Life is not like the K-dramas that we love watching. Most of the time, we have to hold our own hand and experience the pain alone. We make-up, we break-up, but we don’t always get back with our significant other as if nothing happened. Okay, excuse me while I reach for my box of tissues.
MORE K-POP SONGS TO LISTEN TO, RIGHT THIS WAY:
- 10 Feel-Good K-Pop Songs For Your South Korea Trip
- Here's A Feel-Good K-Pop Playlist To Brighten Up Your Day Just passing on a 'lil bit of sunshine!
That being said, this is where the *wonderful* world of K-pop comes in. The songs, although in a different language, have the most relatable lyrics you’ll ever read that makes it seem like the artist is a best friend you’ve known for years. They have a special way of crafting the words that can either feel like a bullet through your chest or that extra push you needed reminding you it's time to pick yourself up and move on.
If you're going through a breakup or just need comforting songs, put on your earphones and listen to these tracks that will give you the healing you deserve, and the motivation that you need:
1. When you hate him but you still love him, listen to Taeyang and Tablo’s “Eyes, Nose, Lips” (English version)
Breakups can make a monster out of you as it fills your soul with hatred and rage. With the lyrics “You wish me well, I wish you hell”, Taeyang and Tablo masterfully describe the cycle of a lonesome attempt to move on, in this ballad paired with an equally somber beat. It starts with dread for your ex-significant other, but once you begin reminiscing the good ol’ days, you’re back to square one, and resentment turns to longing.
Lyrics:
You left me paralyzed, no cure, no rehab for me
Funny that you got the nerve to keep asking me
How I’ve been
You’re the victor in this pageantry
But the only trophy you deserve, catastrophe
2. When you want to forget but just can’t, listen to DAY6’s “I Loved You”
We have to give it to DAY6 when it comes to some of the most beautifully-penned songs in the K-pop industry. The letter d in “I Loved You” signifies the kind of love that was momentous and true, but some things really have to end. You will be confused about your feelings because they’re not making sense anymore: It's like you want to hate him but you know that he will always be special to you. Listen to the group’s other songs such as “Congratulations” and “You Were Beautiful”, and get ready to sing along while crying.
Lyrics:
Really I loved you
It’s because I loved you so much
Because I want to forget you but I can’t
That’s why I want to forget you
Really, I loved you
That’s how much harder it is
I want to hate you
But I can’t so I hate you even more
3. When you feel like there’s no end to the pain, listen to NCT U’s “Timeless”
Sometimes, it’s hard to detach from our dreams and go back to the reality that we are living in. What’s even harder is when it becomes a hobby. Days are spent replaying the scenes in your head, and although it’s torture, let’s face it: You just can’t simply let go. NCT U sings about the long process of moving on, and how it affects your entire being.
Lyrics:
But which is real?
In this world of mine that's without you
All I have are the dreams with you in them
If I close my eyes
My memories
Will bring us back to that place
4. When you’re still in denial, listen to SEVENTEEN’s “Habit”
You will wish for him to have a tough time, but the truth is you want him to think of you, and eventually come back to you, too. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Let SEVENTEEN help you explain how you feel with “Habit”, and just let yourself cry to sleep.
Lyrics:
When I close my eyes and count one and two
Before I know it, I’m asleep
And I look for you in my dream unknowingly
I think it’s a lie that I want to forget you
5. When you still stalk your ex on social media, listen to Dean’s “Instagram”
Even if you’re planning to *escape* reality by opening your social media accounts, let’s be honest: The moment you open your apps, you sometimes get the urge to go straight to the search bar and type in your ex’s name. You know, just to see what they’re up to, which could eventually become an endless cycle. Although it’s also applicable to life in general, Dean’s metaphoric song “Instagram” will make you realize why you keep on scrolling your feed.
Lyrics:
Yeah so how are you these days?
I’m still the same, can’t sleep
Your short hair looked so pretty
But I didn’t press like
Cuz it would be weird
6. When you just don’t feel things, listen to Taeyeon’s “Fine”
One of the lessons we learned from K-dramas is that it’s okay to not be okay. You can distract yourself with your to-do list to keep your mind off things, but you don’t have to act all perky every day, or stop tears from streaming down your face. Just feel it, and let the emotions take over you because what you’re going through is valid. Thank you, Taeyeon for the reminder!
Lyrics:
No, I’m not
I don’t think it’ll be easy for me
You still fill my days
No, not yet
I’m repeating like a fool
I can’t hold the words lingering on my lips
It’s not fine
7. When you just want to leave your relationship up to fate, listen to G-Dragon’s “Untitled 2014”
G-Dragon is not a lyrical genius for nothing, and there’s never a song from him that disappoints. “Untitled 2014” is a poignant masterpiece that will remind you of that Katy Perry song with the lyrics “In another life, I will be your girl.” By now, you already know that saying “I’m happy for you” is a lie, but you also know that it’s hard for everything to go back to normal. Things will never be the same again, and all you can do is wish and dream. There, there.
Lyrics:
Right now, this moment is passing
If you can forget everything
Our memories, the times we were happy
No, I'll meet you again in the next life
We'll love each other once again
Just as we did before
8. When you want to wish him well, listen to IU’s “Ending Scene”
Now that the ~end is near~, IU is to guide you towards acceptance. You will soon realize that things happened for a reason, and might just be grateful for the twists. Cutting ties rarely lead to friendships, but that doesn’t mean you can’t hope for the best to come.
Lyrics:
Make sure you eat well, because it'll all pass
You'll be able to sleep well like you did before
I really mean it from the bottom of my heart
You have the right to become happier
9. When you’re starting to feel empowered, listen to miss A’s “I Don’t Need A Man”
The group miss A embodies the strong, independent lady who knows what she wants. “I Don’t Need A Man” is the perfect go-to motivational song, and aside from its upbeat rhythm, the lyrics are straightforward. A partner is fun to be with but you can live without them. Eat to your heart’s content, go places you’ve always wanted to visit—just enjoy your life to the fullest.
Lyrics:
I can live alone by myself, without a man
So if you aren't certain
Don't try to approach me
I don't sell myself so easily
Because I don’t need a man
10. When you’re on your way to healing, don’t forget to “Love Yourself”, says BTS
When BTS said “Even all the scars from your mistakes make up your constellation”, we felt that. By giving so much, you might forget about yourself. But once you’re fully aware of what happened and of who you are, the most valuable takeaway in this entire journey is loving yourself. The group made it a point to remind us that it’s not an overnight thing, but it’s something that you’ll learn as time passes by, one step at a time. We’re proud of you, girl!
Lyrics:
The thick tree rings in your life
It's part of you, it's you
Now let’s forgive ourselves
Our lives are long, trust yourself when in a maze
When winter passes, spring always comes
MORE K-POP SONGS TO LISTEN TO, RIGHT THIS WAY:
- 10 Feel-Good K-Pop Songs For Your South Korea Trip
- Here's A Feel-Good K-Pop Playlist To Brighten Up Your Day Just passing on a 'lil bit of sunshine!
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