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-touching, bittersweet K-pop songs. “Setsuna” songs that resonate with various emotions (161–170)
나만 아픈 일 (Heartache)i he-ri (i he-ri)
A ballad by Lee Hae-ri, a member of the female duo DAVICHI.
It’s a song released in 2019.
With its lyrical melody and a progression that gradually becomes grand, it feels like your emotions will overflow.
Known as the goddess of ballads, Lee Hae-ri’s passionate performance—savoring each and every word—makes it all the more moving.
The title means something like “My Own Pain” in Japanese, and it sings about the sorrow of a breakup.
It especially hits home on sentimental autumn nights.
Pray임한별, 에스페로
As a ballad from Korea that sings of a heartrending love, it has captured the hearts of fans.
Released in February 2024, the song exquisitely blends Lim Han-byul’s warm vocals with E’LAST’s harmonies.
Crafted by composer Cho Young-soo, it features melodies and lyrics that evoke deep emotion.
While portraying high school baseball players on the brink of defeat, it conveys the importance of moving forward.
The lyrics, imbued with messages of effort and hope, resonate with many.
It’s recommended for times when you need courage or a boost of support.
바람 (Wind)Jeon Seunghwan (Chon Sunfuan)
Ballad singer Jung Seung-hwan released this in 2016.
It’s part of the OST for the drama Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, known in Japan as “Rei: Hana Moyuru 8-nin no Oujitachi,” starring Lee Joon-gi and IU.
Carried by gentle piano and acoustic sounds, Jung Seung-hwan’s delicate expressiveness and deeply emotive vocals draw you right in.
No matter how much you love someone, things don’t always work out—differences in circumstances and other hardships inevitably arise.
There’s also that fleeting ache that sometimes slips through your fingers.
You’ll be moved by the protagonist’s feelings—their single-minded sincerity that resonates so strongly.
herGOT7
A GOT7 masterpiece with a melody that stirs the heart, capturing the sweet, aching afterglow of farewell.
A deeply crafted song written and composed by Jinyoung, it delicately expresses the profound theme of “a love that blooms even without fulfilling each other.” The way it cherishes the words and memories that linger after parting with a lover is portrayed with GOT7’s signature gentle sensibility.
Included on the January 2025 mini-album “WINTER HEPTAGON,” it is positioned as a key track in their full-group comeback after three years.
This heartwarming ballad gently accompanies those who strive to move forward despite the pain of heartbreak, and those who keep precious memories close to their hearts.
STAYBLACKPINK
BLACKPINK is hugely popular not only in Asia but around the world.
Their bittersweet yet pop-infused ballad “STAY” is a perfect example.
In the first half of the song, set to a simple guitar tone, the lyrics express both hatred toward the man who hurt her and a love she still can’t let go of.
In the latter half, the mood shifts dramatically: accompanied by handclaps and a brighter melody, the song turns to declaring love for him.
The message comes through not only in the lyrics, but also in this key change.
LetterBaek A
Love isn’t all fun and games, is it? This song, which delicately captures those fragile emotions, was released in May 2024 by Baek A, who delivers a retro-folk sound.
With lyrics and situations that anyone nursing a crush can’t help but relate to—jealousy, fluttering hearts—it’s achingly poignant and tightens your chest.
Also keep an eye on how Choi Jong-hyop, who drew attention with “Eye Love You,” portrays the world of this song.
7Years Of LoveKYUHYUN
A heartrending love song that depicts the future of a couple who once dated.
It’s a track included on Yoo Yeon-seok’s 20th-anniversary album, sung by SUPER JUNIOR’s youngest member, Kyuhyun, whose gentle vocals truly shine.
The music video also evokes a reunion at a school gathering, portraying a complex mix of longing, heartache, and nostalgia.
It explores the feelings one might have when an ex suddenly confesses they’re getting married—does it make you wish you could return to those innocent days when you were together? Coupled with Kyuhyun’s subtly sensual voice, the song is wrapped in a mature, ennui-tinged atmosphere.