K-pop that touches the heart: masterful ballads by Korean male artists
What kind of songs move you?
When you hear a male vocalist who effortlessly moves from deep lows to falsetto, with a voice that wraps around you, it brings a soothing sense of comfort that sinks right in.
Many Korean singers, in particular, have a passionate, emotionally rich style that truly grips the heart.
Among them, we’ve carefully selected standout ballads by male vocalists!
From intimate songs that feel close to everyday life to ballads with a grand, expansive scale—you’re sure to be deeply moved, to the point of holding back tears!
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K-POP That Touches the Heart: Top Ballads by Korean Male Artists (1–10)
emptyPaul Kim
Everyone feels lonely sometimes, don’t they? That’s when I want you to listen to “empty.” It’s a ballad crafted by Paul Kim, who enjoys great popularity in Japan, and it’s included on the album “Maum, Part 1.” The lyrics depict thinking of someone you can’t see at night and wishing to meet them.
A highlight is how it expresses loneliness through various turns of phrase.
Combined with his gentle vocals, listening might just ease that sense of loneliness.
Don`t love me(사랑하지 말아요) (Prod. ROCOBERRY(로코베리))I Sokuhun (I Seokhun)
Do you all know Lee Seok Hoon, whose emotion and power are absolutely explosive? This is a deeply moving, heartrending ballad.
Even if you don’t recognize his name, many K-pop fans have probably seen him before.
He’s Teacher Lee Seok Hoon, who provided sometimes strict yet caring guidance on the popular audition program Produce 101!
Even for a momentSon Shigyon, Naul
Singer Sung Si-kyung, who is also active as an MC on variety and music shows, released this song, “Even for a moment,” in 2023 featuring Naul from the Korean R&B group Brown Eyed Soul.
It showcases choral work where the beautiful voices of these two artists—both overwhelmingly popular as ballad singers in Korea—intertwine.
It’s an emotional ballad that powerfully yet poignantly sings of continuing to cherish a lover, even after parting with the person they loved more than anyone else.
K-POP That Resonates with the Heart: Masterpiece Ballads by Korean Male Artists (11–20)
Spring Snow10cm
A song wrapped in the bittersweet emotion of 10CM, a popular Korean pop artist.
Released in May 2024, it was also featured on the soundtrack of the drama “Lovely Runner.” Kwon Jeong-yeol’s gentle vocals and delicate arrangement leave a strong impression, while the lyrics—overlapping the arrival of spring with a fragile love—soak into the heart.
The enchanting worldview likens the story of lovers reunited after a long time to spring snow.
It’s a track that leaves a warm yet wistful afterglow, as if rekindling memories with someone dear.
StarOnestar
A romance drama starring EXO’s Sehun, Cho Jun-young, and Jang Yeo-bin, All That We Loved.
This is a medium-tempo ballad featured on its OST.
The song is by Onestar, also known as Lim Han-byul, a member of Monday Kiz and, in recent years, known as a master on the show Girls Planet 999, which produced Kep1er.
With lyrics that depict memories, it creates a moving atmosphere that evokes a sense of beautiful eternity.
It’s a track that may gently accompany and ease feelings of pain.
Way HomeKim Soo Hyun
A moving love ballad that truly resonates.
Released in April 2024, it’s part of the OST for “Queen of Tears.” South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun lends his vocals, and the poignant melody, warmed by gentle harmonies, slowly seeps into the heart.
It carries a nostalgic atmosphere—reflecting on beautiful memories of the past while conveying a hope to reclaim a lost love.
This song leaves a deep impression, perfect for underscoring the drama’s emotional climax.
Ideal for moments when you want to feel the bond with someone special.
사랑은 늘 도망가Imu Yon’un
A medium-tempo ballad featured on the 2021 drama “Young Lady and Gentleman” soundtrack.
Lim Young-woong, who shot to fame by winning the audition show “Mr.
Trot,” handled and covered his first-ever OST with this song, which became a massive hit.
The original is by Lee Moon-se.
It’s a masterpiece that gently sings of the sentimental feeling that love always slips away.
You’ll be drawn in by its one-of-a-kind lyrics, and it’s nice to listen to at a relaxed pace.
It’s also popular among older listeners, so it’s a great choice for family karaoke.