Korean karaoke songs: beloved tunes from popular ballads to K-pop
Once you become a K-POP fan or grow fond of Korean culture, there’s always at least one song you’ll want to try singing.
If you’re reading this, you probably have a song like that too, right? Here, we’ll introduce popular karaoke songs in Korea and well-loved K-POP tracks.
From chart-topping hits and the latest releases to timeless classics that have been cherished for years, there’s plenty to choose from.
Feel free to practice thoroughly or use these picks to hype things up with friends! We hope all Korea and K-POP lovers like you have a great time!
Korean karaoke songs: Beloved tunes from popular ballads to K-pop (1–10)
EYES, NOSE, LIPSTAEYANG
Taeyang, the main vocalist of BIGBANG, is known as one of the best singers in K-pop.
He’s also popular for having no scandals and for being an all-around good person.
Among his songs, this particularly popular track is a poignant breakup song that resonates deeply.
It’s a piece I highly recommend to those confident in their vocal abilities.
If you can pull this song off, it’s truly impressive.
심DK (디셈버)
Announced on February 19, 2023 and a long-running hit on South Korean charts, “Heart (심)” is a love song that also remains high in karaoke rankings.
DK, formerly of the duo December, remade Yang’s song originally released in 2002.
DK’s overwhelming vocal prowess is incredible, while the melody is gentle and the chorus opens up dramatically in a classic ballad structure.
I think it will feel familiar to Japanese listeners as well.
It seems likely to be sung as a staple karaoke classic well beyond 2023.
Heavenly fate (천상연)LEE CHANGSUB (이창섭)
A heart-stirring ballad that sings of fateful love and destined encounters.
Powerful vocalist Lee Changsub released it in February 2024, and it was featured as an OST for the webtoon “The Fairy’s Side Story.” As BTOB’s lead vocalist, his crystalline voice and exceptional expressiveness beautifully convey a bond bestowed by the heavens.
According to TJ Media, it was the most-sung karaoke song of 2024.
His deeply emotive live performance on JTBC’s popular variety show “Knowing Bros” also created a buzz.
This is a highly recommended track for when you want to feel the bond with someone special and be wrapped in a gentle, resonant afterglow.
좋니Yoon Jong-shin
A lingering breakup song released in 2017 that became a long-running hit by Yoon Jong-shin, who is also active as a producer.
It’s often cited as one of his signature tracks.
The lyrics poignantly convey the intensity—or density—of his feelings.
Expressions like wishing the other person would suffer a little before finding happiness also communicate that sentiment.
The explosive, emotional climax is the highlight of the song, and once you power through that part, you might even feel a sense of exhilaration.
I`m Firefly (나는반딧불)Hwang Karam (황가람)
A heartwarming ballad by Hwang Garam, a singer-songwriter active in South Korea, themed around self-awareness and self-affirmation.
Blending a melodious tone with an indie sensibility, it has a unique charm that gently conveys the importance of shining in your own way, even as a small presence.
Since its digital release in October 2024, it has been performed on shows such as MBC’s “What Do You Do When You Shoot?” and KBS’s “Music Bank,” continuing to captivate audiences into 2025.
A song that supports those who value their individuality or are in the midst of self-discovery.
Its retro vibe and refined sound deliver a moving resonance that touches the heart.
old song (오래된 노래)Standing Egg
A ballad-style song wrapped in a nostalgic atmosphere.
It’s a piece by the Korean indie band Standing Egg, released in October 2013.
Its gentle acoustic sound and tender melody resonate deeply.
Sparked by a song that holds shared memories with a lover, the lyrics softly weave a wish for reunion, where poignancy and warmth coexist.
This work has a timeless charm and has long been loved in Korea.
It’s a recommended track for moments when you want to savor your feelings for someone special or spend time in calm and peace.
응급실IZI
This is the OST from the 2005 broadcast romantic comedy drama “Delightful Girl Chun-hyang,” which is based on a classic novel.
The song is by the rock band izi.
It has been covered by many artists, including BTS’s V, and has been sung and passed down for a long time.
It’s a generational favorite among people in their 20s to 40s and has long been a karaoke staple.
The love song’s lyrics, about saying and doing things that don’t match your true feelings, are highly relatable.
The melody is gentle and a standard ballad, making it easy to embrace.