Cover From Blackpink’s Lisa to IU, add these love songs by your favourite K-pop idol to your Valentine’s Day playlists (Photo: Instagram / @dlwlrma)
From Blackpink’s Lisa to IU, add these love songs by your favourite K-pop idol to your Valentine’s Day playlists (Photo: Instagram / @dlwlrma)
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Valentine’s Day might be around the corner, but these love songs are timeless. Why not celebrate romance in all its forms with these eleven K-pop love songs—by Blackpink members, Twice, G-Dragon, Lee Hyori and more—that have left a mark on our hearts?
From literature to cinema, love is probably the one emotion that artists have perhaps explored and depicted the most—and K-pop is far from being an exception to this trope. Whether it is playful, dramatic, nostalgic or flirtatious, Korean artists and bands have extensively reflected on the different facets of romantic feelings over the years. As a matter of fact, the song which for many signals the birth of modern K-pop, I Know (1992) by Seo Taiji and Boys, was a love song.
As love should be celebrated in all its forms all year long, we listed in no particular order a few K-pop love songs that stood out in the past decade—and more recently—and to which you can dance, cry or sing your heart out.
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1. ‘Moonlit Floor’ by Blackpink’s Lisa
Above ‘Moonlit Floor’ by Blackpink’s Lisa
In the 2024 pop and nu-disco track Moonlight Floor (Kiss Me), Blackpink’s Lisa navigates the intricacies of love, passion and vulnerability with sultry beats and vocals. The chorus features Sixpence None the Richer’s 1998 hit Kiss Me.
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2. ‘Come back to me’ by BTS’s RM
Above ‘Come back to me’ by BTS’s RM
RM of BTS’s 2024 pop hit Come Back to Me features haunting melodies and a heartfelt delivery and invites listeners to reflect on their own romantic experiences, making it a poignant addition to any Valentine’s Day playlist.
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3. ‘That XX’ by BigBang’s G-Dragon
Above ‘That XX’ by BigBang’s G-Dragon
That XX (2013) by G-Dragon delves into the pain of heartbreak and unrequited love. With a blend of hip-hop and melodic elements, the song captures the complexities of romantic relationships. Its honesty and catchy beats make it a memorable choice for Valentine’s Day.
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4. ‘Seven’ by BTS’s Jungkook
Above ‘Seven’ by BTS’s Jungkook
Seven, which marked Jungkook’s first solo album, is a playful love song where the singer sings about wanting to be with the person he loves all the time—from Monday to Sunday, seven days a week. It is accompanied by an equally lighthearted music video, where the singer chases after his love interest, played by Han So-hee, through storm, flood and challenges. Paced by a catchy melody and an entertaining storytelling, the music video portrays an unconventional love story that is both flirty and charming.
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5. ‘Number One‘ by Blackpink’s Rosé
Above ‘Number One‘ by Blackpink’s Rosé
Number One by Blackpink’s Rosé is centred on the bliss of unwavering love. It’s a celebration of love’s beauty and heartfelt connections, making it an uplifting addition to your Valentine’s Day playlist.
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6. ‘What is Love’ by Twice
Above ‘What is Love’ by Twice
What is Love by Twice has reached a cult status since it released in 2018. The song explores the curious nature of love through an infectiously pop melody. In the music video, the members of Twice portray characters from famous films, from Pulp Fiction (1994) to La La Land (2016). By exploring different representations of love in pop culture, Twice shows us that romantic feelings can take many different forms, and navigating them can be their own unique adventure.
7. ‘Love Scenario’ by iKon
Above ‘Love Scenario’ by iKon
Probably one of the most popular songs from K-pop band iKon, Love Scenario is full of contrast, due to its mellow lyrics and upbeat tempo. The music video shows the band’s six members singing and dancing in honour of a relationship that has ended, remembering the good and bad times, and ultimately expressing the desire to move on. Love Scenario is a great reminder to celebrate love, even after it is over.
8. ‘10 Minutes’ by Lee Hyori
Above ‘10 Minutes’ by Lee Hyori
In 10 Minutes, Lee Hyori melds infectious pop with sultry R’n’B. The track’s catchy chorus and playful lyrics capture the thrill of longing and the urgency of a romantic connection. Released in 2003, it remains an iconic representation of early 2000s K-pop.
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9. ‘Wedding Dress’ by BigBang’s Taeyang
Above ‘Wedding Dress’ by BigBang’s Taeyang
Some classics never gets old, and Wedding Dress is one of them. Released 13 years ago, this romantic anthem touched an entire generation—despite its bitter ending. In this slow R’n’B song, Big Bang’s Taeyang sings about a woman who is going to marry another man. In the music video, he plays a heartbroken pianist at the wedding. The storytelling is interrupted by dance breaks, which were a signature style in 2010s’ K-pop. If you are feeling romantic and nostalgic, this is the song to listen to.
10. ‘Love Wins All’ by IU
Above ‘Love Wins All’ by IU
IU’s Love Wins All, which was released less than a month ago, has already won the hearts of fans, as proved by its 41 million views. The romantic ballad narrates the poignant love story of a couple trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. IU’s angelic voice and sci-fi elements fuse together harmoniously thanks to the perfect synergy she shares with her co-star, BTS’s V. The result is, without a doubt, captivating.
11. ‘I Know’ by Seo Taiji and Boys
Above ‘I Know’ by Seo Taiji and Boys
In the 1992 classic I Know, Seo Taiji and Boys revolutionised the K-pop landscape with a blend of pop, rock and hip-hop. The track’s emotionally charged lyrics explore the intricacies of love, heartbreak and youthful romance. For Valentine's Day, I Know serves as a powerful reminder of love’s complexities.
Salomé Grouard was Digital Editor and Front & Female Content Lead at Tatler Hong Kong. Primarily focused on managing Tatler Hong Kong’s digital platform and content, she also covers gender equality, the music scene and sports through interviews with industry leaders, experts and trendsetters.
Interview highlights include renowned conservationist Dr Jane Goodall, Korean actor Park Seo Jun, singer Jorja Smith, Chinese TV host Yue-Sai Kan, YouTuber Kimono Mom, Japanese rapper Awich, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter Mikey Musumeci.
She has also produced stories on revolutionising sexual wellness in Asia, activism within the surfing community, Asian trans musicians reclaiming their narratives through music and looked at the toxicity of gym culture through the lens of the plus-size community. She also covers music festivals, such as Hong Kong’s Clockenflap and Bali’s Suara.
