Rap music has been known for its deep and reflective messages ever since it came to be, and Korean hip hop makes sure to keep that tradition alive. Idol or not, Korean rappers have penned many inspirational lyrics that gave us insight on life matters and often left us pondering the meaning that lies between the lines.
Here is a selection of Korean rap songs that address some of life’s deepest issues.
1. RM – “Moonchild”
We all face ups and downs in life that leave us lost at times, not knowing what to do or where to go next. RM is no stranger to this perplexing matter, which can be perceived in his lyrics. His song “Moonchild” says that even amidst rising challenges, we can learn to take it upon ourselves to draw the line and make peace with our struggles instead of letting them overwhelm us.
2. Song Mino ft. BIGBANG’s Taeyang – “Fear”
Fear is a natural feeling that we all face at least once in our lives, and Mino couldn’t have described it better in his track of the same name. Whether we’re afraid of the unknown, failure, or making wrong decisions, we can find ourselves in scenarios that leave us unable to move forward. Facing our fears is far from an easy task, but channeling that feeling and turning it into energy can be rewarding in ways you might not have considered before.
3. Epik High ft. Nell’s Kim Jong Wan – “Lost One”
There are times when you end up hitting a dead end while chasing your dreams, and if there is anyone who knows a thing or two about that it would be Tablo of Epik High. You may feel that everything is turning against you and everyone is out to get you, and that can make you lose track of your path. Nothing can clear up that fogginess in your mind like standing up for yourself against all odds, even the shackles of potential success. According to “Lost One,” the key is to follow a path that gives you inner serenity despite what others preach.
4. Cheetah – “Coma 07”
We all get second chances at life, and sometimes it can happen quite literally. Either way, the lesson to take from this heartfelt track from Cheetah’s own personal experience is that it’s never too late to hold on to what you believe in and fight to make it come to life. With a little bit of hope and a lot more willpower, you can be and do whatever you set your mind to.
5. MFBTY – “The Cure”
Whenever you hit a bump (or several) in life, it can bring you down and make you feel all alone. MFBTY knows enough about that experience to voice it clearly in their track below. The truth is, we all find ourselves in such situations at some point, and there is nothing wrong with that. Just remember that you can reach out and voice your worries, and that there will always be someone out there to help you move through them until you find your cure.
6. Jessi – “Unpretty Dreams”
How far would you go to make your dreams come true? Some draw a mind map to visualize it, and others walk the actual journey to see it happen. Jessi did both, and proudly raps about her experience through her song “Unpretty Dreams.” As she delivers her empowering message, the rapper states that no matter the sacrifices you make and the challenges you face, every hurdle you come across fades the minute you succeed in achieving your dream.
7. Zico – “Human”
Zico delves into the fascinating aspects of human nature in his song “Human,” where he addresses how we tend to grow up before our time and let adulthood take over the innocence of our short-lived youth. He also mentions that we question other people’s good intentions, yet we forget to be good to ourselves. At the end of the day, Zico implies that true growth is learning to accept ourselves as we are in order to do the same for others around us.
Which one of these rap songs makes you reflect the most? Let us know in the comments below!
Esmee L. is a Moroccan lively dreamer, writer, and Hallyu enthusiast.
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