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-wrenching K-POP songs that touch the soul: setsuna songs that resonate with various emotions (21–30)
Fallin’ Light (Angel’s Ladder)GFRIEND
A girl group affectionately known by the nickname “Yeoja Chingu.” This is the lead track from their first full-length album in Japan.
Composed by Lee Ki-yong Bae, who has worked on many GFRIEND songs, it captivates with a uniquely GFRIEND-like fragility and lyrical worldview.
It may particularly resonate with those who love their early style.
The playful, rhyme-like wordplay is also fun, so be sure to give it a listen!
I And You(나 그리고 너)imushiwan (imu shiwan)
Im Siwan, a member of ZE:A who is also active as an actor, released “I And You,” a moving ballad from the soundtrack of the drama Run On.
He participated in writing the lyrics himself, and the song conveys a worldview of bridging differences and coming together in our diverse modern society, quietly resonating in the heart.
The bittersweet melody, which somehow feels warm, and Im Siwan’s expressive, meticulous vocals are truly wonderful.
It really brings tears to your eyes—a tender, yet forward-looking sadness.
It’s sure to give you the courage to walk toward a happy future.
Secret SecretStray Kids
There are times when your heart feels completely drained by worries you can’t tell anyone.
That’s when I want you to listen to this song by Stray Kids.
Its gentle melody tenderly accompanies the unspoken pain inside, and it captures the aching wish to confess your secrets to the rain and have them washed away.
While the group is known for their intense sound, this track is wrapped in a quiet, delicate tone that warmly reflects a part of the listener’s heart.
Included on the acclaimed 2021 August release NOEASY, it has no film or TV tie-ins, yet it continues to be deeply loved by fans.
Give it a listen on nights when you look fine on the surface but are hurting deep down, or when you just want to cry alone in your room.
SHENIEL
A work distinguished by rhythms reminiscent of 70s soul music and a wistful, melancholy melody.
Niel—who is also active as a member of TEEN TOP—delivers vocals that delicately convey subtle emotions with a soft timbre.
It’s the title track of his fourth mini-album, “SHE,” a poignant song that portrays the emotional turbulence after a breakup.
Released in April 2025, it coincided with his activities in the musical “6 O’Clock Off Work.” The words spun from his sweet, gentle voice accompany listeners as they struggle to accept the end of a romance and attempt to move forward while still holding feelings for a former lover.
It’s a perfect track for a night drive or a quiet room when you want to sort through your thoughts.
Cry For LoveBAEKHYUN
Cry For Love squeezes your heart with the ache of love slipping away.
It’s included on EXO’s Baekhyun’s third mini album, Bambi, released in 2021, and he’s highly regarded as a solo artist as well.
The lyrical melody paired with the acoustic guitar is beautiful.
Because we can’t always be smooth or skillful, we sometimes let chances slip by, or our feelings run so strong that we just spin our wheels.
Right after a breakup, you’ll find it especially relatable—and it overlaps with many kinds of love.
Baekhyun’s endlessly soaring, crystal-clear, ultra–high-tone vocals unleash all that bittersweet emotion.
If you need to cry, let yourself cry.
Listen to this songKassy
It’s a healing song filled with warm messages for people living today, gently staying close to the heaviness of days when things don’t go well.
Its beautiful melody layered with a mellow vocal makes you feel as if you’re watching an artful, emotionally rich film.
Released in November 2017, this track is also included on Kassy’s album “I Want Love,” which came out in January 2018.
The renowned composer Cho Young-soo produced the song, and Kassy herself contributed to the lyrics.
Highly recommended for nights at the start of winter when the cold and daily fatigue leave you feeling lonely and in need of quiet solace.
It will gently warm your chilled heart.
Here I Am AgainYerin Baek
A 2020 track by singer-songwriter Baek Yerin.
It’s loved as part of the OST for the drama Crash Landing on You, which portrays a cross-border, secret love.
It became a hot topic on Netflix in Japan as well.
With its mellow yet full-bodied sound and Yerin’s warm vocals, the song conveys a heartfelt determination to overcome any obstacle for love—it really strikes a chord.
You can picture scenes from the drama as you listen.
Amid the bittersweet mood, it also gives you the strength to do anything for someone you cherish.