K-pop that touches the heart: masterful ballads by Korean male artists

GoodbyePaku Hyoshin (Pak Hyoshin)

[MV] Park Hyo Shin(박효신) _ Goodbye(굿바이)

Singer-songwriter Park Hyo-shin has an irresistibly appealing, soothingly soulful voice, and his talent is highly acclaimed in Korea.

When faced with a breakup, isn’t the number one phrase we don’t want to say “goodbye”? The moment we say that word, it feels as if everything truly comes to an end.

It does end, of course, but admitting it is painful.

I deeply relate to the feeling of being unable to erase those happy memories tucked away in the corners of our minds.

The Way To Say GoodbyeOnestar

[MV] Onestar(임한별) _ The Way To Say Goodbye(이별하러 가는 길)

If you translate the title of this song into Japanese, it becomes “The Road to Leave.” The title alone already exudes a strongly sad, poetic atmosphere.

There are countless songs from the perspective of the one who got dumped, but this one is a bit unusual—it’s written from the viewpoint of the one doing the dumping.

It sings of the man’s anguish and apologetic feelings as he leaves his grieving girlfriend behind, and it makes you wonder what kind of dramatic turn of events led him to break up with her despite all that.

Still With You정국 (Jung Kook)

Still With You

BTS is a seven-member boy group that enjoys high popularity in Japan.

Among its members, Jungkook—who has a particularly large fanbase—released the solo song “Still With You,” a beautiful ballad whose poignant lyrics—“I want to walk this path with you; please call my name just once more”—touch the heart.

His richly expressive vocals, reminiscent in some ways of Japanese kayōkyoku, pair perfectly with the nostalgic guitar sound to create a very comforting feeling.

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From the beginning until nowRyu

Ryu 류 “From the Beginning Until Now (처음부터 지금까지)”

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.

Every Moment Of YouSon Shigyon(SUNG SI KYUNG)

Every moment of you Kimi no subete no shunkan Song Si-kyung (with Japanese/Korean readings)

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.