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)
You, Clouds, RainHeize Feat. Shin Yong Jae
Is there someone you can’t forget? Even after parting ways, Haze’s “You, Clouds, Rain,” a song that captures those lingering feelings, is a perfectly bittersweet track for a rainy day.
As you recall the days with that special someone you’ve tucked away in a corner of your heart, please give it a listen at least once.
Hate YouJung Kook
Jungkook, a member of BTS.
Let me introduce “Hate You” from his solo album Golden.
While the album features many pop songs with an American vibe, this track is crafted as a moody, wet ballad.
It delicately conveys the complex feeling of hating someone precisely because you love them.
The quiet melody also does a great job of highlighting his vocals.
By the way, the music video has drawn attention for being filmed in Japan.
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.
It Was Love (It Was Love / It Was Love) Song by TAEILBlock B
“It Was Love” is included on Block B’s 2016 album BLOOMING PERIOD.
It’s a famous song that IZ*ONE’s Chaewon also covered.
The tender melody beautifully weaves a tale of love—perhaps unrequited? Zico really does write incredible songs.
Main vocalist Taeil’s performance is breathtaking, and his falsetto on the title line squeezes your heart with aching poignancy.
Then, from the key change into the latter half, the ad-libs are enough to break your tear ducts.
It’s a bittersweet yet warm love song that feels like it gives you a gentle push to take your next step.
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.
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.
Perfect CrimeFIFTY FIFTY
FIFTY FIFTY’s wistful R&B, evocative of ’80s synth-pop, seeps into the heart.
Interweaving dreamy melodies and harmonies with the ache of missed connections, it delicately portrays the pain of feelings that remain out of reach.
Featured on the album Day & Night, the track was pre-released in April 2025.
Paired with a mature feminine image, its sweet, bittersweet romance stands out.
A song you’ll want to play on a nighttime drive or when your emotions are in flux.
It also suits a gentle rainy day.