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

취중고백 DrunKen ConfessionFeel

필 Feel – 취중고백 DrunKen Confession Official M/V

A ballad whose bittersweet melody and candid, alcohol-fueled confession strike straight to the heart.

Released as a single by Feel in 2005, it’s also known for a hit remake by Melomance’s Kim Min-seok.

Set against the backdrop of a nighttime city, the song delicately portrays the feelings of someone finally voicing what they couldn’t say without a drink’s courage.

Feel’s emotive vocals melt into the gentle tones woven by piano and strings.

It’s a track to listen to quietly, alone, on a night weighed with the ache of love.

소중한 사랑 Precious Love박지윤 Park Ji Yoon

Precious Love

A heartwarming mid-tempo tune by Korean songstress Park Ji-yoon, who has captivated listeners with her beautiful voice since her debut.

Her delicate, clear vocals blend perfectly with a gentle melody line that expresses deep feelings for a loved one.

Included on the 1998 album “Blue Angel,” this moving track was highly acclaimed in the Korean music scene at the time.

TWICE’s cover is also well-known, and with production by Park Jin-young, the song is perfect for moments when you want to soothe your heart or reflect on someone special.

Wrapped in Park Ji-yoon’s graceful voice, it’s a lovely piece that lets you relax and open your heart.

Boy In LuvBTS

[MV] BTS(방탄소년단) _ Boy In Luv(상남자)

“Boy In Luv” flips the script by boldly insisting, “Don’t let go of the me you’ve come to love.” Released in 2014, it’s a heavy tune packed with BTS’s underground, core style before they became global superstars.

You could call it a confession song that embodies the spirit of a “man’s man”—full of confidence, making a daring approach, and staying on the offensive.

BTS’s aggressive cool really shines.

Perfect for dates or anytime you want to hype yourself up!

Kissing YouGirls' Generation (Shoujo Jidai)

Girls’ Generation 소녀시대 ‘Kissing You’ MV

A pop track included on the classic album “GIRLS’ GENERATION.” The music video is fantastic too, showing the members’ fresh, early charm and overflowing charisma! With a candy-sweet vibe, it just puts you in a great mood.

It absolutely lights up live shows, and whether you’re listening or watching, you can’t help but think, “Cute! Fun! Love it!” You can really feel the flutter and excitement of being in love—your heart will be racing nonstop.

ShinePENTAGON

[MV] PENTAGON(펜타곤) _ Shine(빛나리)

There are times when you care about someone but can’t quite express it well, right? Shine portrays that frustrating mood and mindset.

It’s a song by the boy group PENTAGON, crafted into a catchy pop track with a pleasantly distorted beat.

You could interpret that beat as representing the heart’s excited pounding.

There’s also a Japanese-language version of the song, so if you’re interested, give it a listen.

Go for a Walk(산책)Sung Si Kyung(성시경)

[MV] Sung Si Kyung(성시경) – Go for a Walk(산책)

A singer who commands overwhelming support for ballads, Sung Si-kyung released this heartrending love ballad in June 2024.

It came out as a remake track for producer Shim Hyun-bo’s 25th-anniversary project, “About Love.” Originally sung from a woman’s perspective by Park Ki-young, this version shifts to a man’s point of view, suffusing the song with deep emotion.

It evokes memories and scenes with someone dear to you, from ordinary days to moments of drifting apart.

Be sure to pay attention to the music video as well, whose visual storytelling conveys a sense of connection even amid heartbreak.

LIKEYTwice

TWICE “LIKEY” M/V

A song that captures the emotional ups and downs of a girl in love.

To get the person she likes to notice her, she’ll try her best—even if looking stylish feels like a hassle.

Cute outfits, makeup… if you’ve ever been in love, you’ll find plenty of words to relate to.

Think back to all the effort you put in to make your love come true.

Your past self will give you hints for immersing yourself in the song.