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

The WinterHYB(허용별) (허각, 신용재, 임한별)

[MV] HYB(허용별) (허각, 신용재, 임한별) _ The Winter(그 겨울엔 네가 있어)

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.

Don’t Forget(잊어버리지마) (Feat. Taeyeon(태연))Crush

[MV] Crush(크러쉬) _ Don’t Forget(잊어버리지마) (Feat. Taeyeon(태연))

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.

Endless EndingBEAST (HIGHLIGHT)

[MIC&] [4K] 비스트 (하이라이트) – 없는 엔딩 (Endless Ending) | 마이크앤드, Stone LIVE

After nine years, the boy group HIGHLIGHT releases a moving ballad under the name BEAST.

It’s a pre-release track from their mini-album “From Real to Surreal,” which came out in April 2025, and it’s a poignant love song likened to a movie’s ending.

The song features contributions from Nu’Maker and other artists from Room01, capturing the group’s emotions as they overcame a name change and trademark issues.

Main vocalist Yang Yoseop’s crystal-clear voice and the members’ expressive harmonies resonate deeply.

It’s a gem of a ballad to listen to on nights when you want to dwell on past memories or in moments when you’re thinking of someone special.

응급실IZI

응급실

This is the OST from the 2005 broadcast romantic comedy drama “Delightful Girl Chun-hyang,” which is based on a classic novel.

The song is by the rock band izi.

It has been covered by many artists, including BTS’s V, and has been sung and passed down for a long time.

It’s a generational favorite among people in their 20s to 40s and has long been a karaoke staple.

The love song’s lyrics, about saying and doing things that don’t match your true feelings, are highly relatable.

The melody is gentle and a standard ballad, making it easy to embrace.

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My DestinySEUNGMIN

[감자연구소 (The potato lab) OST Part 1] 승민 (Stray Kids) (SEUNGMIN) – My Destiny MV

A ballad that begins with a dreamlike piano resonance, gracefully colored by strings.

Sung by Stray Kids’ main vocalist, Seungmin, and released in March 2025.

His honeyed voice melds with the gentle tones, creating a soothing feeling as if being drawn into the vortex of fate.

Featured as part of the OST for the drama “Potato Research Institute,” it evocatively portrays the romance between the two protagonists.

Seungmin has previously contributed to OSTs for dramas such as “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” and “Love in Contract,” and this track stands as a gem of a love song.

With its calmly companionable melody, it’s perfect for moments when you want to listen alone and reflect.