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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Heart-piercing, wistful K-pop songs. “Setsuna” tracks that resonate with a range of emotions (1–10)
Don’t Go, Don’t Go (가지마, 가지마)Brown Eyes
Brown Eyes, who are also known for singing the national anthem at the World Cup opening ceremony.
Among their songs, one of the most heartrending is “Don’t Go, Don’t Go (가지마, 가지마).” This piece portrays the struggle of trying to forget a loved one you can no longer meet, yet being unable to let go.
At first glance it seems like a breakup song, but watching the music video may lead to a different interpretation.
Be sure to check it out and explore your own ideas.
Where Are We NowMAMAMOO
The first ballad lead single for MAMAMOO, which graces the title of the all-ballad album “WAW.” It’s a grand track that is both heartrending and moving, evoking beautifully shining memories.
Just as the music the four have woven together has captivated many and led us into a vividly colored world, this song will surely be a support when you find yourself standing at a crossroads in life.
We’re still on the road.
Though it’s bittersweet that the moment of an ending will someday come, this is a wonderful masterpiece that lets you believe in a bright future that holds more than just sadness.
달 (Moon)AKMU (Akdong Musician)
A track from the sibling pop duo AKMU’s 2019 album “SAILING.” The song layers feelings for a former lover onto the image of the moon, and its lyrics beautifully intertwine seasons, scenery, and emotion, evoking a deep sense of melancholy.
At the same time, it carries a soothing, comforting mood that’s very appealing.
The scent, the time spent together in a room—these memories seem likely to bring a rush of feelings.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to slowly at night, especially when you’re feeling lonely.
Heartfelt, bittersweet K-pop songs: “Setsuna” tracks that resonate with many emotions (11–20)
Expiration dateSEVENTEEN
SEVENTEEN’s fourth single in Japan is a ballad filled with unwavering feelings, featuring lyrics and a sense of scale that could easily serve as the theme for a film.
Released in November 2024, the track was chosen as the theme song for NHK’s late-night drama “Will My Future Self Blow Me Away!?” With a message that resonates with CARATs and SEVENTEEN’s delicate emotional expression, it deeply touches the heart.
Be sure to listen to its bittersweet yet warm message.
왜왜왜 (Why Why Why)iKON
A heartbreak song released as a digital single by iKON in 2021.
Unlike the more upbeat vibe of “LOVE SCENARIO,” this one has a constricting, aching atmosphere and a sense of transience, like a beautiful flower that will one day come to an end.
The lyrics seep in over a lyrical melody centered on the chorus.
What feelings does it stir up for you? A happy everyday life can make you believe in eternity, but it’s sad how it can disappear in an instant.
You want to keep loving, yet you’re powerless to do anything…
it hurts.
The final line, in particular, is sure to resonate deeply.
BlueBIGBANG
A beautiful, bittersweet song with a lyrical melody from the monster group BIGBANG.
It’s included on their 2012 mini album ALIVE.
As winter ends and spring arrives, love ends—bringing sadness.
The cool, ever-flowing groove throughout overlaps perfectly with that unresolved blue mood, making it deeply heartrending.
That “blueness” likely carries many meanings—not only the melancholy mentioned above, but perhaps youth and adolescence as well.
It’s a breakup song that gently stays by the side of an unforgettable love.
헤픈엔딩(HAPPEN ENDING)Epik High
A track included on ‘신발장 SHOEBOX,’ released in 2014.
The somber mood of the instrumental pairs with mellow rap to evoke a sentimental feeling.
Being dumped or breaking up is hard for anyone.
It’s a song that can weigh on your heart, yet it also seems to hint at a contrast between those who are love-prone and those who aren’t, between lightness and heaviness—giving it a certain depth.
Love, break up, love, break up, on repeat… If it comes to that, you end up unable to trust anything, don’t you? Be sure to check out the Japanese version as well, which makes the lyrics’ meaning easy to understand.