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-tugging, bittersweet K-pop songs. “Setsuna” tracks that resonate with many emotions (31–40)
The First LoveMinseo
A love song that captures the bittersweet feelings of first love.
Lyrics like “I can’t look at you…” and “Even so, my heart still remembers you…” express a sweet-and-sour, somewhat innocent affection.
Minseo gained recognition on Superstar K7 and debuted in 2018.
Although she hasn’t yet drawn much attention overseas, her song “Is Who” surged in popularity on YouTube, and since then she’s been seen as having the potential to attract global attention.
DaisyPENTAGON
It’s the title track of the 2020 mini-album WE:TH.
At first listen the song can feel intense, but the members’ vocal delivery and the way the chorus bursts with emotion give it a deeply aching quality.
While wishing happiness for a loved one, the lyrics confess a hidden hope that they might be unhappy instead… torn between wanting them to go so far away that the time they spent in love can no longer be remembered, and wanting that person to long for love again.
The white daisies on the cover symbolize “innocence.” The song also plays on the Korean word deida, which means being burned or going through something painful and difficult, to portray the wounds of love—another layer of poignancy.
Say My NameMIYEON
In her solo activities in November 2025, Miyeon delivered a pop ballad steeped in the lingering afterglow of a farewell.
While she’s known for dynamic tracks with (G)I-DLE, this title song from her second solo mini-album, “MY, Lover,” layers a clear, pure vocal over the spacious interplay of delicate piano melodies and a rhythmic beat, richly portraying the call of a loved one that doesn’t fade even after parting.
The lingering memory of a name that echoes like reverb, and a sense of time that drifts between dreams and reality, are carefully woven together, conveying a moving stance of acceptance rather than actively trying to forget.
The beauty of her vocal delivery stands out against the understated accompaniment, precisely because it is stripped of excessive ornamentation.
It’s a song you’ll want to play on a long autumn night.
Ruin My LifeBOYNEXTDOOR
This is the first OST track released in October 2025 by the boy group BOYNEXTDOOR, produced by Zico.
Written specifically for Tving’s dating reality show ‘Transit Love 4,’ the song explores themes of breakups and the end of relationships while poignantly portraying the lingering feelings that won’t fade.
Co-written and co-produced by Joohyoung and Kyle Wong, it’s a pop ballad that delicately captures emotional fluctuations.
Its lyrical quality resonates with the complex emotions of the show’s cast, and it’s sure to touch the hearts of those who have experienced heartbreak or separation.
Perfect for quiet nights when you want to listen closely or as background music when you’re sorting through your feelings.
empty(허전해)Paul Kim(폴킴)
It’s a classic K-POP ballad—gentle, unhurried, and deeply resonant.
Written and composed by Paul Kim himself, the simple theme of wanting to see the precious person who became his light is enough to bring you to tears.
It’s perfect for a season when you long for someone.
The song is included on the 2019 album “Maum, Part.1.”
Heartfelt, bittersweet K-POP songs. “Setsuna” songs that resonate with a variety of emotions (41–50)
죽을만큼 아파서(feat. 멜로우)MC Mong
MC Mong is one of South Korea’s representative rappers.
His track “죽을만큼 아파서 (feat.
Mellow)” paints an achingly sad story.
It depicts a man who’s been dumped calling his ex and even waiting in front of her house, only to be coldly turned away.
Setting aside whether his actions are right or wrong, the emotions are carefully portrayed so listeners can truly empathize.
Also, the chorus featuring Mellow is a must-hear—the contrast with the rap parts is exquisite.
After You’ve GoneM.C The Max
“After You’ve Gone” is a poignant ballad whose Japanese title translates to “After You Have Left.” M.C the MAX is a K-pop music group, and the singer is ISU, who is renowned as one of Korea’s top four vocalists.
His overwhelming vocal power stands up to the grand accompaniment and moves you deeply, even if you don’t understand the language.
