“Love” is definitely a word that we use a lot. It is something that can be as complex as it gets and yet simple at some points. While people need love and belonging in order to grow, there are just some who are more vocal in speaking of it than others. 

One thing is for sure — when we are in need of a way to express our love to someone, we can always count on the versatility of K-Pop to give voice to what we mean. Be it a crush or an attraction to your significant other to something as simple as gratitude for someone who cheers you on during the darkest of days — regardless if they know you or not. Love is definitely something that you can declare in a wide array of words and melodies. 

So this Valentine’s Day, we compiled a list of Korean songs that showcases different forms of affection.

Songs For A Significant Other: 

Time To Love by Red Velvet

One of the slow songs in Red Velvet’s versatile music is Time To Love. The lyrics talk about the feeling of shyness whenever you are with the person you like. Feeling giddy and infatuated, it is perfect for those who are in the early stages of their relationship. 

“I think I know we’ve fallen in love
Shall we start? We’ve waited so long for this time to love”

Shouldn’t Have by Baek A Yeon (feat. Young K)

Stuck in a situation where you are uncertain about a person’s feelings towards you? Shouldn’t Have puts into words the phase in having a crush where you just cannot help but give meaning to everything. Are you the only one feeling the butterflies in your stomach or do they like you as well? If they do not then why did they say this or do that? 

“You shouldn’t have liked my post, it makes me expect more”

So This Is Love by DAY6 (Even of Day)

After writing impromptu songs from fans’ romantic experiences and issues in Bimil:ier, Even of Day released So This Is Love. The song celebrates the feeling of finally knowing what love feels like. All the warm and tingly sensations whenever your eyes meet or smile at each other. EOD wonderfully puts it into music that does not need deep lyrics to understand. Sometimes first love is just as simple as it gets. 

“When you look at me, when you smile a little I can’t help but smile along with you…”

True Love by Kim Sung Kyu

Kim Sung Kyu has released a lot of different love songs before but True Love is easily one of our favourites. The melody is composed of soft rock instrumentals that will certainly tug your heartstrings. In this song, you can hear a love confession which can also be a source of comfort to another person. 

“Ever since the day I met you
Ever since that moment to this moment now
I haven’t stopped loving you for a single minute, a single second”

Love Letter by SEVENTEEN

From its song title, Love Letter is a sweet track of a person wanting to write all their love in a letter to comfort another. It is a track that will make you squeal in delight due to the sweet lyrics. Wonwoo‘s voice during the bridge is absolutely *chef’s kiss*. Perfect.

“On this letter, I want to write down our story
Every little thing about you and me”

Songs For Everyone

When You Love Someone by DAY6

You can always count on DAY6 to sing something that fits any situation in life. With that said, When You Love Someone is a song that fully describes the willingness to do everything for the ones you love. A sincere song that you can dedicate not just to your lover but also to other people you’re grateful for. 

“I want to cry for you
I want to hurt instead of you
I don’t want any scars in your heart
Ever again”

Sun and Moon by Sam Kim

Sun and Moon is a track smoothly executed with Sam Kim’s soothing vocals mixed with modern country elements. But what makes this song warmer is the strength and fragility he portrayed in the lyrics. Especially amid the pandemic, this song will definitely hit you harder in the feels department. 

“Even if we can’t see each other, we’re under the same sky. 
We’ll stay together like the sun and the moon”

Daydream by The BOYZ

THE BOYZ definitely has some impressive concepts and musicality for their title tracks, but what people do not know enough is how mind-blowing their B-sides can be. With its soft tempo throughout the song, Daydream resonates with the feeling of aimless wandering and longing for someone.

“The moment I opened my eyes
Here
Waiting for you
Another dream”

The Light by THE ARK

Though The Ark disbanded not even a year into their debut, they still left us with a memorable and timeless song. The Light is like a hug made into a song. It talks about being a person that someone can lean on and be with them through life. We suggest everyone watch the beautiful story-based music video as well. Just make sure to bring tissues!

“Give me all your tears and worries
Whenever you call you know that
I’m right by your side
I’ll be there”

You Can STAY by Stray Kids

Love comes in various forms and that includes the kind of love that goes on between an idol and their fans. You Can STAY is a great example of the kind of relationship between fans and their idols; both sides leaning to each other through accomplishments and hardships.  

“Thank you for coming to me
For creating the same shadow as me”

Songs For Yourself

Dear Me by Taeyeon

Valentine’s Day is not particularly about loving someone else, but can also be a way to celebrate self-love. Dear Me is a song about self-confidence. A warming message that speaks volumes when it comes to the hope of loving one’s self a little bit more. 

“Look at me who endured the long darkness I don’t hide anymore 
Even if the night comes again I have myself by my side
Above the sky that will be bright, I’ll become the light that spreads and fly…”

Palette by IU (feat. G-Dragon)

Palette is a song about a mature and realistic take about loving yourself. It somewhat gives the message that one of the parts of growing older is the acceptance that change is okay; there are things you cannot control but that is fine also. Other stuff may stay the same but always remember that even though things do not go as planned, it will be alright as time goes by.

“I got this I’m truly fine
I think I know myself a little bit now”

Holo by Lee Hi

Holo (홀로) means “alone” in Korean. The song is about overcoming the feeling of loneliness, which is quite evident in most of us since the pandemic started. But instead of dwelling on the darkness, there is a hopeful tone to its lyrics. That even though there are hardships along the way, it will eventually stop as long as you keep walking.

“I’m too precious to just sit around and worry
Take a look inside of your heart without a cover
It’s okay to be yourself
It’s gotta stop”

I Am Me by GOT7

I Am Me is definitely one of the self-affirmation anthems we all need. Partnered with the song’s dynamic drop and aesthetic sound, the lyrics are full of confidence. Flaws may exist, but that is just a part of who you are, and this song echos that.

“Look in the mirror
Take a good look at yourself
Find yourself, love yourself”

Stay Beautiful by Jamie

The downtoned instrumentals of Stay Beautiful makes Jamie’s flowy vocals shine through the song. This track is like an older sister cheering us on. Screw the haters! Hold your head high and stay beautiful. 

“We’re learning to fall while climbing these walls
Girl, don’t run outta love
I’ll be always there for you”

Share with us your favorite love song that you want to dedicate to someone special in your life this Valentine’s Day!

Written by: Jackie
Image by: Sai