English lyrics to “Myeongdong Calling” performed by Car, the garden
A song that was completely transformed from its funky original into a sentimental and dramatic ballad for the competition show “The Fan.”
Translated Korean Lyrics
A collection of our contributors’ interpretation and translation of timeless Korean songs across various genres. These are songs we play on loop and that we keep going back to no matter how long they’ve been around.
Song spotlight: All about “Playaplayaplaya” by Samuel Seo
Find out the details behind this groovy introspective track from the artist’s award-winning album.
Song spotlight: All about “Flower” by Jeongmilla
A song embracing folk singer-songwriter Jeongmilla’s gentle voice and poet Na Tae-ju’s heartfelt words, telling the listener that they are enough just as they are.
English lyrics to “Tomboy” by Hyukoh
Winner of the “Best Modern Rock Song” in the 2018 Korean Music Awards and a hit achieving months of chart success, “Tomboy” taps into the anxiety and concerns of Korea’s struggling youth.
English lyrics to ‘Like the salmon swimming up the river’ by Kang San-eh
The ultimate song to cheer yourself up when you feel let down. Sung mostly in the first person narrative, it sounds like you are patting yourself on the back and getting yourself back up on your feet through this inner voice that is both strong and consoling.
English lyrics to ‘Waiting’ by Yi Sung-yol
Yi Sung-yol’s rugged voice accompanied by just a piano brings out the emotions of anxiety, loneliness, and longing for another.
English lyrics to ‘Till the End Of Time’ by The Black Skirts
Even without knowing the meaning behind the lyrics, you can feel the sense of deep dejection in the artist’s voice – from the opening line, you know this is not a song with a ‘happily ever after’ ending.
English Lyrics to ‘Rain and You’ by Park Joong-hoon
A song of heartache, originally from the 2006 Korean movie ‘Radio Star,’ that continues to live on through the years by various artists.
English lyrics to ‘Dream’ by Park Hyo-shin
Park Hyo-shin lends his voice and words through ‘Dream’ to those who want to be honest with ourselves about our vulnerabilities, our hopes, and our dreams.
English lyrics to ‘That I Was Once by Your Side’ by Toy and Kim Yeon-woo
Written and composed by You Hee-yeol under the name ‘Toy,’ this beloved song on a person’s heartache after a breakup is simple but relatable, honest but not hurtful.
English Lyrics to ‘Umbrella’ by Epik High Feat. Younha
A timeless rainy day song by veteran group Epik High, featuring solo artist Younha.
English Lyrics to ‘Run with Me’ by Sunwoojunga
A consolation to anyone who is suffering and feels like they’re suffering alone.
English Lyrics to ‘Paradigm’ by Xydo
A song on the pattern of love and heartbreak and how a relationship you think is special is just one out of many like it.
English Lyrics to ‘The Museum’ by Colde
Simple lyrics telling a very visual story, accompanied by groovy and dynamic sounds that accentuates Colde’s laid-back vocals.
Behind the Lyrics & English Translation of ‘Firecrackers and Stars’ by Kim Jin-ho
In his album’s third track Firecrackers and Stars, Kim Jin-ho uses the metaphors to describe how two types of people both shine in their own ways but are not satisfied with where they are and look towards each other in envy.
English Lyrics to ‘Shining’ by Jaurim
A song for those who are going through an existential crisis – feeling somewhat lost, afraid, and perhaps even confused.
English Lyrics to ‘Lie, lie, lie’ by Lee Juck
In his uncomplicated and poignant way, Lee Juck’s lyrics to ‘Lies, lies, lies’ speaks from the perspective of someone that realizes they’ve been abandoned by the person they love the most.
English lyrics to ‘Time Walking on Memories’ by Nell
A soft rock song with melody and rhymes that keep repeating throughout the song, just like the feelings described in the lyrics about everyday being the same as the next when you miss a person so much.
Song spotlight: “Twenty Five, Twenty One” by Jaurim
This 2013 song by veteran South Korean band Jaurim seems to evoke a sense of poignancy about reminiscing on memories from our twenties – the sweetness of youth with a tinge of regret as an older self.
English lyrics to Kim Yoon Ah’s Song on the Sinking of the Sewol Ferry
In her 2016 solo album, Kim Yoon Ah released River (강), a song written on the 2014 sinking of the Sewol Ferry that claimed over 300 lives.
English Lyrics to ‘Diamond’ (Stone Block) by Ha Hyun Woo
An original soundtrack to 2020 Korean drama ‘Itaewon Class,’ a song for using the chip on your shoulder to boost your self-esteem and motivation.
English Lyrics to ‘Someday, the Boy’ by Kim Feel
A theme song to the main character in Korean drama Itaewon Class, reflecting on the struggles of his past but hanging on to the desire for a better future.
English Lyrics to ‘Goodbye’ by Park Hyo-shin
A 2019 single from the collaboration of local and international music talents.
English Lyrics to ‘Sound of Winter’ by Park Hyo Shin
An enchanting song depicting a snowy winter spent in the warmth of a loved one.
English Lyrics to ‘Fortunate’ by Lee Juck (이적)
A widely-recognized romantic song with simple but poetic lyrics by singer-songwriter Lee Juck.
English Lyrics to Wild Flower (야생화) by Park Hyo Shin
One of the beloved and emotional songs by Park Hyo Shin, representing the artist’s personal struggles in the most poetic and cathartic way.
English Lyrics to Breath (숨) by Park Hyo Shin
A poetic and cathartic song from Park Hyo Shin’s collaboration with composer and music director Jung Jae Il (Parasite, Okja).
