K-pop to listen to in winter: beautiful Korean songs that touch the heart
Winter K-pop songs.Heart-wrenching ballads, cozy heartwarming tunes, and Christmas songs.What kind of songs do you like?As the cold season sets in, you might find yourself craving vocals that really hit home and make you feel a little less lonely.Korea is known for its wonderful ballads, but there are also plenty of cheerful, uplifting tracks and love songs that blow away the winter chill.We’ve picked out classic Korean winter songs from a variety of angles!Let’s get through winter together with wonderful music!
K-POP to listen to in winter: Korean songs whose beautiful melodies really resonate (1–10)
MELTING POINTZEROBASEONE
ZEROBASEONE, born from the audition program BOYS PLANET.
This song depicts the moment a heart that had been frozen begins to melt through love, and it’s a sparkling dance-pop track that captures the shimmer of winter.
You can’t resist the fluttering excitement that feels like your body temperature is rising in the cold! It’s brimming with fresh emotions.
It’s the opening track of their mini-album MELTING POINT, released in November 2023, and although it’s not the title track, it also received an MV.
Listen to it under the winter sky and both your heart and body are sure to feel warm.
A perfect song for winter dates or when you want to heighten that feeling of being in love!
DittoNewJeans
“Ditto” garnered buzz on TikTok and YouTube, becoming a global viral hit.
The girl group NewJeans, beloved by young people not only for their music but also for their fashion and makeup, released the track in 2022.
It opens with mellow synth tones and beautiful harmonies before unfolding over a sprightly rhythm.
Its soft, gentle melody warms the chill of winter.
The lyrics, which depict feelings intensifying for someone you like, intertwine with the group’s cute choral work.
Why not listen to this K-pop song about unrequited love during the winter season?
I’m HomeEXO
A beautiful pop ballad by EXO where delicate piano melodies intertwine with rich, full-bodied strings.
It captures the joy of returning to a loved one after time apart, wrapping you in a warmth that feels like time has started moving again.
As you listen, you’ll truly feel, “This is where I belong,” and find deep peace.
Released ahead of the January 2026 album REVERXE, the music video dropped in December 2025.
The song’s first live performance at a fan meeting, coloring the reunion between the members and fans, is another heartwarming episode.
It’s the perfect BGM for returning home after a long time or reuniting with someone special.
Give this track a listen—a song that will gently warm your heart through the bitter chill of winter.
IF I SAY, I LOVE YOUBOYNEXTDOOR
A bittersweet dance-pop track by BOYNEXTDOOR, a six-member group under KOZ Entertainment.
It’s the digital single “IF I SAY, I LOVE YOU,” released in January 2025.
Despite its upbeat sound, the lyrics poignantly capture the helplessness after a breakup and lingering regret over words left unsaid.
The members themselves took part in writing the lyrics, and their true feelings, hidden behind a brave face, come through authentically.
They won first place on a music show on January 16, 2025, capturing the hearts of many fans.
On winter days when the cold makes you feel a little fragile, or on sleepless nights tangled up in love, their down-to-earth vocals will gently keep you company.
Give it a listen when you want to savor the bittersweet taste of youth.
Almond ChocolateILLIT
ILLIT is a five-member girl group whose debut with “Magnetic” is still fresh in our memories.
Composed of Korean and Japanese members, they’re captivating the world with their cute looks and solid talent.
Their new track “Almond Chocolate,” released in February 2025, is their first original song in Japanese.
It was written as the theme song for the film “I Won’t Fall for Just a Pretty Face,” starring Ryubi Miyase.
The production also drew attention for featuring Nakajin from SEKAI NO OWARI and Pdogg! The song portrays a sweet yet bittersweet crush—being overwhelmed by someone’s charms while falling head over heels—and it’s so relatable.
It’s a pop number perfect for Valentine’s Day that everyone who treasures their favorite idol should hear!
Winter FallsStray Kids
Stray Kids is a boy group formed through an audition show.
Their July 2022 live performance in Japan is still fresh in our memories.
Their song Winter Falls portrays a romance fading away like snow.
While the track is quiet overall, it features a unique melody that sits between a ballad and a pop song.
Because of that, it can keep you company whether you want to lift your spirits or you’re feeling down.
White Memoriesfromis_9
A winter pop tune that keeps you company in the season when you start longing for the wintry air.
Released in December 2025, this track is a remake that reinterprets singer Kim Min-jung’s 2001 winter hit through a contemporary sensibility.
Its translucent choral work and clear vocals paint the warm emotions nestled within snowy scenery.
Carried by flowing synth riffs and a pleasant mid-tempo groove, it leaves a lingering afterglow of yearning and tenderness.
This release showcases the renewed charm of the group now performing as a five-member unit.
Its gentle mood wraps you in comfort—perfect for the year-end holiday season.
Recommended for those looking to add to their winter playlists and for anyone who enjoys music where nostalgia meets something new.