ballad of over seven minutes that portrays the regret of a heartbreaking breakup.

With his delicate vocals, you can feel the protagonist’s realization that he was truly in love.

As expected from an artist renowned for drama OSTs, it’s a song that resonates deeply.

I highly recommend it to anyone who has experienced both the joy and sorrow of love.

Bad HabitsSHAUN

숀 (SHAUN) – 습관 Bad Habits [Official MV]

This is a solo song by Sean, a member of the band THE KOXX.

It’s a track with a sparkling pop sensibility that you’ll want to listen to over and over.

The Korean title 습관 simply means “Habit,” but I think the English title “Bad Habits” represents the song better.

It’s about a man who, even after breaking up with his girlfriend, still can’t move time forward from that moment.

Being stuck in the past and unable to move on is, after all, a bad habit.

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.

Don’t be the love that goes byMonday Kiz

[MV] Monday Kiz(먼데이 키즈) _ Don’t be the love that goes by(스쳐가는 인연이 되지 마요)

Monday Kiz, a powerhouse Korean vocal unit, has released a gem of a ballad where sorrow and beauty harmonize.

Since their formation in 2005, they’ve been known for numerous classic albums like El Condor Pasa and Inside Story, and here they sing of the transience of love that has passed.

Lee Jin-sung’s clear, transparent vocals blend with elegant piano and string arrangements to create a deeply moving piece.

This song is recommended for those who wish to empathize with the end of a romance or lingering feelings, and for anyone seeking to soothe the emotions hidden deep in their heart.

Snowfall at NightD.O

도경수 Doh Kyung Soo ‘밤에 내린 눈 (Snowfall at Night)’ MV

A winter ballad that portrays warm emotions and memories of love resonating on a quiet, snowy night.

Created by D.O., known as the main vocalist of EXO, this piece rides on gentle melodies woven by piano and acoustic guitar, singing of nostalgic memories and the joy of reunion.

D.O.’s richly expressive and delicate voice has the power to transcend language barriers and touch the heart.

Released on January 17, 2025, this song is a winter gift.

When you seek warmth in the cold season or wish to reflect on memories with someone dear, please give it a listen.

D.O.’s tender voice will settle softly in your heart like falling snow.