Hi guys, its been a while since my last post, because it needs a lot of time just to create 1 article, pheww….

Okay, so my previous post was about 16 best k-indie songs of all time, right now i’m going to tell you about the best korean ballad songs that i’ve ever know. And again, all of this songs are come from female singers. Because i like female voice more than male voice.

Also read : 30 Best Korean Drama OST Songs of All Time Part 1 (Rank 30-16)

Ballad have been one of the major genre in K-Pop that never have been dry from new talent and good song. The one reason ballad is widely received is because according to one study in Oxford, people tends to listen to the lyric when they are sad while when they are happy they listen to music or the beat. Human factor is the reason why trance music is still happening and that is also the reason why ballad is still one of the most famous genre in music world.

Korean ballad have evolved from just another breakup song to telling story about state of love. The adding of 8 bar of rap also increase the dynamic of the music and adding new sensation while listening.

You may find some of these songs are underrated or you never heard about before, and you may also find several songs that already famous.

As usual, i rank these songs based on how much they make me goosebumps/shivering. Better rank means higher goosebumps level.

Also read : 30 Best Korean Drama OST Songs of All Time Part 2 (Rank 15-1)

Anyway, lets get started..

Jimin Park – Try

I am a bit frustrated while listening to this song, Jimin Park is capable to handle more than this sloppy guitar and pretty medium tempo beat. The song is so basic for me, if it wasn’t for Jimin Park voice, I might have kick this song out of the list. I believe that Jimin Park can deliver much more than this even though she has not yet achieve the front row of the music industry. Don’t get me wrong, the song is good, the lyrics is suitable with the song, she touches simple stuff in life in a very beautiful way. Good song, but it could have been better.

Also read : Top 25 Hottest and Most Handsome Korean Actors 2017

Davichi – Beside Me

Taking into consideration their success, this song is their safe zone. Beside Me does perfectly depict the sense of being gorgeous and emotional, plus they deliver it powerfully. Their vocal for this song is out of this world, the two singer gave it all for this song. The beat of the song slowly building the frame of dynamism of the song, while the little echoes provide tingling sensation to tick the listener. Good catchy adult temporary ballad song !

Also read : Top 25 Hottest and Most Beautiful Korean Actresses 2017

Jeon Jiyoon – I Do

This song is almost not a ballad if only they increase a lil bit of the tempo, but with the course of slower mid tempo track, I can confidently say that this song is a ballad. The melody touch you the first time when you start listening, but it’s too long to stay in one key. The song doesn’t elevate anywhere but it grows on you if you keep on listening for the second or the third time. What save the song is her vocal which is amazing and beautiful.

Also read : 30 Best Korean Drama OST Songs of All Time Part 1 (Rank 30-16)

Jung Eun Ji – Hopefully Sky

It’s almost the perfect modern ballad song. Eun Ji’s vocal is the key here and also the element of folk nostalgia is very thick throughout the song which boost the vocal of Eun Ji to a whole new level. The melody of the song which utilizes both electronic and acoustic instrument subtle in perfectly to give the song perfect harmony. The only thing that lack of is hook, the hook is kinda weak for this pretty melody song but all another factor of the song is so good that you can’t possibly get tired to listen to this song. The deep meaning inside the lyric is adding more and more impact for the song, through the simple yet hearty lyric, Eun Ji successfully deliver the ultimate song.

Also read : 30 Best Korean Drama OST Songs of All Time Part 2 (Rank 15-1)

Kassy – Good Morning (OST Fight for My Way)

This song is perfectly describing the feeling of missing your significant way. The tempo which stay at mid give the consistency that needed to hold the melody intact together. The singer’s voice maybe not on the same level as another top balladeer but she perfectly deliver the feel from the lyric in to her voice. It’s the perfect OST-esque music. Good Morning~

Also read : Top 25 Hottest and Most Handsome Korean Actors 2017

Taeyeon – Rain

It’s not the typical Taeyeon song, the music create new paradigm in seeing Taeyeon as solo artist. You can’t listen to those high notes moment which is the trademark of the way she sing, rather the soft ad lib and fade out pretty much scattered all around the song. As I said before, the music is the key here, the soft tempo accompanied by guitar touch and piano plus the subtle raindrop create the perfect stage for perfect voice from Taeyeon.

