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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Heartfelt, bittersweet K-POP songs. “Setsuna” songs that resonate with a variety of emotions (41–50)
The Happiest GirlBLACKPINK
BLACKPINK, known for hit songs like “DDU-DU DDU-DU,” “AS IF IT’S YOUR LAST,” and “How You Like That.” Their “The Happiest Girl” is a sad yet beautiful track included on their 2022 album BORN PINK.
The title is ironic, and the lyric “Tonight, I’ll be the happiest girl in the world” reveals that it’s a song about being dumped by someone you love.
Their whisper-like vocals combined with the lyrics make you feel as if you might burst into tears.
INCEPTIONATEEZ
A song by ATEEZ released in July 2020.
It’s included on the album ZERO : FEVER Part.
1.
Set in a dreamlike world, the song wanders in search of love and a time we can’t return to.
Based on EDM, ATEEZ’s signature sexiness and energetic performance amplify those helpless, pent-up feelings, making it all the more heartrending.
It’s about being unable to let go of a love that has ended.
When we think of sad songs, ballads often come to mind, but this style that lets emotions explode is a unique charm of boy groups, don’t you think?
The Moment My HeartBoramiyu
Singer-songwriter Boramiyu, who has gained support on YouTube for her cover videos and their clear, translucent tone, has released a single on December 21, 2025.
It’s a remake of the beloved ballad that Kyuhyun sang in 2020 as part of the OST for the webtoon “취향저격 그녀 (She is My Type).” The song captures the trembling heart just before confessing feelings to a crush, carried by delicate piano and string melodies.
Boramiyu’s conversational vocal delivery brings out a fresh, innocent charm distinct from the original.
With a warm sound that seems to melt into the crisp winter air, it’s sure to gently encourage anyone feeling timid about love.
It’s also perfect for listening alone on a quiet night.
Don’t Forget(Feat. 로코베리)HENRY(헨리)
A ballad by Henry, a former member of SUPER JUNIOR-M.
The title means “Night at the Han River,” and it’s a song that earnestly sings about a former lover after a breakup.
It features the male-female pop duo LocoBerry.
The timbre of the strings and the layered harmonies in the chorus are beautiful, touching your heart and bringing tears to your eyes.
GoodbyeEun Gaeun
A love song released in January 2019 by vocalist Eun Ga-eun, who captivates listeners with her alluring vocal range and rich expressiveness.
It’s an emotional ballad that seems to warmly envelop fans’ ears.
After a breakup, it conveys the sorrowful feeling of never forgetting the affectionate moments shared.
The track expresses sadness by harmonizing a grand-scale sound and sweet piano tones with Eun Ga-eun’s uniquely charming timbre and sensitivity.
It’s alright This is LoveDavichi
Don’t you ever feel a bittersweet ache when you fall in love? That’s why I’d like to introduce “It’s Alright This Is Love.” It’s a piece by the musical duo Davichi.
The lyrics are woven from repeated self-questioning: What does it mean to love someone? Why does it make your chest tighten? Give it a listen and let your mind wander through the reasons for those feelings.
You’ll also be soothed by the piano’s timbre and their crystal-clear vocals.
LOVEDRUNKEpik High, Crush
Is it a pun? LOVED, DRUNK—that is, a love song about alcohol, with the Japanese title “Sake ga Amai” (literally, “The Liquor Is Sweet”).
It sounds cool and understated, but the content is about a girl trying to forget a heartbreak with alcohol, capturing her bittersweet feelings.
Many people have experienced being “unsteady on their feet” or having their “head spin,” but probably fewer have felt that way specifically because of a breakup.
The much-talked-about music video is unique and eye-catching, too.
The woman who appears is the singer IU—an artist even Gen Hoshino has his eye on—and in the video she’s fighting someone.
It’s likely a metaphor; perhaps it was difficult to directly depict the state of being drunk.