As snow falls and temperatures plunge, lying down and turning the heater on might not be enough to get you through the cold weather.

But with these “power ballads” guaranteed to fire you up, you are sorted for the winter.

“Breathe” by Lee Hi



The 2016 hit was recently featured in the drama series “Dear My Room.” Viewers saw the show’s main character, Shim Eun-joo, feeling down until the song came on.

Lee Hi’s vocals intensify with the aid of strong bass riffs and strings and fine-tuned piano sounds, gradually building up to its most moving moment.

The death of Jonghyun of SHINee sent the song back up the charts last December, as the late singer wrote the song.

One comment on YouTube illustrates this bittersweet association in an especially poignant way. It reads, “December and I feel like listening to this song all month … Miss you Jonghyun.”


“Reply” by Kim Dong-ryul



Singer-songwriter Kim Dong-ryul is a household name in South Korea and his single “Reply,” released early this year, was yet another success in a long-running music career.

The six-minute, string-heavy power ballad packs quite an emotional punch with lyrics written from the perspective of someone who regrets not having expressed their feelings enough to the person they still cherish.

The music video for the song, featuring actor Hyun-bin, garnered praise over its raw and picturesque depiction of Seoul -- including its congested roads, the Han River and pedestrians walking down the bustling streets. Finally, a spectacular fireworks display unfolds before a teary-eyed Hyun-bin.


“Trembing” by Yang Pa



One year after its release last December, the song from veteran ballad singer Yang Pa still manages to sound fresh.

A mix of dramatic strings and Yang Pa’s clear, powerful voice at the beginning of the chorus is more than enough to open a floodgate of emotions and fire you up for the day.

Yang Pa wowed fans with the winter single, in which she first showed off her dramatically different vocal style.

Drummer Dylan Wissing, who has worked with famous pop artists like Alicia Keys and Drake, also took part in the making of the song for an additional sense of groove.

The music video enjoyed its own success, with the male actor earning the nickname “Korean Jesus” for his long hair and facial hair.

By Yim Hyun-su (hyunsu@heraldcorp.com)