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)
보고싶다Kimu Bomusu (gimbeomsu)
This is the OST from the drama Stairs to Heaven.
The song’s theme is a sad romance, but the circumstances are complicated: a woman who weeps over their parting, and a man who believes that precisely because he loves her, he must let her go.
Are there times when love alone just isn’t enough? Even so, it’s a heartbreaking song about an overwhelming longing to see each other again.
Heavenly fateLEE CHANGSUB
A song performed by BTOB’s Lee Changsub as part of a Korean webtoon soundtrack.
With a warmly enveloping voice, he gently conveys the pain of parting.
The piano tone is beautiful, and the strings are memorable.
The lyrics, filled with regrets and lingering feelings for a loved one, resonate deeply.
Released in February 2024, this track fully showcases Lee Changsub’s charm as a solo artist.
It’s especially recommended for those who have experienced heartbreak or separation.
Let his gentle voice soothe you as you reflect on your feelings for someone important.
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.
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.
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!
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.