K-pop and Korean songs that deeply resonate when you're sad
When we’re alive, everyone experiences waves of sadness from time to time, don’t we?
The way it’s portrayed may differ from country to country, but the feeling itself is something we all share, isn’t it?
This time, we’ve picked out K-POP and Korean songs that sing about sadness.
Everyone senses things a little differently, but I think these songs will especially resonate when you’re feeling down.
Sudden partings or breakups between lovers are truly painful, aren’t they?
Melodies steeped in melancholy and vocals overflowing with emotion will surely stay close to your heart.
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K-pop and Korean Songs That Deeply Resonate When You're Sad (41–50)
Neul (Nureu)BoA
BoA, who is also active in Japan, released the song “Neul” in Korea.
It carries a somewhat sorrowful feeling, expressing the desire to finally convey a long-unspoken love to someone after a breakup.
The other person is presumably a lover, but you can also listen to it as if it were about family or friends.
It’s a song that evokes love in that broad, inclusive sense.
little monsterILLIT
ILLIT, who debuted in March 2024 after a survival show and immediately swept 12 music show trophies, present the opening track of their 3rd mini album, “bomb.” The album unfolds a unique world where the anxieties and worries in one’s heart are eaten up as “monsters.” Set to a light, synth-pop sound, it delivers a wonderful, positive message about embracing yourself wholly.
It gives you a curious kind of courage that makes even your weaknesses feel lovable.
It’s the kind of song that will lift a weight off your heart when you want to reset your mood and take a fresh step forward!
Sick(아프다)ZICO, Sojin (GIRL’S DAY)
As the leader of Block B, Zico is responsible for songwriting and composition, and he’s highly skilled not only as a rapper but also as a producer, earning respect both at home and abroad.
His track “SICK,” released in 2015, was also included on the soundtrack for the Korean drama “Mask.” The song features Sojin, a former member of the K-pop girl group Girl’s Day, and it’s a beautiful piece where a mellow track centered on piano and acoustic guitar intertwines with Zico’s smooth rap and Sojin’s stunning vocals on the melody parts.
As the title suggests, however, the lyrics earnestly express the pain and suffering of love.
The contrast between the sound and the lyrics is fascinating, and I highly recommend reading the lyrics in translation!
I’m FineBTS
This song, which portrays the mindset of confronting oneself and overcoming difficult times, drew attention for its structure that pairs with “Save Me.” It’s an electronic pop track included on the 2018 album Love Yourself 結 ‘Answer.’
The driving drum and bass and striking synthesizers stand out, while powerful rap and melodious vocals blend seamlessly.
While portraying the complex emotions behind the superficial phrase “I’m fine,” the lyrics chart a path toward self-affirmation and recovery, resonating deeply.
It also achieved success in Japan, earning a Gold certification.
It’s a warm track that gently supports those trying to overcome hardship or hoping to accept themselves.
DIVINEshōjo jidai
A grand ballad adorned with a crystal-clear, beautiful melody and lyrics that are both heartrending and powerful.
It was included on the 2014 album “THE BEST.” The strong harmonies of all nine Girls’ Generation members stir the heart, singing of courage and hope to move forward through hardship.
Within the magnificent soundscape woven by strings and piano, each member’s voice blends beautifully.
As the final official recording by the group’s nine-member lineup including Jessica, this song holds deep significance for fans.
It is a gem of a ballad that showcases Girls’ Generation’s musical prowess—one that resonates when you’ve faced setbacks or farewells and need the courage to look ahead.
On Such a DayWINTER
A ballad whose gentle healing permeates through a wistful melody.
Sung by Winter of the girl group aespa, this track was released in April 2025 as part of the OST for the drama “Someday Wise Resident Life.” The song portrays the struggles and growth of the drama’s young doctors, and Winter’s tender vocals embrace unbidden sadness and loneliness in a way that resonates deeply.
Her clear voice overflows with empathy and comfort.
It’s a song that will quietly stay by your side when you feel a sudden pang of loneliness or when your heart is tired.
Broken PartyCHEN
A gem of pop rock that paints loneliness, longing, and a deep yearning for love.
Crafted by Chen, EXO’s main vocalist, as an ambitious work in April 2025.
His powerful studio vocals and delicate emotional nuance blend beautifully, resulting in a performance that seeps into the listener’s heart.
In the music video, symbolic visuals like shattered glass bottles and butterflies strikingly convey self-acceptance and fluctuating emotions.
This piece is perfect for quiet nights or moments of reflection—a captivating number that stays close when your heart is wavering.
Don’t you know (모르시나요)Davichi
The OST from the drama IRIS II is characterized by a deeply resonant melancholy.
Released in February 2013 by the Korean female duo Davichi, it’s a ballad that powerfully conveys the ache of unrequited love.
The exquisite harmonies woven by Lee Hae-ri and Kang Min-kyung delicately express the pain of lost love.
It received high acclaim, including a nomination for Best OST at the Mnet Asian Music Awards.
Featured in key scenes of the drama, it was remade by ZO ZAZZ and became a massive hit in Korea in January 2025.
It’s perfect for moments when you want to soothe the pain of heartbreak or cleanse your heart.
Yesterday You Left Me10cm
This is a heartbreak song by 10cm, a hugely popular musician known for approachable yet sophisticated musicality.
It’s included on their 2021 release, The 3rd EP.
The song portrays those inexpressible emotions after being dumped and the feeling of not being able to do anything.
The steady, uniform groove and Kwon Jung-yeol’s languid vocals flow into an empty heart.
The way the lyrics try to convince themselves—saying this was for the best, or maybe they didn’t really like the other person that much—only makes it all the more poignant.
Empty HeadASH ISLAND
A track released in 2019 by ASH ISLAND, a popular emo rapper who won the Rookie of the Year award at the Korean Hip Hop Awards 2020.
Rather than simply being unable to stop surrendering to alcohol, the song portrays a state of mind that feels inescapable.
When you can’t think about anything else and nothing seems to help, this kind of deep worldview can feel comforting.
You can feel the pent-up emotions with no outlet and the anguished cries that verge on madness.