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: Iconic ballads by Korean male artists (21–30)
Farewell Once AgainLEE CHANGSUB
An emotional ballad that evokes memories of a bittersweet parting.
The singer is Changsub, who shines as the lead vocalist of the boy group BTOB.
This work is a cover of the classic released by Sung Si-kyung in October 2007, depicting the heartache of facing a love that was supposed to have ended.
From the quiet piano melody to the grand expansion with strings, the sound intertwines with Changsub’s breath-catching vocals, stirring up a poignant feeling as you listen.
It was released in August 2025 as a collaborative track for “Just For Meeting You.” Highly recommended not only for fans of Lee Changsub but also for anyone who loves moving ballads.
It will gently keep you company on a sentimental night.
It‘s Still BeautifulBEAST (HIGHLIGHT)
It’s a deeply resonant piano ballad that marks a new beginning for the group.
It looks back on days spent with a former lover and quietly affirms that those memories remain beautiful.
This theme overlaps with their own situation of starting anew after leaving the name BEAST, striking a chord with listeners.
Released in March 2017 as a pre-release track from the mini-album “Can You Feel It?”, the song draws you in with vocals brimming with tender yet aching emotions that only they, having overcome such major changes, could express.
It’s the kind of song you’ll want to hear on a quiet night, when you wish to gently hold your precious memories close.
K-pop That Touches the Heart: Iconic Ballads by Korean Male Artists (31–40)
Every Moment Of YouSon Shigyon(SUNG SI KYUNG)
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.
From the beginning until nowRyu
I bet many of you thought, “Huh? I feel like I’ve heard this song somewhere before.” It’s the theme song from Winter Sonata, the drama that ignited the Korean Wave! It’s the quintessential heartbreak anthem about trying to forget but being unable to.
The melancholy feelings burst forth along with the sound of the piano.
Expiration dateSEVENTEEN
SEVENTEEN’s fourth Japanese single is a heartfelt ballad, rich in scale and lyrical depth that feels fit to be a theme song for a film.
Released in November 2024, the track was selected as the theme for NHK’s late-night drama “MIRAI no Watashi ni Bukkamasareru!” It’s exciting that it’s a Japanese-language song, too.
Resonating as a message to CARAT, this work beautifully conveys SEVENTEEN’s delicate emotional expression and its affinity with J-pop, leaving a deep impression.
Be sure to lend an ear to its warm message.
편지 (The Letter)Kimu Gwanjin
This is a moving ballad by Kim Kwang-jin, a singer-songwriter highly acclaimed in Korea.
His warm, gentle voice and a simple yet heartfelt melody are truly captivating.
The piano and strings weave together with emotional richness, offering a calm yet deeply touching experience.
Included on his third album, “It’s Me,” released in 2000, this piece has been covered by many artists and remains beloved.
Its natural expression of feeling and universal themes enrich the song’s storytelling world.
It’s a track that quietly stays by your side when your heart wavers or when you’re thinking of someone—one I highly recommend you listen to.
FOREVERD.O
A ballad that fuses a heartwarming melody with delicate vocals.
D.O., the main vocalist of EXO, released it in April 2025 as part of the OST for the drama “Someday, a Wise Resident Life.” The gentle tones of piano and strings leave a strong impression, and the song richly conveys the importance of supporting one another.
D.O.’s soft voice combined with the melodic lines delivers an even deeper emotional impact.
It harmonizes beautifully with the drama’s moving story and is sure to resonate with viewers.
It’s a wonderful track that makes you want to cherish the bonds you share with your loved ones.