Also read : Top 25 Hottest and Most Beautiful Korean Actresses 2017

Kang Sira – Don’t Wanna Forget

It’s unusual for singer who was the contestant of Produce 101 which induce every aspect of being idol, debuting with ballad song. But who the hell care if the song is this good, I am honestly quite astonished with her range of voice, the song is so powerful and her emotional vocal will definitely created a goosebumps !

Hyolyn & Far East Movement – Umbrella

No once could deny the capability of Far East Movement, they are at the very top in producing good song and their fluidity in emphasizing the vocal of the singer is the reason why they are the best. The case here is Hyorin, one of the best vocal in K-Pop industry meet with the genius bunch of Far East Movement. *BOOM* exceptional song comes out, Hyorin lower note of her voice is used in this song, it’s not her forte but it’s still beautiful. The song definitely stole my breath away…

Taeyeon – Make Me Love

Echo style of deliverance of lyrics become the point in this song I guess. For me, the song start a bit bland for my taste, but this song is all about the chorus. The chorus is grandeur composition of epic feel and cinematic synth. Even though the melody sound flat for me, but every time the chorus jump, the song change it’s level at that instant.

BLACKPINK – Stay

Stay actually hypnotize me, I am not belong to any fandom and it’s not easy for me to sway because of one particular song, but stay did it to me in just one time I listen to the song. The clapping effect is so genius in my opinion, it add the depth of the song to another level. The song has that camping folky feel which create motion of dynamism in the lyric. Stay is a solid proof that singer can just ride on the music, and still create gold and exceptional song.

Bolbbalgan4 – Hard to Love

I cry during this song. *what else do you need guys?* The feeling and the pain of being lonely due to the end of relationship is very strong on this one. The way she sing is making the pain of distance past coming back and travel through time. Trailing echo after every word enlarge the painful feeling delivered by the simple melody and the singer voice. Please Come Back to Me~

Urban Zakapa – Alone

Loner assemble here ! this song is for us guys *sad*. Their wide spectrum of musicality and capability of each member is tested on this very song. The song is exceptionally simple but brought meaningful lyric and accompanied by the voice of very talented member of Urban Zakapa. If you decide to listen to this song, try to enjoy it without focusing on the lyric first, because the sensation of being alone clearly pictured inside the melody and their voices.

Taeyeon – 11:11

The ultimate folksy ballad song. There is nothing could be improved on this song, she delivers everything perfectly on this song. First, the construction of the music which include snap style guitar tune plus soft tingle of piano is cap with echo that keep on for more than 3/4 part of the song and the drum beat that provide slight yet smooth transition of the song. Second, Her vocals for this song is straight from the top shelf, she didn’t hit her usual high tone vocal as usual but rather play with the lyrics which deliver impact on emotional power, plus she did it perfectly in perfect moment. I played this song for a whole day when I first listen the song, it’s that enchanting and addictive. In my opinion, this song is Taeyeon’s best work yet.

Punch & Chanyeol – Stay with Me (OST Goblin)

Goosebumps ! I still remember clearly the first time I listen to this song, FYI at that time I still didn’t know about Goblin due to my busy schedule, but this very song hooked me right through my heart. Everything about the song flow smoothly, Punch’s voice is perfect in telling the story buried deep inside the lyric. TBH I am quite worried that Chanyeol will kinda ruin the harmony of the grandeur song but boy, I am so wrong. His voice compliment the voice of Punch perfectly, even his rap came right at the time when the song almost fall into boredom. Grand song for Grand Television Series.

