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

The First LoveMinseo

[사이코메트리 그녀석 OST Part 4] 민서 (MINSEO) – The First Love MV

One of the theme songs from the Korean drama “He Is Psychometric,” “The First Love,” is a moving ballad by the singer Minseo.

The drama tells a romantic and thrilling story about Yoon Jae-in, a girl harboring a secret played by Shin Ye-eun, and Lee Ahn, a young man with the special ability to read others’ secrets, played by GOT7’s Jinyoung.

The song beautifully captures this mysterious atmosphere, featuring a whispery, transparent vocal tone that is especially captivating.

Watching the show makes the lyrics resonate even more deeply, so be sure to check out the song along with the drama!

Shy BoySecret

[MV] Secret(시크릿) _ Shy Boy(샤이보이)

A song about love for a shy, slow-to-act boyfriend.

She adores, in the best way, how serious and stiff he can be.

She’s surely straightforward herself and keeps sending him love messages, only to have them neatly deflected.

There are moments when you even worry if they’re really dating.

Even so, she doesn’t miss the little signs he clumsily manages to give.

I want people with bashful partners to listen to this.

LOVE DAY (2021)Yang Yoseop, Jung Eunji

양요섭, 정은지 – LOVE DAY (2021) (바른연애 길잡이 X 양요섭, 정은지) 가로라이브 Full ver.

LOVE DAY (2021) is a collaborative track by Yang Yoseop and Jung Eunji featured in the Korean digital-format comic The Guide to Proper Love, which tells the story of experiencing campus romance, breaking free from set rules, and discovering a different world.

The song was originally released in 2012 to commemorate White Day, and this revival marks their first duet together in nine years, drawing a lot of attention.

The lyrics alternate between the two, expressing their budding feelings and making your heart flutter.

Give it a listen at the start of a new romance and enjoy the feeling of being in love!

Couple (커플)Jeong Eun Ji x Seo In Guk

Jeong Eun Ji x Seo In Guk ‘커플 (Couple)’ MV

Thirteen years later, the two artists reunite for a long-awaited collaboration.

Jung Eun-ji and Seo In-guk, who co-starred in Reply 1997, remake a song originally released in 1998 by first-generation boy group SECHSKIES.

Released in March 2025, this version showcases a captivating harmony as their vocal tones blend beautifully.

Layered melodies and vocals preserve the bright, breezy charm of the original while skillfully incorporating contemporary sounds for a fresh finish.

Eun-ji, renowned as Apink’s main vocalist, brings a clear and luminous voice, while Superstar K winner Seo In-guk adds his soothing tone—their combination evoking a sweet yet wistful feeling of romance.

It’s a perfect track for time spent with someone special or as a companion on a drive.

CosmicRed Velvet

Red Velvet 레드벨벳 ‘Cosmic’ MV

This is a Red Velvet song released in June 2024 with a theme of cosmic love.

It features a pop dance sound characterized by synth strings and disco rhythms.

Set against the backdrop of space, it portrays an emotional journey in search of connection with someone.

With cosmic imagery—such as encounters from distant stars and bonds that transcend time and space—it expresses both anticipation and anxiety about new relationships.

It’s a track that shines with Red Velvet’s signature originality.

Its dreamy, enchanting mood makes it perfect for listening under the starry sky.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to feel the thrill of love.

Scott and ZeldaBiBi

비비 (BIBI) – 책방오빠 문학소녀 (Scott and Zelda) LIVE M/V

A love story that begins with a fateful encounter in a bookstore, themed around the legendary 1920s American literary couple F.

Scott Fitzgerald and Zelda.

It’s included on BIBI’s second album, “EVE: ROMANCE,” released in May 2025.

Blending literary metaphors with an emotionally rich R&B sound, it portrays deep affection through iconic lines like “I want to be a pen for you.” The live music video set in a bookstore has also generated buzz and earned high praise in her home country.

A must-listen for literature lovers and those who appreciate sophisticated sounds.

LetterBaek A

[MV] 백아 – 시차 / Baek A, Letter

Love isn’t all fun and games, is it? This song, which delicately captures those fragile emotions, was released in May 2024 by Baek A, who delivers a retro-folk sound.

With lyrics and situations that anyone nursing a crush can’t help but relate to—jealousy, fluttering hearts—it’s achingly poignant and tightens your chest.

Also keep an eye on how Choi Jong-hyop, who drew attention with “Eye Love You,” portrays the world of this song.