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

The First MomentWINTER

윈터 (WINTER) – 처음 본 순간 The First Moment (영화 사랑의 하츄핑 OST) Official M/V

This song stands out for its translucent vocals and graceful melody.

Winter’s portrayal of the exhilaration and confusion of first love truly resonates.

Released in July 2024, with the music video following in August, it also drew attention as part of the soundtrack for the animated film “The Reptiles of Love.” Delicately expressing the beginning of pure love, it’s perfect for those newly in love or nostalgic for their first romance.

While Winter is active as a member of the popular Korean group aespa, this track also reveals a new side of her as a solo artist.

You’re sure to be captivated by its dramatic progression.

이렇게 좋아해 본 적이 없어요BOYNEXTDOOR

이렇게 좋아해 본 적이 없어요

A tie-in song for the webtoon “Girl’s World” by the boy group BOYNEXTDOOR, who debuted in 2023.

It’s a medium-tempo ballad distinguished by lyrics that trace a sweet, bittersweet first love and a clear, gentle melodic line.

Their tender vocals further enhance the webtoon’s worldview.

Since its release in March 2025, it has been a major topic on social media.

In the not-too-distant future, it’s sure to fill listeners’ hearts with warmth.

It’s the perfect track to soundtrack memories with someone special in the season when the arrival of spring can be felt.

YELLOWTREASURE

TREASURE – ‘YELLOW’ M/V

A bittersweet love song that begins with gentle piano sounds and is marked by a powerful drumbeat rhythm.

Released in March 2025 as the title track of the special mini album “PLEASURE” by TREASURE, the 10-member boy group under YG Entertainment, it expresses the warm feelings sparked by meeting someone you love.

Members Choi Hyun Suk, Yoshi, Asahi, and Haruto contributed to the lyrics, with Asahi also participating in the composition.

With a melody woven from refreshing vocals and rap, the track feels as pleasant as a spring breeze.

The music video highlights a story set in everyday spaces and features adorable choreography.

It’s a perfect song to lift the feeling of being in love—and just right for a morning drive.

A glass of soju (one shot of shochu)Lim Chang-jung (Im Chang-jung)

02 임창정 – 소주 한 잔

A quintessential Korean ballad that conveys the pain of heartbreak and regret through a deeply moving vocal performance.

Released in June 2003 by the accomplished artist Lim Chang-jung, it is included on the album “Bye.” Blending the sense of loss from losing a beloved partner with the bittersweet attempt to drown sorrow in soju, this song resonated with countless listeners and became a nationwide favorite.

It has been covered by many K-pop artists, including BTOB’s Seo Eunkwang, and continues to be loved across generations.

Its appeal lies in the profoundly emotional vocals and universal themes—anyone who has known the pain of love can relate.

A masterpiece of Korean ballads that you’ll want to listen to alone on a quiet night, letting it seep into your heart.

Shoong! (feat. LISA of BLACKPINK)TAEYANG

TAEYANG – ‘Shoong! (feat. LISA of BLACKPINK)’ PERFORMANCE VIDEO

A mid-tempo track by BIGBANG’s Taeyang—an artist who’s hugely influential for performers—featuring BLACKPINK’s Lisa.

It’s a true charisma-filled collaboration! Alongside its dance-forward, wild allure, the R&B, Western-style flavor feels sleek.

It’s a love song that portrays being head over heels for someone.

The Lamborghini reference conveys an intensity of feeling.

The sweet, airy vocals are pleasant, wrapping the song in a mature mood while keeping it energetic.

사랑 그땐(Memory)B1A4

B1A4 – About Time, 비원에이포 – 사랑 그땐, Show Champion 20140122

B1A4 is a South Korean idol group.

They are currently active as a trio.

“사랑 그땐 (Memory)” is a song that earnestly expresses the feelings of moving forward after a breakup.

At first, the nights were so painful that sleep wouldn’t come, and every day was filled with tears, but by facing one’s emotions, the pain gradually faded, and now it has become a good memory.

Many people have likely been encouraged by this song, which conveys the feeling of breaking free from a sad past.

When you experience heartbreak, cut ties with the past with this song and do your best to live happily.

LOVEDRUNKEpik High, Crush

EPIK HIGH (에픽하이) – 술이 달다 (LOVEDRUNK) ft. CRUSH [Official MV]

Is it a pun? LOVED, DRUNK—in other words, it’s a love song about alcohol.

The Japanese title is “Sake ga Amai” (literally, “The Liquor Is Sweet”).

It sounds cool and austere, but the content is a love song that sings of a girl’s aching feelings as she tries to forget a broken heart with booze.

Right from the start: “legs wobbling,” “head spinning.” I think everyone’s gotten that drunk before, but not many have gotten that way from heartbreak.

The much-talked-about music video is unique and eye-catching, too.

The woman who appears is the singer IU—an artist Gen Hoshino also has his eye on—and in the video she’s fighting someone.

It’s probably a metaphor; maybe it was hard to directly depict the state of being drunk.