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

I’m HomeNEW!EXO

EXO 엑소 ‘I’m Home’ MV

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.

Almond ChocolateNEW!ILLIT

ILLIT (아일릿) ‘Almond Chocolate’ Special Film

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!

MELTING POINTNEW!ZEROBASEONE

ZEROBASEONE (제로베이스원) ‘MELTING POINT’ MV

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!

IF I SAY, I LOVE YOUNEW!BOYNEXTDOOR

BOYNEXTDOOR (보이넥스트도어) ‘오늘만 I LOVE YOU’ Official MV

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.

Winter WishNEW!IRENE

Winter Wish

This is a track from Like A Flower, the highly anticipated first solo mini-album released in November 2024 by Irene, who shines as the leader of Red Velvet.

While many winter songs are gentle ballads, this one stands out as a pop dance number with a buoyant beat and an addictive melody.

It conjures up images of snowy winter scenes and the sparkle of the holiday season, and just listening to Irene’s light, airy vocals lifts your spirits.

It also drew attention when a lyricist involved in the production introduced it on social media as “this year’s carol.” It’s perfect for those moments when you want to forget life’s complications and feel simple happiness, or when you’re walking through streets illuminated with festive lights.

A wonderful song that casts a bright winter magic!

Like Our First SnowKYUHYUN

[MV] ‘첫눈처럼 (Like Our First Snow)’｜규현 (KYUHYUN) EP [𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓒𝓵𝓪𝓼𝓼𝓲𝓬]

Known as the main vocalist of Super Junior, Kyuhyun’s title track from his EP “The Classic,” released in November 2025, portrays a heartrending love themed around the first snowfall.

Layered with the changing seasons, the lyrics compellingly weave a story from meeting to parting.

His vocals build emotional waves from a restrained opening—hallmarks of a true ballad master.

Eschewing flashy production, the delicate arrangement centered on piano and strings highlights his clear, transparent voice.

The song drew significant attention, including reaching No.

1 on Korea’s Bugs chart.

It’s a perfect track for a quiet night, evoking the sudden memory of someone in the cold air.

White Memoriesfromis_9

fromis_9 (프로미스나인) ‘하얀 그리움’ MV

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.