K-pop and Korean songs that deeply resonate when you're sad

DEARESTTōhōshinki

Tohoshinki / “DEAREST” Music Video (Full Version)

The ballad by TVXQ that portrays a love transcending life and death has deeply moved listeners.

One of the gems on their 20th-anniversary album “ZONE” tenderly sings of the happiness of feeling a bond with a loved one, and of moving forward with hope even while reflecting on the fragility of life.

Set against a classical arrangement rich with piano and strings, the voices of Yunho and Changmin resonate beautifully, drawing listeners into a world full of emotion.

Released in November 2024, the song’s music video also depicts a timeless bond of love through the story of a grandfather and a young girl.

When facing heartbreak or a turning point in life, this song is sure to be by your side.

Like a Movie2PM

2PM – Like a Movie, 투피엠 – 영화처럼, Music Core 20110625

This is a song by 2PM, a six-member South Korean male idol group.

As the title suggests, “Like a Movie” features lyrics set around reimagining memories with a once-happy lover as if they were scenes from a film.

While watching the two happy people on the screen, the narrator longs for her to come back to him—a bittersweet, heartrending track.

No Sad Song For My Broken HeartK.will

케이윌 (K.will) ‘내게 어울릴 이별 노래가 없어’ MV

This is a song released in June 2024 by the accomplished Korean vocalist K.will.

It’s a poignant ballad themed around the pain of heartbreak and overcoming it, and is included on the album “All The Way.” K.will’s delicate vocals resonate deeply, conveying the sorrow of parting while carrying a hopeful message.

The music video features Seo In-guk and Ahn Jae-hyun, unfolding an emotional storyline.

The gentle arrangement highlights K.will’s warm yet powerful voice.

It’s a track that stands beside those dealing with heartbreak or emotional scars, offering empathy and comfort.

No matter how many times we break upKim Hee-sun

김희선(Kim Hee Sun) – 몇번을 헤어져도

This is a song used as an insert track in the Korean drama “Sad Love Story.” Its lyrics follow the show’s very poignant plot—parting from a childhood friend who shares mutual feelings, a love triangle with a friend, and the death of a lover after they are reunited—so if you listen after watching the drama, it’s a song that can bring you to tears on its own.

The singer, Kim Hee-sun, is one of Korea’s leading popular actresses; in this drama she plays a blind protagonist, and within the story she becomes a singer and performs this song.

I hate you.Jeongin

Jung In – I hate you, 정인 – 미워요, Beautiful Concert 20120619

Jongin’s “미워요” means “I hate you,” and as the title suggests, it’s a sad song that resonates with a deep feeling toward a lover—loving so much that it turns into hate.

The piano accompaniment is striking, and he delivers it tenderly with a husky voice.

Monodrama (Monodurama)허각 with 유승우

Huh Gak 허각 모노드라마 Monodrama With Yoo Seung Woo 유승우

Originally a ventilation fan repairman, Huh Gak—whose outstanding vocals led him to win the audition program Superstar K2, beating odds of 1 in 1,340,000—and the young musician Yoo Seung Woo released Monodrama, a song that expresses the feeling of still being in love even while knowing that reconciliation with a lover is no longer possible.

Farewell for now!JO YURI

조유리 (JO YURI) | ‘이제 안녕! (Farewell for now!)’ MV

Cho Yuri, who served as the main vocalist of IZ*ONE and is now flourishing as an actress, delivers a pop-rock track that portrays the bittersweet emotions of saying goodbye to a past love on her mini-album Episode 25, set for release in July 2025.

Having contributed to the lyrics herself, she rides a rich band sound with a powerful vocal performance that feels like brushing away tears.

Even as she sings of parting, her undimmed passion for the future grips the heart.

The suggestive title has prompted speculation that it hints at a brief hiatus from her singing career to focus on acting.

It’s a song that stays close to anyone who wants to turn sorrow into strength and take a bold step forward.

Counting DaysUrban Zakapa

[MV] URBAN ZAKAPA(어반자카파) _ Counting Days(열 손가락)

A song by Urban Zakapa that gently gives voice to bittersweet feelings.

You can clearly feel the emotions of someone who has gone through a breakup.

Counting the days that have been lost while facing the memories—the lyrics portray that state of mind with delicate nuance, and they really hit home.

Released in June 2024, this is a milestone track marking the group’s first return in full form in three years.

Its soft melody, infused with R&B elements, further heightens the sense of longing.

It’s a song that quietly stays by your side on lonely nights after losing someone dear.

Please (Korean slang: Jebal/제발)Lee Sora

이소라 4집 – 제발

Lee Sora’s “제발” means “Please,” and the song expresses a plea for a lover to come back and not go far away.

Characterized by a voice reminiscent of an opera singer, it intertwines with a heartrending melody to create a track that tightens the chest.

ConfidenceONEW

온유 ONEW ‘Confidence’ M/V

A magical song that gives you the power to believe in yourself! It’s a solo work by Onew, the leader of the popular group SHINee.

Released ahead of the July 2025 album “PERCENT,” it plays an important role in presenting the album’s world.

An uplifting anthem that declares, “There’s no single right answer—faith opens the way!” set to a rhythmic pop sound.

The drama-style music video, filmed in Los Angeles, is also moving, depicting a protagonist who overcomes failure and rises again.

It’s perfect for those moments when you’re hesitating to take on a challenge! Listen to this track that fills you with the courage to say, “I can do it!” and take that first new step forward!