K-pop to listen to in winter: beautiful Korean songs that touch the heart

SleighCHUNGHA

CHUNG HA 청하 | ‘Sleigh’ Official Music Video

Enveloped in a romantic winter mood, this is Chungha’s warm holiday song.

Released in December 2024 as part of the special single “Christmas Promises,” this track pairs English lyrics that depict sweet, intimate moments between lovers with a refined R&B-pop sound in perfect harmony.

Different from her usual charisma-filled dance performances, her delicate, velvety vocals truly stand out and are simply enchanting.

She also participated in writing the lyrics, which is lovely, as they convey her love and gratitude to fans.

It’s the perfect song to enjoy on a cold night while relaxing in a warm room.

Highly recommended as background music for Christmas spent with someone special.

Be sure to add it to your heart-fluttering winter playlist.

Coming HomeNCT U

[STATION X] NCT U 엔시티 유 ‘Coming Home (Sung by 태일, 도영, 재현, 해찬)’ MV

A gem of a winter song from NCT U, the unit with freely changing members, featuring the ultimate vocal lineup of Taeil, Doyoung, Jaehyun, and Haechan.

It’s a slow-tempo R&B ballad that conjures up wintry scenes of falling snow.

Carrying a warm message—“I can return because someone is waiting for me”—it gently fills the heart each time you listen.

The beautiful harmonies of the four voices layer together like a blanket softly wrapping a chilled body.

Released in December 2019 as part of SM STATION’s winter project, it left a strong impression with the music video showing them riding a train, hurrying home.

Give it a listen on a bitterly cold night on your way back, or whenever you find yourself longing for company.

It will surely bring you comfort and a gentle warmth.

Merry PLListmasPLAVE

PLAVE(플레이브) ‘Merry PLLIstmas’ Special Video

Playv is a five-member boy group delivering dreams from a virtual world.

Here’s their Christmas mood-filled winter song.

Riding on an R&B-inspired melody, their warm harmonies beautifully express feelings for someone special.

The members themselves took part in writing and composing, conveying their sincere dedication to music and their undeniable talent.

Released in December 2023, the track was later included on the album “ASTERUM : 134-1.” It captured many hearts, peaking at No.

6 on major Korean charts.

On cold winter nights when you’re feeling lonely, listening to it is sure to gently warm even a frozen heart.

Be Happy (Carroll Ver.)QWER

QWER ‘행복해져라’ (캐롤 Ver.) l QWER with PlayStation

QWER, a girl band brought together by YouTuber Kim Gye-ran, featuring streamers and former idols.

Here’s a happy number from them that’s perfect for winter.

This work was released in December as part of a collaboration with PlayStation Korea.

Keeping the original theme of “the small joys of everyday life,” it adds sleigh bells and a sparkling arrangement for a full-on Christmas mood! Watching them gleefully hype each other up while gaming is adorable, and it’s impossible not to smile.

With a Japan tour on the horizon, their shimmering sense of exhilaration is irresistible.

It’s a wonderful track you’ll want to play at parties with friends or during the fun moments at year’s end.

Love 119RIIZE

RIIZE 라이즈 ‘Love 119’ MV

RIIZE is a boy group under SM Entertainment that debuted in 2023 and has been gaining popularity.

This track, released in January 2024, is an emotional pop song themed around the urgent turbulence of winter youth and first love.

Its sweet piano riff and the members’ clear, airy vocals capture the flutter of the moment you fall in love.

It actually samples the hit song “Emergency Room” by the Korean band izi, creating a sound that blends nostalgia with freshness in a very pleasing way.

The music video, shot in Japan, feels like a coming-of-age film that draws you right in.

It’s a milestone track that earned them their first-ever win on a music show since debut.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to sink into those aching feelings of thinking about someone special in the winter cold.