While K-pop is famousfor itsupbeat, catchy songsand hype dances, we all know thatthere’s a lot more to itthan addicting musicand colorful videos. K-pop idols face relentlessadversity in the industry, and often writesongs that sharethe secrets behind their incredible determination and willpower. We can all draw strength from these words of wisdom, even if weneed to translate the lyricsto understand them!So if youneedsomeinspiration to follow your dreams, give lifeyour best effort, or stay true to yourself, these16 K-poplyrics arefor you.
1. “Can’t Nobody”— 2NE1
“Even though it’s pitch black in front, run forward.”
Sometimes it’s hard to see the outcome of your choices in life. But the ladies of 2NE1 remind you that uncertainty is no reason to get stuck or start questioning yourself; you have to keep moving forward. In fact, don’t just move forward,run! Can’t nobody hold you down!
2. “Go Up”— WINNER (WIN: Team A)
“I wasn’t born with anything so
My constant effort is my weapon.”
Before they were WINNER, they were Team A on YG’s survival show “WIN: Who is Next?”— and survive, they did. But they want you to know that it was hard work rather than talent thatbrought them success; effort will get you far in life.
3. “Black” — Lee Hyori
“When the colors of the world
Were tempting my heart,
I closed my eyes and in the darkness
I felt you.”
Lee Hyori released “Black” after a four-year hiatus from the spotlight, and the lyrics are a deeply personal reflection of Hyori’s journey to finding herself again. Afterspending years as an idol putting on colorful makeup, wigs, and outfits that she felt hid her identity, this K-pop queengotback in touch with her natural “black” eyes, hair, and roots. It’s never too late to take a step back and rediscover yourself!
4. “One Shot” —B.A.P
“Are you going to be a victim?
Are you going to get lost, looking for an easy way out?
Only one shot!
Turn your face
To the rough world and clash and fight.”
In typical B.A.P fashion, there’s no sugar-coating here. These lyricsare a challenge: you only have one shot at life—are you going to take the easy way out?
5. “Never Mind”— BTS
“If you think you’re going to crash, step on the pedal harder.
Never mind, never mind,
Even if it’s a road of thorns, we still run.”
The intro track for “The Most Beautiful Moment In Life Part 2” album is one of many BTS songs about fighting for your dreams. Sometimes it pays to take risks, and if you get caught up in worriesabout failing and hit the brakes, you won’t get very far. So step on that pedal! (Note: you probably shouldn’t take this one literally if you’re actually driving).
6. “Borders”— Amber
“‘Cause Mom said
I’d be crossing borders.
Never be afraid,
Even when you’re cornered.
Stand up straight, fight your way.”
Okay, so Amber’s “Borders” may not technically be K-pop because it’s entirely in English, but it’s such an inspiring song that we had to include it. Amber lays bare her personal struggle with the harsh criticisms that come with being in the spotlight, and reminds us to fight through adversity and stay true to ourselves.
7. “Still Alive”— BIGBANG
“I have nothing more to lose
So I put the past behind me and jump out.
My deeply falling self is so beautiful right now.
I throw myself to the sky and am free.
At this moment I am alive, I’m still alive.”
When BIGBANG came back in 2012 with their “Alive” album, it was a rebirth of sorts; the group was returningto the public eye after a period of scandals and controversies. The intro track “Still Alive,”which was later released as a full song, addresses how they putthese hardshipsbehind them: instead of hiding away in shame,they braved the criticism and came out on stage again. While feeling like you’re falling can be scary,there’s something oddly freeing and beautiful about it, and the boys’ perseverance is the reason they’re still so successful today.
8. “Someday”— U-KISS
“When you fall down, when you get up
Although tiring, there will be days to smile.
Eventually a day to smile will come.”
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Sometimes all you need in life is a reminder that things aren’t going to be difficult forever. Listen to U-KISS’s “Someday” and take comfort inknowingthat happy days are always around the corner.
9. “Just Go”— SONAMOO
“Failure is the mother of success.
Don’t be scared, challenge yourself.
Fall seven times, get up eight times.”
“Failure is the mother of success” is a Chinese proverb that reassures usthat our failures teach uslessons that will enable usto be successful later on. The last part of the lyricis also a proverb, this time Japanese, that reminds usof the importance of resilience: even if you fall over and over again, if you get up every time, you’ll always beon your feet in the end!
10. “I”— Taeyeon feat. Verbal Jint
“A story I’ve heard often somewhere;
Ugly duckling and swan, a butterfly before it flies.
People don’t know, they don’t see your wings.
A new world you’ve met could be cruel,
But strong girl, you know you were born to fly.”
If you feel like you’re putting in a lot of effort andgetting zerorecognition for it, just keep this Taeyeon lyric in mind; it’s only a matter of time before everyonesees you fly. And as the MV for “I” shows us, sometimes you have to take a stand and make a change to become the person you’ve always wanted to be.
11. “Goodbye” —B.A.P
“Failure is what makes me stronger,
Fear is what makes me run.”
Known for their motivational songs, B.A.P deservesa second mention on this list. In “Goodbye,” they inspire us to useour failures and fears as motivation to be even better.
12. “Palette”—IU feat. G-Dragon
“When I’m not a kid or an adult, when I’m just me, I shine the brightest.”
Becoming an adult is a confusing process, and in “Palette,” IU explores the identity questions that she faces while navigatingthis phase of life. Everyone feels a littlelost and uncertain at this age, butG-Dragon’s rap inthe songreminds us that instead of either clinging to childhood or rushing into adulthood, the best thing you can do is just be who you are.
13. “Wings”— BTS
“I believe in myself;
My back hurts in order to let my wings sprout.”
The lyrics from “Wings” are full of rich imagery about growing into your potential, but this lineis especially beautiful. If you’re feeling weighed down by the strain of working relentlessly towards your goals, just remember that it’s because you’re in the process of sproutingthe wings that you’ll soon be using to fly!
14. “Happiness”—Red Velvet
“The world is filled with beautiful things and great things
That it’s been a while since we stopped caring about money and power.”
Red Velvet’s “Happiness” is here to brightly remindus that we shouldn’t worrytoo much in life: why fixate onmoney orpower when there are so many betterthings out there? Focus instead on what makes you happy!
15. “Climax”— iKON (WIN: Team B)
“Godasked me if I
Wasn’t gonna regret this.
But I answer without hesitating,
Why would I regret?”
If anyone’s ever asked you if you’resure you want to do something in life, because it might be hard or involve the risk of failure, this one is for you. Of course you’re sure; you won’t regret going for your dreams!
16. “Breathe”—Lee Hi
“It’s okay if your breath gets short,
No one is blaming you.
You can make mistakes from time to time;
Everyone else does too.”
Finally, Lee Hi wantsus to know that no matter what stage of life you’re at or how hard things get,you’re not alone. Everyone makes mistakes, so it’s okay if you need to catch your breath.
Soompiers, what K-pop lyrics inspireyou? Spread some inspiration bysharing your favorite lyrics in the comments!
hgordon stays up way too late on weeknights marathoning K-dramas and trying to keepup with the latest K-pop releases.