5 Kpop Soundtracks That Mean the World To Me
Too scared to try kpop? Try these.
With BTS and Blackpink sweeping the charts, having American debuts, and collaborating with American stars like Selena Gomez, Dua Lipa and Lady Gaga, there are only two reasons you’ve clicked on this article:
- You’ve already fallen into the rabbit hole and you’re ready to send 1289237 articles to your friends to convince them to do the same.
- You’re unsure about kpop because you’ve never listened to foreign music before and you don’t know where to start.
That’s why I’ve hand-selected five songs from my favourites to share with everyone. This is also entirely inspired by Rochelle Silva, who shared five of her favourite tunes to inspire others too!
Sour Candy (BLACKPINK x Lady Gaga)
Let’s start out with one featuring a familiar name to ease in, shall we? This collaboration between Lady Gaga and Blackpink is centred around the theme of authenticity and embracing imperfection.
This snazzy tune is a reminder that we all carry our own burdens, and to not dismiss relationships simply because someone is different — kind of like how you’re choosing not to dismiss music just because it’s foreign, right?
I’m hard on the outside but if you give me time then I could make time for your love I’m hard on the outside But if you see inside, inside, inside.
Wannabe (Itzy)
Itzy is a fourth-generation kpop girl group who has done a plethora of songs surrounding the concepts of self-esteem, self-love and authenticity, and this song is no different. Wannabe first became viral on TikTok for this shoulder dance move by Itzy member Ryujin (try it, it’s really hard).
Its catchy tune encases the lyrics that talk about choosing (or wanting) to be your authentic self, and is a narrative that unfolds visually so nicely in their music video as well.
I don’t wanna be somebody Just wanna be me, be me
Love Poem (IU)
Now that I’ve gotten your heart all pumped up with two fast-paced songs, let’s slow that heart rate down with a ballad, shall we? Love Poem is a song released in 2019, centred around the theme of walking alongside someone who’s been having a tough time.
That’s exactly what her soothing voice does in this soothing melody. It was released shortly after the suicide of two prominent kpop artists (Sulli and Goo Hara). For a lot of listeners, this song came at just a time that provided a connection and a coping mechanism for the ugly side that a vacuum of mental health resources in the kpop community (or in the world otherwise) had roused up.
I’ll be there behind you when you’re walking alone. I’ll sing for you when you’re going through long, dark nights.
Bbibbi (IU)
Let’s switch gears back into an upbeat song, shall we? Bbibbi is a vibrant song with a colourful accompany music video. It’s catchy lyrics talk about setting boundaries, especially on expectations and pressures that others might about you.
It’s such a great song because every time she talks about setting boundaries and advocating for something she deserves in an interview, they play this song.
Yellow C A R D If you cross this line, it’s a violation, beep Keeping manners stop here, it’s mi-mi-mi-mine Please keep the li-li-li-line
Palette (IU)
By this third IU suggestion and final song recommendation of the list you can probably glean that she’s my favourite singer ever. Hence the blatant favouritism bias here.
This song explains exactly why. IU and I are only a year apart, but because she started her singing career at age 15 and has been under public scrutiny since then, she’s a few steps ahead of me in maturity.
She released this song when she was 24, detailing how compared to her earlier song twenty-three (yes, about being 23) of uncertainty and indecision, this song is about sharing her favourite things, feeling comfortable in her own shoes and genuinely liking herself. Inspired by IU’s songs, I pretty much have a parallel journey in growth.
I like it, I’m twenty five I know that you like me I got this, I’m truly fine I think I know myself a little bit now
Whoa, you’ve made it to the end of the list! What do you think? For me, I’m most excited that we’re no longer in an era that people are too afraid to listen to a piece of music simply because it’s in a foreign language.
Art and music truly do transcend so many of these invisible barriers we place on ourselves, describing and sharing the same common human experiences we have.
Lucy (The Eggcademic) [she/her] is once again truly grateful that Rochelle Silva tagged me in this challenge! Check out her tune-spirations here!
Also don’t be shy to drop your favourite recommendations in the comments, so I can check out more amazing music!