K-pop and Korean love songs: Love songs that really capture the Korean view of romance

LOVE 2BBGIRLS

브브걸 (BBGIRLS) ⎮ ‘LOVE 2’ Official M/V

A track that paints the beginning of a sweet yet bittersweet romance.

It’s BBGIRLS’ first comeback release after signing with GLG, dropped in January 2025.

Set to a dance-pop sound, the lyrics intertwine the anxiety and anticipation of opening one’s heart, leaving a deep impression.

Phrases like “Let’s start our story” convey a romantic sentiment.

Sweetune’s production pairs a catchy melody with BBGIRLS’ vocals to perfection.

With a warm atmosphere that makes you forget the winter chill, this is a song you’ll want to play when you feel like you might be falling in love.

I’m not myself when I’m around you (Feat. 10CM)DINDIN

[MV] DINDIN(딘딘) _ I’m not myself when I’m around you(이러면 안 될 거 아는데 너 앞에만 서면 나락) (Feat. 10CM)

Since its release in 2021, this track has grown popular in its home country and even went viral on TikTok in Japan.

The popular artist Kwon Jeong-yeol from 10cm takes part.

Its mellow, chill vibe is so soothing.

It feels stylish, yet the “Am I not good enough?” sentiment is irresistibly cute.

Apparently, it’s based on a true story.

You’ll totally relate to the nerves, the missteps, and that feeling of not being yourself in front of someone you like.

It really sinks deep into the heart of anyone in love.

Merry-Go-Round (Prod. Cho wonsang(LUCY), DINT (HIGHBRID))PROJECT 7

Merry-Go-Round (Prod. Cho wonsang(LUCY), DINT (HIGHBRID))

A song released from PROJECT 7, the largest-scale audition program with 200 participants.

Performed by the project group PROJECT 7, it was unveiled in December 2024.

Produced by Cho Won-sang of LUCY and others, the lyrics—likening the feelings of a boy in love to a merry-go-round—leave a strong impression.

It’s a refreshing track that fuses synth-pop with band sounds, and its catchy melody and uplifting vocals are truly striking.

While expressing the complex emotions of someone in love, the bright, pop-leaning tone is especially appealing.

Highly praised on the show, it’s a track that encapsulates the charm of a group poised for great success.

The Best Thing I Ever DidTwice

TWICE “The Best Thing I Ever Did(올해 제일 잘한 일)” M/V

An alternative R&B, heartwarming winter song from TWICE! During the holiday season, a December that used to feel lonely turns into a special memory thanks to meeting someone irreplaceable.

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The lyrics honestly convey gratitude and happiness—“Meeting you was the best thing that happened to me this year”—and they gently sink into your heart.

This track is the title song of the special album “The Year of ‘Yes’,” released in December 2018, and their performance at the Golden Disc Awards in January 2019 was moving as well! The music video, featuring the members spending warm moments amid Mongolia’s majestic nature, perfectly matches the song’s world and is simply wonderful.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to in the cold season while thinking of someone dear.

STAYBLACKPINK

BLACKPINK – ‘STAY’ M/V

BLACKPINK is hugely popular not only in Asia but around the world.

Their bittersweet yet pop-infused ballad “STAY” is a perfect example.

In the first half of the song, set to a simple guitar tone, the lyrics express both hatred toward the man who hurt her and a love she still can’t let go of.

In the latter half, the mood shifts dramatically: accompanied by handclaps and a brighter melody, the song turns to declaring love for him.

The message comes through not only in the lyrics, but also in this key change.

CandyNCT DREAM

NCT DREAM 엔시티 드림 ‘Candy’ MV

If you want to listen to a quintessentially Korean sweet love song, be sure to check out “Candy”! NCT DREAM remade this classic hit by H.

O.

T, a first-generation group often called Korea’s SMAP.

It was included on their 2022 winter special album.

From its energetic opening to its retro vibe, it’s a pop tune that wraps you in excitement.

The especially catchy chorus and the group’s unique color are a perfect match.

The lyrics, which capture the thrill of love, along with the members’ adorable performances, are guaranteed to warm your heart!

MAYDAYAPRIL

[MV] APRIL(에이프릴) _ MAYDAY

APRIL is a Korean girl group whose name carries the meaning of “the most adorable girls.” They’ve been active on variety shows and dramas, making the most of their charming looks.

Their 2017 release “MAYDAY” is a love song that soothes with its girlish worldview.

It’s an electro-pop track filled with colorful sounds.

The lovely lyrics depicting a girl in love will make your heart flutter, and you can also enjoy each member’s unique, personality-filled vocals.

If you’re in love right now, this is a pop song you won’t want to miss.