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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Heartfelt, bittersweet K-POP songs. “Setsuna” tracks that resonate with various emotions (121–130)
Go for a Walk(산책)Sung Si Kyung(성시경)
A singer who commands overwhelming support for ballads, Sung Si-kyung released this heartrending love ballad in June 2024.
It came out as a remake track for producer Shim Hyun-bo’s 25th-anniversary project, “About Love.” Originally sung from a woman’s perspective by Park Ki-young, this version shifts to a man’s point of view, suffusing the song with deep emotion.
It evokes memories and scenes with someone dear to you, from ordinary days to moments of drifting apart.
Be sure to pay attention to the music video as well, whose visual storytelling conveys a sense of connection even amid heartbreak.
THIS AIN’T ITTAEYANG
“It wasn’t supposed to be like this…” This is a breakup song that embraces the feeling of regret after parting ways.
Released in 2014 by Taeyang—BIGBANG’s SOL—who exudes a charismatic presence even as a solo artist.
Because he still loves the other person, he neither blames them nor forces himself to be strong and move on—just pure longing.
Those who tend to carry heartbreak for a while will especially relate.
The soft acoustic tones and Taeyang’s delicately rendered, beautiful vocals are bittersweet yet soothing.
Stay In That SeasonThe Stray
When something shocking happens, something you can’t fully process, it can feel like time stops and the days just pass you by.
That’s exactly what ‘Stay In That Season’ portrays.
Released in 2023 by The Stray, it captures the state of a heart that can’t catch up with the flow of time, lingering in that season.
Wrapped in an even more fragile atmosphere by his vocals, this song is one to listen to when you’re heartbroken or when nothing seems to go right.
APOLOGYiKON
When it comes to bittersweet love songs, some people might think of iKON.
“APOLOGY” is an R&B-flavored breakup song released in 2015.
It portrays a couple growing apart: a boyfriend who wants to live freely and a girlfriend who wants him to be more considerate.
Being asked for detailed consideration like that can become suffocating, and feelings drift away—maybe a pretty common pattern.
He may seem emotionally detached, but inside, the boyfriend is also suffering and in turmoil.
Still, after everything, he ends up wishing her happiness.
Be sure to pay attention to the beautiful lyrical expressions in the mid-song rap part.
Poignant, heart-touching K-pop songs: “Setsuna” tracks that resonate with many emotions (131–140)
소주 한 잔imu chanjon
Lim Chang-jung, a popular actor and singer who was especially active from the 1990s through the 2000s.
His 2003 release “A Glass of Soju” is a ballad that conveys the aching feelings of lingering attachment to a lover.
It’s a long-loved classic that has been covered by K-pop idols, including Yunho of TVXQ.
Lim Chang-jung’s emotive vocals resonate gently in this song, giving it a charm that makes you want to sing it alone, carefully and quietly.
There are many masterpieces themed around alcohol, and perhaps in Korea they evoke strong empathy and amplify sentimental emotions.
Why did I end up falling in love with you?Tōhōshinki
TVXQ are also focusing on their activities in Japan.
One of their signature songs is “Why Did I Fall in Love with You?” It drew major attention, including winning the Japan Record Award, so many people likely know it.
The lyrics portray, from a male perspective, love for the woman who left him.
A key point is how the title phrase is gradually altered as the song delves deeper into his emotions.
By the way, there are also a cappella and remixed versions of the track.
They have a different vibe, so give them a listen.
Miss You방예담(BANG YEDAM)
A piano ballad delivered by former TREASURE member Bang Yedam.
It was pre-released from his first mini album, “ONLY ONE,” which came out in November 2023.
This breakup song captures the feelings right before parting, echoing the loneliness and sentimentality of autumn and winter.
The bittersweet ache of losing someone irreplaceable is made even more resonant by Yedam’s deep expressive power.
I highly recommend listening along with the music video, where you can see Yedam playing the piano.
It’s incredibly beautiful and draws you in instantly.