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 (31–40)
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.
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.
I WillHa Dong Qn
Ha Dong-kyun, known as one of Korea’s leading ballad singers for his memorable melodies and deeply moving lyrics.
Released in April 2021, this work is a remake of a song by the group 7Dayz, with whom he debuted in 2002—revived after 22 years.
His rich, resonant voice beautifully conveys lingering feelings for a lost love and a poignant sense of sorrow.
You can feel the struggle of trying to move forward while being bound by memories of the past, and it’s truly heart-stirring.
It’s the perfect track for moments when you want to remember someone important or need a song that stays close to your heart.
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.
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.