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 Truly Resonate When You’re Sad (21–30)
ArcadiaCHEN
Arcadia, the fifth mini album by Chen, the main vocalist of EXO, released in September 2025.
Its title track weaves a story about walking steadily toward one’s dreams, centered on themes of hope and perseverance.
Chen participated in writing the lyrics himself, embedding a universal message that one goal leads to another.
Layering synths and strings over a polished pop sound, the song captures subtle shifts of emotion while balancing stillness and dynamism.
His delicate yet powerful vocals resonate deeply, making it a track that gives you a push when you’re about to take on a new challenge.
To coincide with the album’s release, a solo concert was also held in Seoul in October.
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.
K-pop/Korean songs that really hit home when you’re feeling sad (31–40)
365일Ali
Ali is a popular, highly skilled singer known for her captivating husky voice.
Having trained in pansori, a traditional Korean musical art, she delivers a richly resonant and pleasing vocal tone.
Her song “365 Days,” which also served as the title track of her debut album, portrays the emotional changes over the course of a year following a breakup with a loved one.
Like a Movie2PM
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.
Don`t you know(PROD.ROCOBERRY)ZO ZAZZ
An unconventional genius who burst onto the Korean music scene.
Debuting in January 2025, this track has drawn attention for his powerful, emotive ballad vocals that carry the original song.
The grand orchestral soundscape interwoven with his rich, husky voice creates a world steeped in poignancy, evoking the sorrow of parting from someone dear.
Arranged by Ahn Young-min and performed by a 50-piece orchestra, the expansive sound blends seamlessly with his vocal prowess.
Originally known as a Davichi song from the drama IRIS 2’s OST, this version offers a fresh, male-perspective interpretation.
It has surpassed 5 million views on YouTube and is gaining traction on domestic rebound charts.
Highly recommended for those who love ballads that resonate deep in the heart.
DEARESTTōhōshinki
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.
No matter how many times we break upKim Hee-sun
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.