Saddest K-pop Songs Of All Time
Have you ever been sad while listening to your gloomy K-pop playlist? Well, I’m sure that we all have done that once in our lives to feel the pain even more intensely. Anyway, there have been so many happy and sad songs in K-pop but today we’ll only discuss the saddest K-pop songs of all time! So, without further ado, let’s dive into the list!
10. Downpour I.O.I
아이오아이 (I.O.I) - 소나기 (DOWNPOUR) MV
The song was released as a farewell track for the project group I.O.I, which was formed through the reality show "Produce 101." The members, who came from different agencies, went through a journey together, and "Downpour" served as a meaningful way to express their gratitude to fans and mark the end of their time as a group. Downpour" by I.O.I. is a poignant ballad that carries a sense of farewell and bittersweet emotions. The lyrics convey a message of parting and reminiscing about the time spent together, making it one of the saddest K-pop songs of all time!
9. To My Youth - BOL4
To My Youth - BOL4 [You Heeyul's Sketchbook] | KBS WORLD TV 220610
"To My Youth" by Bol4 is a nostalgic and reflective song that looks back on the innocence and memories of youth. The lyrics express a sense of longing for the carefree days of the past and a desire to hold on to the simplicity and purity of youth. Bol4's sweet and melodic vocals, combined with the gentle acoustic arrangement, create a wistful and sentimental atmosphere.
The song beautifully captures the universal theme of growing up and the inevitable changes that come with it. It resonates with listeners who can relate to the sentimentality of reminiscing about the days gone by.
8. I Don’t Love You - Urban Zakapa
[MV] 어반자카파(Urban Zakapa) _ 널 사랑하지 않아(I Don't Love You)
"I Don't Love You" by Urban Zakapa is a heart-wrenching ballad that delves into the emotions of a relationship that has lost its spark. The lyrics convey the sadness and resignation that come with realizing that love has faded. Urban Zakapa's soulful vocals, coupled with the melancholic melody, create a poignant atmosphere that resonates with the pain of heartbreak. The choice of words in the title itself, "I Don't Love You," is direct and reflects honesty in acknowledging the end of romantic feelings.
7. Stay - BLACKPINK
"Stay" by BLACKPINK is a song that beautifully captures the theme of longing and the desire for a relationship to endure. The lyrics express a plea for a special connection to last, conveying emotions of vulnerability and sincerity. The acoustic sound and the members' emotive vocals add a soft and melancholic touch to the song, enhancing its emotional impact.
6. Starlight - N.Flying
Starlight sounds like a cheerful song but in reality, its lyrics represent the feeling of sadness after losing someone. The group’s leader, Lee Seung Hyub wrote this song, especially for his grandfather who left the world not too long ago. As a result, most of the songs’ lyrics are bittersweet and nostalgic as well. This song also holds a poetic feeling that when someone is gone, they will always be remembered.
5. Eyes, Nose, Lips - Taeyang
TAEYANG - 눈,코,입 (EYES, NOSE, LIPS) M/V
"Eyes, Nose, Lips" by Taeyang is a soulful masterpiece that delves deep into the realm of heartbreak and lost love. The lyrics vividly describe the sensory experience of remembering a past relationship, the eyes that once held love, the nose that memorized familiar scents, and the lips that whispered sweet words. Taeyang's emotive vocals add a layer of raw emotion to the song, making it a powerful ballad that resonates with many.
4. Butterfly - BTS
"Butterfly" by BTS is like a delicate and mesmerizing dance of words and melody. The lyrics seem to unfold like the delicate wings of a butterfly, carrying emotions and dreams. The song's gentle yet powerful vibe, combined with BTS's vocals, creates a truly enchanting experience. The song’s name embodies the feeling of how life is so fragile like a butterfly and can also become short-lived for different reasons. What about "Butterfly" resonates with you?
3. Lonely - Jonghyun
JONGHYUN 종현 'Lonely (Feat. 태연)' MV
"Lonely" by Jonghyun is such a poignant and heartfelt song. The lyrics capture the feelings of isolation and the longing for connection. The way Jonghyun expresses vulnerability through his voice adds another layer of emotion to the song. It's a beautiful yet melancholic piece that resonates with many listeners. It’s a shame that a singer as talented as Jonghyun left this world, may his soul rest in peace. Fans will always remember Jonghyun, the legend.
2. Missing You - BTOB
BTOB(비투비) - '그리워하다' Official Music Video
When it comes to a simple yet emotional melody, BTOB represents “Missing You”, a song that makes you feel overwhelmed especially when you’re sleeping at night. This song is bound to make you feel lonely and add to your sadness but in a soothing way. It tells us the feeling of missing someone you used to love in the past. Due to the rap portions blended with the lyrics, this song ranked 13 on Billboard’s US World Albums Chart.
1. Fine - Taeyeon
The most soul-crushing song is Fine by Taeyeon as it represents the feelings of a post-breakup that might resonate with you. This song adds an alternative pop vibe that gives it a catchy yet soothing emotional touch. Many of us can relate to the meaning of the lyrics which is pretending to look fine after going through a heartbreak. Fine by Taeyeon topped the Gaon Digital Chart for a whole week and received many nominations since its release too!
Conclusion
Sad K-pop songs are like emotional journeys in a three-minute package. Whether it's Taeyang pouring his heart out in "Eyes, Nose, Lips," or I.O.I saying goodbye in "Downpour," these songs hit you in the feels. It's not just the melodies, it's the lyrics, the voices, and the way they capture universal emotions like love and heartbreak. These songs become emotional buddies, helping us navigate life's ups and downs, one melody at a time.