11 Best Korean Love Songs of All Time: Top 11 K-pop

As a DJ and a music aficionado, I’m always digging deep into the realm of melodies and rhythms from around the globe.

Lately, I’ve been on a K-pop bender, and let me tell you, it’s more than just eye-catching choreography and futuristic visuals. So, I decided to curate a list of the 11 Best Korean Love Songs of All Time for those who share this passion and those curious to dive into a new musical landscape.

These tunes have struck a chord in my heart and I’m sure they’ll resonate with yours, too! So, let’s get started!

Here are the best Korean Love songs that you can check out:

List Of Best Korean Love Songs

Best Korean love songs in a list format:

1. “Eyes, Nose, Lips” by Taeyang

“Eyes, Nose, Lips” is a heartfelt ballad by Taeyang from his second studio album, “RISE,” released in 2014 under YG Entertainment. The sincere lyrics and soulful delivery make this one of the most notable Korean love songs. Taeyang, known as the sentimental voice of BIGBANG, nails the emotions of longing and regret. His voice, paired with the simple piano accompaniment, really brings the narrative to life. I chose this song for its raw honesty and emotional punch, a love song that truly leaves a mark.

2. “You, Clouds, Rain” by Heize ft. Shin Yong Jae

Heize, a multitalented artist, gifted us with “You, Clouds, Rain” featuring Shin Yong Jae in 2017, under Stone Music Entertainment. From her album “/// (You, Clouds, Rain),” this song paints a melancholic love story with its smooth R&B vibes and poignant lyrics. Heize’s velvety voice combined with Shin Yong Jae’s emotional delivery creates a somber atmosphere, replicating the feeling of a rainy day. I chose this track for its unique way of expressing love and longing through weather metaphors, plus the blend of voices is simply sublime.

3. “I Will Go To You Like the First Snow” by Ailee

This beautiful song, sung by powerhouse vocalist Ailee, is from the original soundtrack of the popular 2016 drama “Goblin” and was released under CJ E&M. “I Will Go To You Like the First Snow” perfectly encapsulates the feelings of longing and cherished memories. Ailee’s soaring vocals against the backdrop of a hauntingly beautiful melody are truly mesmerizing. I chose this because of its seamless blend of storytelling and emotive musical composition—it’s truly a masterpiece!

4. “Spring Day” by BTS

“Spring Day,” a track from BTS’s 2017 album “You Never Walk Alone,” released under Big Hit Entertainment, is an emotional song about missing someone and waiting for them like one would for the spring after a harsh winter. The lyrical metaphors combined with the melodic production make it a classic. The vocals, particularly the harmonies of the vocal line (Jimin, V, Jungkook, and Jin), stand out. The depth of emotion in this song made me include it in this list.

5. “If It Is You” by Jung Seung Hwan

From the 2016 album, “Voice,” released under Antenna, “If It Is You” by Jung Seung Hwan is a timeless love ballad. Seung Hwan’s heartfelt and emotive delivery makes you feel every word of the poignant lyrics. His voice, combined with a beautiful piano melody, pulls at your heartstrings. I included this because of its heartfelt lyrics and Jung Seung Hwan’s incredible voice—a perfect combination for a memorable love song.

6. “Beautiful” by Crush

“Beautiful,” a beautiful track by Crush, is from the OST of the 2016 drama “Goblin” and was released under CJ E&M. The lyrical content of the song is as beautiful as its title, speaking about a love that makes everything else pale in comparison. Crush’s smooth vocals add a depth of emotion that makes this song unforgettable. I chose this song because of its poetic lyrics and Crush’s soul-stirring performance.

7. “Through the Night” by IU

IU’s “Through the Night” is a soothing ballad from her 2017 album, “Palette,” released under Kakao M. The lyrics tell a heartwarming story of expressing one’s love subtly. IU’s calming vocals and the song’s serene melody create a peaceful atmosphere. I included this song because of its simple yet profound message and IU’s enchanting vocals—it’s a love song that comforts.

