A poignant, heart-touching K-pop song. A bittersweet track that resonates with many different emotions.
There are many Korean songs and K-pop tracks that stay close to those bittersweet feelings.
Whether it’s a gently sung melody or a delivery rich with emotion, they draw you deeper into the world of the song.
There are also many ballads that truly tighten your chest and make your heart ache as you listen.
Not just “sadness,” but nostalgia, memories of days that won’t return, and a tender kind of poignancy—here are some ‘setsuna’ songs that capture a range of emotions.
Please listen while reflecting on your own circumstances.
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Poignant K-pop songs that touch the heart: “Setsuna” tracks that resonate with many emotions (71–80)
Thank YouHyunJin
This is a song that blends the aching emotion of farewell with a warm sense of gratitude, resonating deeply with Hyunjin.
Formerly a member of LOONA and now active as part of Loossemble, she released this work in December 2024.
Set to an R&B-tinged melody, it quietly confesses the complex feelings that come after an unavoidable parting.
The beautiful music video, set against a winter backdrop, further enriches the song’s world.
It’s a recommended track for those times when you want to heal the pain of heartbreak or savor your gratitude for someone important.
It’s You (Duet With IU)SUNG SI KYUNG (Son Shigyon)
A gem of a duet by Sung Si-kyung, a leading figure in Korea’s ballad scene known for his delicate harmonies, and IU, renowned for her outstanding vocal prowess.
Released in 2010 as a bonus track on Sung Si-kyung’s album “The First,” this was the pair’s first collaboration.
The song portrays the bittersweet feelings of lovers reuniting after a long time, with their voices blending beautifully to leave a deep, lingering impression.
Nominated for Best Collaboration at the Mnet Asian Music Awards, it garnered significant acclaim.
If you enjoy duets, why not try singing it at karaoke?
Because I am StupidX-UNIT
An R&B ballad that begins with a heartrending piano melody—truly a raw bundle of emotion.
It’s included on X-UNIT, a sub-unit of XODIAC, and their debut mini-album “To.
U,” released in June 2025.
The members’ expressive vocals portray searing regret and helplessness over a love lost due to their own immaturity, likely to bring many listeners to the verge of tears.
Why not immerse yourself in it on a sentimental night and listen closely?
now, at this pointKimu Donryuru
Kim Dong-ryul’s “Now I Realize,” marked by his soft, distinctive vocal tone, is a poignant number that laments a past breakup.
His soothing low register paired with the wistful lyrics draws listeners into an evocative, emotionally rich world.
BabyBE’O, Paul Blanco
A collaborative number by B.I and Paul Blanco, who also teamed up on “Summer” in 2022.
You’ll feel yourself drawn into its melodious sound.
Though it’s a breakup song that sings of lingering feelings, its straightforward, earnest message is relatable—even if you’re watching from a slight distance with a hazy gaze.
“If I fall in love again, I want it to be with you”—that special sentiment comes through.
The R&B-tinged track and the lyrics layered over music that feels almost autobiographical make it all the more heartrending, tightening your chest.
Please StayBTOB
A bittersweet ballad released by BTOB in October 2024.
The lingering attachment to a lost loved one and the hope of reunion are expressed as a “spark,” and the warm vocals of the four members resonate deeply.
Written and composed by Lee Minhyuk and others, with Peniel also involved in crafting the rap, the song showcases BTOB’s signature, emotion-rich sensibility.
Blending a weighty band sound with the members’ voices, this is a track we especially recommend to anyone who has experienced heartbreak or parting.
Time and TraceHa Hyun Sang
A medium-tempo tune you’ll want to listen to absentmindedly when your heart feels cloudy or you’re not in the best mood.
It’s the first release in five years from Ha Hyunsang, who won the audition program “Superband” as part of the team Hoppipolla.
Included on his 2023 debut full-length album, “Time and Trace.” It feels packed with the emptiness of time slipping away and all kinds of bittersweet emotions.
Still, his gentle vocals wrap up the pain and offer comfort.