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)
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.
Destiny (2025)Monday Kiz, Lee Yi Kyung
An emotional duet ballad by Monday Kiz, the Korean vocal group renowned for their overwhelming vocal prowess, and actor Lee Yi Kyung.
The track is the title song of the single “Monday Kiz’s Footprints Vol.1 (with Lee Yi Kyung),” released in July 2025, and is a remake of a beloved classic originally featured on the OST of the 2006 drama “Wolf (늑대).” It seems to portray the aching hearts of two people irresistibly drawn together by inescapable fate.
The contrast between Monday Kiz’s soul-stirring vocals and Lee Yi Kyung’s emotionally rich singing is deeply moving.
The grand harmonies immediately draw listeners into the world of the story.
It’s perfect for a night when you want to immerse yourself in a dramatic ballad—give it a listen.
K-pop That Touches the Heart: Iconic Ballads by Korean Male Artists (31–40)
Don’t Forget(잊어버리지마) (Feat. Taeyeon(태연))Crush
When it comes to Korean R&B, this person comes to mind: Crush.
His feel and sweet vocals are captivating, and he’s extremely popular.
This song features Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon and was released in 2016.
The sentimental wish to not be forgotten even if the day comes when we can no longer be together really tugs at the heartstrings.
I think many people can relate to the anxiety that even in happiness, a day of parting may eventually come.
With various experiences, you come to understand that kind of anxiety.
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.
심DK (디셈버)
Released on February 19, 2023 and enjoying a long run on the charts in Korea, “Heart (심)” is a love song that also remains a karaoke favorite.
DK, formerly of the duo December, remade Yang’s song originally released in 2002.
DK’s overwhelming vocal power is stunning, and the chorus bursts with emotion, sweeping you away.
This classic ballad will likely feel familiar and approachable to Japanese listeners as well.
It seems poised to become a staple ballad from 2023 onward.
Thorn Tree (가시나무)Cho Sonmo (josengumo)
The singer of this song, Jo Sung-mo, was once called the “Nation’s Little Brother” in Korea and is a popular artist.
His calm, gentle voice really resonates in the heart.
I’ve heard this song was originally a Christian hymn in Korea that was remade.
Through the remake, it became a love song.
It’s a song that makes you realize the importance of a beloved partner as a source of comfort, even in difficult times.