8. “Some” by Soyou & Junggigo ft. Lil Boi

“Some” is a delightful duet by Soyou and Junggigo featuring Lil Boi, released in 2014 under Starship Entertainment. From the album “Some,” this song describes the phase of ‘more than friends but less than lovers’ that many can relate to. The chemistry between Soyou and Junggigo’s vocals is just so appealing. I selected this song for its relatable lyrics and the lovely harmonization of the artists—it’s catchy and heartwarming.

9. “Just One Day” by BTS

“Just One Day,” from BTS’s 2014 album “Skool Luv Affair,” released under Big Hit Entertainment, is a sweet love song where the members express their wish to spend just one day with their beloved. The groovy R&B sound paired with their smooth vocals creates a warm, romantic vibe. This song’s heartfelt message and the members’ expressive performance led me to include it in this list.

10. “One Love” by Sung Si Kyung

From the album “The Ballads,” released in 2005 under Jellyfish Entertainment, “One Love” by Sung Si Kyung is a love song that resonates with listeners through its touching melody and heartfelt lyrics. Sung Si Kyung’s deep, rich voice truly conveys the song’s raw emotions. This song’s timeless appeal and Sung Si Kyung’s emotive delivery made it a must-have for my list.

11. “Can’t Love You Anymore” by IU ft. Oh Hyuk

Another gem from IU’s “Palette” album, “Can’t Love You Anymore,” features Oh Hyuk and was released in 2017 under Kakao M. This song explores the painful reality of falling out of love. IU and Oh Hyuk’s unique voices blend seamlessly, creating a melancholic yet beautiful auditory experience. I chose this because of its honest lyrics, the emotive blend of voices, and its unique perspective on love.

Fun Facts: Best Korean Love Songs

“Eyes, Nose, Lips” by Taeyang

“Eyes, Nose, Lips” was so popular that it inspired a trend of cover versions from other artists, both from YG Entertainment and beyond. In fact, YG Entertainment launched a “cover project” where several artists released their own renditions of the song. Quite a testament to its influence, wouldn’t you agree?

“You, Clouds, Rain” by Heize ft. Shin Yong Jae

Here’s an interesting tidbit: “You, Clouds, Rain” was so well-received that it dominated the music charts and achieved a “Perfect All-Kill.” For those unfamiliar with the term, a “Perfect All-Kill” is achieved when a song tops all major South Korean music charts simultaneously. Quite an achievement!

“I Will Go To You Like the First Snow” by Ailee

This song is the most-streamed song in the history of South Korea’s Gaon Chart. Since its release in January 2017, “I Will Go To You Like the First Snow” has garnered an impressive number of streams and continues to captivate listeners with its hauntingly beautiful melody and Ailee’s emotive performance.

“Spring Day” by BTS

“Spring Day” has a remarkable record for being the longest-charting song on Melon (South Korea’s largest music streaming platform). Even years after its release, this song still manages to chart periodically, truly proving the timeless appeal of its message and melody. A fan-favorite, it’s often referred to as the ‘Queen’ by the BTS fandom, ARMY.

“Some” by Soyou & Junggigo ft. Lil Boi

“Some” was a major hit in South Korea and ended up being one of the best-selling songs of 2014. The song’s casual, relatable depiction of almost-lovers resonated with listeners, and its popularity even sparked the “Some” trend in Korean pop culture, referring to the ambiguous stage between friendship and dating.

“Just One Day” by BTS

An interesting fact about “Just One Day” is that it has two music videos: the standard music video and a “Dance Practice” video where fans can see the full choreography. BTS is known for their impressive dance skills and intricate choreographies, and “Just One Day” is no exception. Despite being a softer song, its dance routine is beloved by fans.

And there you have it, folks! From heart-wrenching ballads to catchy melodies, these love songs showcase the depth and diversity of Korean music. They’ve captured our hearts, and hopefully, they’ve found a special place in yours, too. So, keep the love flowing and music playing. Until next time, TBone signing off!

Thanks for reading.

TBone