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

You, Who?Eric Nam×Somi

에릭남X소미 (Eric Nam X Somi) – 유후 (You, Who?) MV

A sweet yet bittersweet song that heralds the arrival of spring.

From the very moment of meeting, it feels like a page from youth, linking the yearning heart of courtship with the beginning of a new season.

The joyful mood the two can share drifts in like the scent of flowers carried on a spring breeze.

Listening to this track will bring back that moment when anyone fell in love, warming the heart.

Presented by Eric Nam and Somi, this digital single was released in March 2017.

It’s the perfect tune for welcoming fresh feelings and basking in the gentle sunshine of spring.

It Was LoveOnestar(임한별)

[MV] Onestar(임한별) _ It Was Love(이별하고 나서야 깨달았어)

A moving ballad portraying a man’s aching heart has been released.

Its striking theme is remembering a former lover after the breakup and realizing he truly loved her.

Regret over losing someone precious permeates the song.

Onestar’s delicate vocals are sure to resonate with listeners.

Known as an OST singer and a master of ballads, he showcases his true strengths here as well.

Released in May 2024, the track runs about 7 minutes and 40 seconds.

It’s a song especially worth hearing for anyone who has experienced both the joy and the sorrow of love.

나였으면na yungwon

유희열의 스케치북 Yu Huiyeol’s Sketchbook – 나윤권 – 나였으면. 20180526

This is a ballad that sings of a man’s aching heart—helplessly watching the one he longs for look happy with their partner, able to do nothing but gaze from afar.

He spends his days wishing, “If only it were me.” It’s painful precisely because he cares so much that he can’t do anything.

The earnest desire to tell them “I love you,” even just once, combined with Na Yoon Kwon’s tender, heartfelt vocals, makes it all the more moving.

In Korea, when it comes to songs you want to listen to during unrequited love, this is almost always on the list—a quintessential unrequited love song.

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KEI

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LetterBaek A

[MV] 백아 – 시차 / Baek A, Letter

Love isn’t all fun and games, is it? This song, which delicately captures those fragile emotions, was released in May 2024 by Baek A, who delivers a retro-folk sound.

With lyrics and situations that anyone nursing a crush can’t help but relate to—jealousy, fluttering hearts—it’s achingly poignant and tightens your chest.

Also keep an eye on how Choi Jong-hyop, who drew attention with “Eye Love You,” portrays the world of this song.

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KEI

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Night ReminiscinLUNA

LUNA 루나 ‘그런 밤 (Night Reminiscin’) (With 양다일)’ MV

Debuting in 2009 as a sister group to Girls’ Generation and gaining popularity in Japan as well, f(x) featured Luna as the main vocalist.

Her 2018 solo track “Night Reminiscin,” a duet with fellow Korean male singer Yang Da Il, drew attention for that collaboration too.

It’s a simple piano-based ballad, yet their beautiful voices and the melody overwhelm you with a flood of emotion—even if you don’t understand the lyrics.

The inner landscape of the protagonist, who spends night after night swaying with feelings for a loved one that will likely never reach them, is profoundly lonely and sorrowful.

If you’ve had similar experiences, be careful not to empathize so deeply that it becomes painful.

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KOH-1

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ShinePENTAGON

[MV] PENTAGON(펜타곤) _ Shine(빛나리)

There are times when you care about someone but can’t quite express it well, right? Shine portrays that frustrating mood and mindset.

It’s a song by the boy group PENTAGON, crafted into a catchy pop track with a pleasantly distorted beat.

You could interpret that beat as representing the heart’s excited pounding.

There’s also a Japanese-language version of the song, so if you’re interested, give it a listen.

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HeroAKMU (Akdong Musician)

AKMU – ‘Hero’ M/V

This song is a perfect unrequited-love anthem for when you’re feeling wistful.

It’s the title track from AKMU’s EP “LOVE EPISODE,” released in May 2024.

The warm lyrics, which depict the moment you’re saved by the arrival of someone you love, really resonate.

The siblings’ perfectly synchronized harmonies and the unique sound that blends folk and jazz are captivating.

The melody stands out for the way it offers comfort and encouragement to anyone navigating difficult times.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you’re struggling or need courage—and with someone you love.

Also recommended for the ride home after a date or right before confessing your feelings to someone special.