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

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.

First WinterSUNG SI KYUNG, IU

[MV] SUNG SI KYUNG(성시경), IU(아이유) _ First Winter (첫 겨울이니까)

This digital single, released in December 2019, drew attention as their first collaboration in about nine years.

Sung by Sung Si-kyung, one of Korea’s leading ballad singers, and IU, beloved across generations, the song centers on the theme of lovers experiencing their first winter together.

Rather than flashy climaxes, it’s marked by a gentle, conversational melody and quiet strings, with the duo’s warm vocals slowly seeping into a chilled heart.

Coupled with the Christmas imagery in the lyrics, it’s a track you’ll want to play on snowy nights or when you wish to spend a quiet moment with someone special.

It quickly climbed the charts upon release and was even nominated at the MAMA music awards, winning wide acclaim.

A top recommendation if you’re looking for a tender winter ballad!

I’m all earsTaeyeon

TAEYEON 태연 ‘겨울나무 (I’m all ears)’ Special Video

A deeply moving ballad sung by Taeyeon, the main vocalist of Girls’ Generation.

It was included as the closing track on the album “This Christmas – Winter is Coming,” released in the winter of 2017.

The lyrics are truly warm, as if gently listening to someone’s pain and assuring them, “I’ll stay by your side through the night.” It overflows with a kindness that feels like wrapping a shivering body in a blanket.

There may be no flashy production, but Taeyeon’s delicate vocals—so nuanced you can almost hear her breathing—stand out, and every listen brings you close to tears.

About a month after its release, a special video for the song was also unveiled.

On nights when you’re going through something hard, or when you just want someone to listen, play this softly.

It will surely make your heart feel lighter.

DoughnutTwice

TWICE 「Doughnut」 Music Video

A beautiful, soul-stirring ballad you’ll want to listen to in freezing cold weather.

Released as TWICE’s 9th Japanese single in December 2021, this work is their first Japan-original song to feature a ballad as the lead track.

It likens the hollow in a heart without a loved one to a donut hole, portraying a sweet yet aching sense of loss with elegance.

Different from their usual bright and energetic style, the members’ delicate, mature vocals truly resonate.

Its warm melody and slightly wistful lyrics gently keep you company through the bitter cold.

It’s the perfect song for a snowy night or quiet time alone.

For anyone carrying a sorrowful love in their heart, I hope you’ll be wrapped in these tender voices.

Snow Flower (feat. Peakboy)V

Snow Flower (feat. Peakboy) by V

This heartwarming song was co-created by BTS’s V and his close friend Peakboy and gifted to fans at Christmas in December 2020.

With a warm-toned electric guitar and an R&B vibe, it gently wraps a winter-chilled heart.

The lyrics’ worldview—likening snow to “white flowers” that repaint the world beautifully—is truly romantic.

V’s deep, soft low register layered with Peakboy’s light vocals creates an intimate comfort that soothes just by listening.

Officially released for streaming in August 2023, this gem is a healing number you’ll want to play slowly on a cold night, in a warm room, while thinking of someone special.

Please savor it.

Candle LightNCT DREAM

[STATION 3] NCT DREAM 엔시티 드림 ‘사랑한단 뜻이야 (Candle Light)’ MV

This is a track released in December 2018 from the digital music project “SM STATION,” which puts out new songs every Friday.

It’s a song that expresses love and gratitude toward a significant other.

Carried by acoustic guitar and bright, refreshing sounds, the lyrics sing, “I want to be together next year too,” making it a winter tune that lifts your spirits as you listen.

Member Mark participated in writing the lyrics, so perhaps he included his own feelings of gratitude as well.

The members’ looks and gestures in their lovely outfits are adorable and a must-see! Be sure to enjoy the warm atmosphere of NCT DREAM along with the song.

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Hold you tightCHEN

널 안지 않을 수 있어야지 Hold you tight

This is a song that wraps you in comfort with its medium-tempo, pleasant melody and Chen’s gentle vocals.

The moment when your feelings finally connect with someone you’ve loved for so long can make you feel incredibly happy, right? With that joy, the song expresses a feeling of “not being able to help but pull them into a hug.” As EXO’s main vocalist and a former King of Mask Singer, Chen’s voice has a way of softening listeners’ hearts.

It carries a warmth you can feel even in the chill of winter.

Be sure to give it a listen when you want to relax.

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