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)
No Words Can SayRoy Kim
A digital single released in October 2025 by Roy Kim, who has firmly established himself as a singer-songwriter.
Written and composed by Kim himself, the track serves as a sequel of sorts to his 2024 love narrative “If You Ask Me What Love Is (내게 사랑이 뭐냐고 물어본다면).” From a chance encounter grows a fateful conviction; the piece gently weaves an inexpressible gratitude and the warmth of love through acoustic guitar and his tender tone.
Eschewing flashy build-ups, its appeal lies in a storytelling style that savors silence and space.
With mature lyricism that sings of embracing scars and loss as the essence of true love, it gently loosens the listener’s heart.
A sophisticated love ballad, perfect for listening alone on a quiet night.
365 DaysLEE CHANGSUB
A deeply moving ballad sung by Lee Changsub, the main vocalist of BTOB.
Released in December 2025, this track is a collaborative piece with the film “Even If This Love Disappears from the World Tonight.” The original song, released by singer Ailee in 2011, is a classic that likens the pain of parting to the passage of time.
It conveys the desperate feeling of wanting to forget but being unable to, and Changsub’s delicate yet powerful voice intertwines with the lyrics’ worldview to striking effect.
The arrangement is emotionally crafted to mirror the film’s story, making it an irresistible choice for those who want to linger in the afterglow of the narrative.
As the cold deepens, it’s also a song that gently stays by your side when you want to quietly heal your heart.
If It Were MeNa Yoon Kwon & D.O.
Veteran balladeer Na Yoon Kwon—unrivaled when it comes to singing aching love—and D.O., the main vocalist of EXO, have realized a dream collaboration.
The beloved ballad that drew attention as part of the 2004 drama Crown Prince’s First Love OST and was included on the album Addiction has been reborn with a fresh touch in November 2025.
Its plaintive portrayal of unrequited love—the heart-wrenching thought, “If only I were the one by their side”—tightens the chest.
Na Yoon Kwon’s deep, resonant voice intertwines with D.O.’s warm yet wistful vocals, drawing listeners into an even more dramatic development.
It’s perfect for those long autumn nights when you feel lonely and want to quietly lose yourself in the music.
ButterflyBTS
Although BTS has strong hip-hop influences, they also have a beautiful vocal line, so I recommend this kind of ballad as well.
It begins with the whisper-like vocals of the youngest, Jungkook, and V, and builds into an increasingly romantic song.
It compares a beloved person to a beautiful butterfly that seems like it might fall apart if you touch it.
The sentimental rap from the rap line adds a nice accent, too.
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.