K-pop unrequited love songs you’ll totally relate to! Tracks that won’t let the heartache and excitement stop

Almond ChocolateILLIT

ILLIT (아일릿) ‘Almond Chocolate’ Special Film

This is ILLIT’s first original Japanese song, following the worldwide success of their debut single “Magnetic,” which also earned them the New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards at the end of 2024.

The track was co-produced by Nakajin from SEKAI NO OWARI and Pdogg, and likens the multifaceted nature of love to a confection with a sweet exterior and a bittersweet center.

The lyrics compare overflowing feelings of affection to going over capacity, while the sparkling pop sound makes your heart flutter.

It also serves as the theme song for the film “I Won’t Fall for Looks Alone,” set to be released in March 2025, perfectly matching the movie’s world.

It’s an exceptionally sweet love song that’s perfect for anyone feeling the excitement of unrequited love or the tender affection for their favorite idol.

LOVE LINENiziU

NiziU(니쥬) “LOVE LINE (운명선)” M/V

This is their second single in Korea, characterized by a polished pop sound and bittersweet love lyrics.

Scheduled for release in March 2025.

It modernizes city pop, and the lyrics themed around the red string of fate leave a strong impression alongside its glamorous sound.

The refreshing vocals of the nine members and the dynamic arrangement evoke a dreamlike world.

Created through the powerful partnership of JYP Entertainment and Sony Music, it’s a track brimming with global appeal.

A dreamy, romantic piece that you’ll want to listen to while walking at night.

노래방에서Jang Bomjun (Chan Bomujun)

장범준3집 #03 노래방에서 Audio

Released in 2019 by Jang Beom June, the singer-songwriter who leads the rock band Busker Busker and has been active as a solo artist since 2014.

It’s a love song that exudes a uniquely Korean sense of romance.

Filled with the cuteness and pure feelings of someone doing their best to prepare to confess to the person they like, it’s a track that people with unrequited love—or those who’ve fallen for someone who already has a partner—can deeply relate to.

The warm, laid-back vibe is soothing, too.

The lyrics tell a story that hints at a happy ending, and the way feelings are entrusted to the song—and saved by the song—gives you a hopeful outlook on love.

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KEI

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Ordinary ConfessionLEE MU JIN

[MV] LEE MU JIN(이무진) _ Ordinary Confession(잠깐 시간 될까)

A love song that brings back those fresh, fluttery feelings.

It’s a pop number by singer-songwriter Lee Mujin, who rose to wider fame after appearing on the 2020 audition show “Sing Again: The Unknown Singer” and scoring a hit with “Traffic Light” in 2021.

Released in May 2023.

This song portrays a modest young man’s crush, and Lee Mujin’s cute vocals enhance its charm.

The sweet, very Korean lyrics are irresistibly adorable and heart-fluttering—perfect for amplifying the thrill of unrequited love!

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KEI

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LOVE ME RIGHTEXO

Japanese subtitles/Kanlubi/lyrics [LOVE ME RIGHT] EXO エクソ (EXO)

EXO is an idol group active mainly in East Asia—Japan, South Korea, and China.

If you like K-pop, you’ve probably heard of them.

As their name recognition suggests, they’ve achieved commercial success; despite it being called an era when CDs don’t sell, their full albums have sold over one million copies.

Their unrequited-love song Love Me Right, released in 2015, gained popularity for its catchy R&B melody.

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Goodbye(헤어지자는 말에 이유를 찾았어)Eun Gaeun(은가은)

[MV] Eun Gaeun(은가은) _ Goodbye(헤어지자는 말에 이유를 찾았어)

A love song released in January 2019 by vocalist Eun Gaeun, who captivates listeners with a charming vocal range and rich expressiveness.

It’s an emotional ballad that warmly envelops fans’ ears.

After a breakup, it conveys the sorrowful resolve to never forget the affectionate moments shared with a lover.

The song expresses sadness by harmonizing a grand, expansive sound and sweet piano tones with Eun Gaeun’s uniquely alluring timbre and sensibility.

I don’t KnowA Pink

[MV] Apink(에이핑크) _ I don’t Know(몰라요)

Apink is the group that brought a refreshing breeze with a pure and innocent concept to the K-pop scene, where a sexy image had been mainstream.

This song was released in April 2011 as the lead track from their debut mini album, “Seven Springs of Apink.” It portrays the frustrations of unrequited love—repeatedly trying to get the attention of someone you like, only to go unnoticed—expressed through delicate vocals.

Despite its sweet-and-sour theme, the dramatic sound with brilliantly resonant strings leaves a strong impression.

The music video also drew attention for featuring BEAST’s Lee Gikwang.

It’s the perfect song for when you want to recall those sweet, tingling feelings at the start of love.