IU – Ending Scene

The ultimate ballad song. It’s hard to find any wrong component in this song. IU’s voice suits ballad perfectly. You can’t help but falling in love to this song, IU with her magical voice hypnotize and sway your conscience to fall deep inside the the combination of her vocal and instrument which create dynamic impact on the song. The song is very emotional, you can eliminate IU’s voice and still hear the emotion of song itself. This song crafted with real emotion and real feeling to create the perfect ballad song for the hurtful soul.

Baek ji young – don’t forget

I bet you guys already know about this ahjumma. She is a veteran singer, and her voice is unquestionable. She is the first female korean ballad singer i’ve ever know in k-pop.

First time i know her is in 2010, when i was watching IRIS. Her legendary song “don’t forget” is all over the drama so it made me really addicted to her. Her high note and powerful voice is a masterpiece.

Here’s her song..

Baek ji young – don’t forget

J-Min – Hoo

I found J-Min in Mid 2014, when she make her comeback in Korea, because she was also sing in Japan (CMIIW).

I think this song is a bit unique, because the chorus section is just Hoo-ing, but her voice is beautiful and the music is relaxing so i got goosebumps when the first time i hear this song. Check this one out.

J-Min – Hoo

Gavy NJ – I wish

Well actually Gavy NJ already exist from a long time ago (maybe 10 years ago), but i just found them in October 2014 through this song LOL. That time i just searching for new ballad song in Youtube, and accidentally found their song. Their songs are good and their voices are powerful.

I think Gavy NJ and Davichi have a little similarity regarding their music. They turned to be ballad specialists (well, their songs aren’t 100% ballad though).

Here’s their song

Gavy NJ – I wish

Berry Good – First Love

I found this song through watching updated chart in Youtube, and i think Berry Good is one of underrated groups in K-pop world. Because their songs are not bad at all.

Anyway, here’s their song “First Love”

Berry Good – First Love

Ruamin – Always

I found Ruamin through watching weekly chart of Youtube. Thanks Youtube, without you i may never found this kind of song.

Is this the first time you hear “Ruamin”? well its not surprising because i also feel that Ruamin is very very underrated singer. FYI i think Ruamin’s face is a combination between Gong Seung Yeon and Juniel’s face LOL. Anyway she is very beautiful.

Here, you better check her song yourself. Maybe you’ll think “how in the world that there is this kind of great singer but still unknown”. You might get goosebumps here.

Ruamin – Always

Now we’re going to the top 10. Get ready to be more shivering and emotional songs, but don’t cry okay? (lol).

Park Soo Jin – My Story

This time, i’m really greteful to Youtube because i found Park Soo Jin when i was randomly surfing on Youtube. First time i found Park Soo Jin in Youtube was in December 2014.

The song is “My Story”, hear it yourself.

Her voice is powerful and the song is really great. Still to be continued about Park Soo Jin.

Check this out, the model of MV is SAM CHON PO from Reply 1994

Park Soo Jin – My Story

Davichi – Be warmed

In number 9, i have Davichi. I knew Davichi from a long time ago (in 2010) because one of the vocalist Kang Min Kyung was rumored to be dating with Goo Jun Pyo a.k.a. Lee Min Ho at that time. I just knew that Davichi have a great voice and songs, but i don’t care much about them until 2013, When this song, “Be Warmed” was released.

After i hear this song, finally i know about how great Davichi are, and start to care more about them. And Kang Min Kyung turned out to be one of the most beautiful K-pop singers that i’ve ever know.

If you ask me to choose between Davichi or Gavy NJ, well i have to say that Davichi is slightly better than Gavy NJ (without disrespecting Gavy NJ, because their songs are great too).

Here is the song “Be Warmed” that really made me Goosebumps when the first time i hear it.

Davichi – Be Warmed

Gavy NJ – Rewind

Moving on to number 8, we got another of Gavy NJ’s song right here, this time is “Rewind”. This song is the OST of Korean Drama “My Lovely Girl” in 2014, the lead actor is Rain, and the lead actress is Krystal.

I think this song is suitable for a couple. Supported with the MV, man this song is a true ballad song.

Check it out!

