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!
- [Exquisite Ballad Songs] K-pop that touches the soul. Korean Ballads
- Tearjerker K-pop ballads: Korean songs that will make you cry
- An emotional Korean song. A gently moving, sensitive masterpiece.
- [Touching the Heart] Timeless Ballad Masterpieces. A Collection of Unfading Classics and the Latest Songs [2026]
- A poignant, heart-touching K-pop song. A bittersweet track that resonates with many different emotions.
- [Korean Oldies · Genre-Free] Songs from Korea you’ll want to listen to now—nostalgic Korean tracks
- [For when you want to cry] A ballad love song. A heartbreaking love song.
- [Introduction to Male Korean Artists] A Collection of K-POP Groups, Singers, and Bands
- Stylish K-pop and Korean songs. Songs with a nice vibe.
- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
- [Touching the Heart] A Collection of Recommended Ballads for Men
- [Korean popular music] Popular trot songs. Masterpieces by trot singers.
- Popular K-pop and Korean songs that brighten up YouTube Shorts
K-pop that touches the heart: Classic ballads by Korean male artists (41–50)
Goodbye NowTOMORROW X TOGETHER
A heart-touching Korean ballad that delicately portrays the bittersweet moment of parting.
It’s a cover of a song originally released by the band 015B in 1991, and it was also featured on the OST of the webtoon Love Revolution.
The five members’ refreshing vocals and nuanced emotional expression beautifully capture both the sorrow of farewell and the hope of meeting again.
The message—“Goodbye is not a permanent parting, but a promise to meet again”—is deeply moving.
It’s sure to gently embrace your feelings when you’re going through a breakup or a farewell with someone important.
If you change your mind2AM
A heartrending love ballad from Korea has arrived.
The beautiful harmonies woven by the four members of 2AM strike straight to the heart.
You can’t help but relate to the lyrics, which overflow with feelings for the other person at the moment of parting.
Released on January 2, 2024, this song is a collaboration with producer Bang Si Hyuk.
It’s available on YouTube through Kakao Entertainment.
The voices of the members, including Jo Kwon, gently embrace the pain of heartbreak.
As a song that stays close to a bittersweet love, it’s sure to resonate with many people.
The WinterHYB(허용별) (허각, 신용재, 임한별)
A new Korean unit, HYB, gently paints a winter scene with this song.
Written and composed by Shin Yong Jae, it features a heartwarming melody and poignant lyrics that leave a lasting impression.
The rich voices of the three members offer a gentle warmth, as if nestling close in the cold wind.
Formed in 2023, HYB consists of Huh Gak, Shin Yong Jae, and Lim Han Byul (aka OneStar), whose distinct personalities blend beautifully.
It’s a track that lets you relive memories with someone special, like softly falling snow piling up with tenderness.
Perfect for warming your heart during the cold season.
HelloBAEKHYUN
This song was featured on Part 1 of the OST for the medical romance drama “Dr.
Romantic 3.” It was released by Baekhyun of EXO, who is also active as a solo artist.
With its mellow melody and lyrics that feel like an intimate confession, it carries a gently bittersweet yet warm atmosphere.
When you watch the music video, which includes scenes from the drama, you’re enveloped in a sweet, tingling feeling that makes you long for those small, tender moments.
Be sure to listen closely and savor Baekhyun’s luscious vocals.
모든 날, 모든 순간 (Every Day, Every Moment)폴킴
A slow ballad released by Paul Kim in 2018.
Featured on the soundtrack of the drama “The Undateables,” it became a huge hit and greatly raised his profile.
Even if you don’t know Paul Kim, you might know this song.
It’s a love song about staying by someone’s side.
The title translates to “Every Day, Every Moment” in Japanese, and it truly feels imbued with heartfelt emotion.
It’s been a karaoke favorite for years, with a gentle softness that helps you relax.
It’s recommended not only for those who enjoy calm music, but also as a musical gift for someone special.
WindFTISLAND
A grand ballad that begins with a wistful piano and gradually layers in a full band sound.
Released in June 2017 on FTISLAND’s album “OVER 10 YEARS,” it’s an ambitious work commemorating their 10th anniversary.
The song likens a breakup with a lover to the wind, capturing the aching inability to forget that person while also conveying the resolve to move forward.
Lee Hong-gi’s vocals, shifting effortlessly from low register to falsetto, vividly express the ebb and flow of emotion.
The music video, paired with the band’s performance scenes, leaves a strong impression.
It’s a recommended track for moments when you want to empathize with feelings for someone or look back on memories with someone dear.
ReturnI Sun-gi (I Seunggi)
When it comes to a beloved star in the Korean entertainment world who shines as a singer, actor, and variety show personality, Lee Seung-gi definitely comes to mind! This is a heartrending song that feels like you can hear the inner cries of a man who can’t forget the woman he parted with.
Were the times they spent together happy, or not? I imagine that the time spent pondering that question must be incredibly painful.