Gavy NJ – Rewind

Lee Michelle – Without You

In number 7 we got a unique one right here. Yeah it’s Lee Michelle. At first i thought Lee Michelle is foreigner who came to Korea, but after i search thoroughly, i found that Lee Michelle was born in Korea (in 1991).

Her mother is Korean but her father is African-American so thats the answer why she is like a foreigner.

Anyway about her voice, it’s unquestionable, and her song is very very amazing! Really will make you goosebumps. Check it out yourself.

Lee Michelle – Without You

Taeyeon – I

Okay, moving on to number 6. This time i got Taeyeon, and maybe all of the kpop lovers already know about her.

So, eventhough Taeyeon is too mainstream and not surprising, but still her song “I” is a masterpiece. No need to ask why, hear it yourself, because i got a very strong goosebumps when the first time i hear this song. Combined with the MV that i think is one of the greatest MVs i’ve ever seen (see it yourself).

Be careful, you’ll get a strong goosebumps right here. Check it out!

Taeyeon – I

We arrived at top 5! From now on, is all about making you goosebumps..

ARE YOU READY???

Soyou – Diamond

Many people said that Soyou always got covered by the mighty Hyorin, i really agree with that. But in fact, i like Soyou more than Hyorin. Because Soyou is underrated, and Hyorin is too mainstream.

Unlike Hyorin who has a strong and powerful voice, Soyou has a sweet and angel like voice. This is another reason why i like Soyou more than Hyorin.

And Soyou succeed to make me goosebumps really strong with her song “Diamond”.

Check out below.

Soyou – Diamond

Baek Ji Young feat Song Yoo Bin – Garosugil at Dawn

We’re back with Baek Ji Young in number 4. This time she collaborate with Song Yoo Bin, the contestant from Superstar K6.

Like always, her voice is so high and powerful so yeah i got a strong goosebumps when the first time i hear this song until now, and barely get bored by it.

Check her song below.

Baek Ji Young feat Song Yoo Bin – Garosugil at Dawn

Davichi – Don’t Move

Top 3! Another song from Davichi. But this time, it’s a one of a kind. Why? Because it’s really hard to choose among the best 3 songs and i have to put Davichi in third place. But i’ll tell you, if you are having a broken heart right now, this song could be number 1, this song would give you the strongest goosebumps compared to other songs.

Why? Just hear it yourself and you’ll know it. Warning, goosebumps inside!

Davichi – Don’t Move

RUNNER UP : Younha – Wasted

I found Younha in 2010, when he took a part in “Personal Taste” OST with “can’t believe it” (You can hear it here). After hear that song for the first time, i thought the singer is one of a kind because her voice is so unique and super amazing.

Later i found out that the singer is Younha and i started to care her more and follow her because her songs is great.

Then in October 2014 Younha came back with her new song “Wasted”, which is turned out to be one of the most amazing k-pop ballad songs i’ve ever heard. And i barely get bored by this song until now, eventhough i hear it everyday.

Check this one out below. Warning, goosebumps inside!

Younha – Wasted

Finally.. The best of the best..

WINNER / FIRST PLACE : Park Soo Jin – Falling

This is the song that i found in updated Youtube chart. Why i choose this song as the best korean ballad/sad song? Because the combination of song, MV, and the singer are the best compared to other songs.

I got touched when the first time i hear this song, and i nearly cried.

Eventhough i don’t know Korean language, somehow i got touched just by listening and seeing this song.

So, i think music is not just about understanding the meaning of lyric, but music is about listening, seeing, and feeling. And i got all of that in this song.

I think this is the saddest k-pop ballad song. You might get goosebumps and cry. Here’s the winner.

Park Soo Jin – Falling

Phew.. Wow.. Finally it ends right here.

Anyway, all of the songs above are just my opinion, you might feel the same as me or not.

I’ve wrote thousand of words above and hopefully it can be useful for you guys to help you find what Korean ballad songs that might feel the spot in your “must listen music” list.

Do you know another songs that are not in my list above but deserve and worthed to be there?

Or do you have your own list?

Share it and let me know in comment below.