Bohm is in the air
Anbefalingsliste - Yuyan Shen
In honor of spring, I have brought you a list of songs only by Korean artists, making them perfect additions to your playlist in bohm (봄, meaning ‘Spring’). Whether it's the gentle breeze, blooming flowers, or the refreshing warmth, it is a time of renewal and rejuvenation. Listen and close your eyes, they will bring you to a vibrant music scene blossoming with the essence of spring.
“Cherry Blossom Ending” by Busker Busker (2012)
As the winter chill thaws and spring breathes life into the air in Oslo, it’s finally time to not fall into icy roads, but the rhythm of music. On the other side of the globe in Korea, there’s a song called "벚꽃 엔딩 (Cherry Blossom Ending)" by Busker Busker from 2012. It gets defrosted every spring to a point where you can’t say spring has arrived until you hear this song playing in every corner of Korea.
As an anthem to spring in Korea, "Cherry Blossom Ending" has become synonymous with the season itself. Even though this song was released more than a decade ago, it re-enters music charts annually during cherry blossom season, earning its nickname as the "Cherry Blossom Zombie."
Cherry Blossom Zombie with Spotify-code
Illustration: Yuyan Shen
Run River North - "Wake Up" [Official Audio]
Copyright: Run River North / YouTube
“Wake Up” by Run River North (2019)
I discovered the band Run River North last year during springtime when I was still in South Korea. This song popped up on my Spotify recommendation when I had to wake up early to submit my student visa application to Norway. It was a wonderful coincidence that this song matched my day perfectly. Run River North is a Korean-American indie folk-rock band from Los Angeles, California. This will be the only English song on my list, and the rest will be in Korean.
More about this song, “Wake Up” is an uplifting track that inspires listeners to live for the moment, be fearless and take risks. Its lyrics highlight the importance of living in the present and enjoying life's simple moments, making it an ideal song for the spring season, a time of new beginnings and appreciation of the beauty around us.
Your scent (사람냄새)
Copyright: Jungin / YouTube
"Your Scent" by Jungin & Gary (2014)
About 10 years ago, Jung-In and Gary released their only two collaboration songs, and they have been on my playlist for as long as I can remember. Their songs for generations like me are a time capsule of school memories especially in spring, when the new semester begins.
"Your Scent" (사람 냄새) is known for its heartfelt lyrics written by Gary along with the music composed by Jungin and Duble Sidekick. The song title in Korean is “사람 냄새” which can be directly translated into “human scent”. In Korea, to describe a person with human scent means that this person is warm-hearted and down to earth. With that in mind, this song is meant to appreciate the genuine nature of a person, beyond superficial attractions, emphasizing the "human scent" that makes someone uniquely attractive. This theme resonates throughout the song, suggesting that in a world filled with complexity, there's profound beauty in the simple, natural presence of another person. Combining Jungin's soulful vocals with Gary's rapping, it captures the warmth and intimacy of human connections. This acoustic R&B track is a beautiful ode to love and companionship, making it an ideal soundtrack for those serene spring days.
AKMU - '낙하 (NAKKA) (with IU)' OFFICIAL VIDEO
Copyright: AKMU / YouTube
"NAKKA" by AKMU with IU (2021)
AKMU, also known as Akdong Musician, is a South Korean sibling duo consisting of Lee Chan-hyuk and Lee Su-hyun. The duo is known for their unique and distinctive musical style, which blends elements of folk, pop, and jazz. Their lyrics often explore themes of youth, family, love, and societal observations, showcasing a maturity beyond their years.
IU, on a similar note, is a singer, songwriter, and actress and she has a nickname “National Little Sister”. This nickname was bestowed upon her due to her wholesome image and the affectionate regard the public holds for her. Her approachable persona, coupled with her heartfelt music and roles in family-friendly television dramas, has endeared her to a wide range of audiences – making her a beloved figure across various age groups.
In their collaboration, the song “NAKKA” was inspired by the movie “The Greatest Showman”, and they are trying to deliver the message of the importance of companionship, especially when someone is going through a hard time. With its synth-wave influences and compelling vocals, the song offers a message of optimism and support, making it a fitting anthem for the challenges and beauty of spring renewal.
TAEYEON 태연 'I (feat. Verbal Jint)' MV
Copyright: SMTOWN/ YouTube
“I” by Taeyeon with Verbal Jint (2015)
Released by the Girls' Generation lead vocalist eight years ago, the song “I” serves as Taeyeon’s declaration of independence and self-discovery. As the lead single from her first solo album, the song marks Taeyeon's formal debut as a solo artist. The track features the South Korean rapper Verbal Jint, and was an instant commercial success.
The music video for "I" was shot in New Zealand, and features stunning scenic backdrops that complement the song's theme of personal growth and freedom. The video depicts Taeyeon breaking free from the monotony of her daily life to explore the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand, from lush countryside to urban settings, symbolizing a journey of self-discovery and liberation. The visual representation of liberation is beautifully aligned with the song's message of finding and embracing one's true self. The combination of its meaningful lyrics, Taeyeon's vocal strength, and the visually appealing music video helped "I" to become a significant and celebrated part of Taeyeon's solo career.
[MV] 한로로 (HANRORO) - 입춘 (Let Me Love My Youth) / Official Music Video
Copyright: POCLANOS / YouTube
"Let Me Love My Youth" by HANRORO (2022)
"Let Me Love My Youth" by HANRORO is perhaps less known internationally, but it's a gem worth discovering. Born in 2000, HANRORO is a young indie singer-songwriter in Korea. As her debut song “Let Me Love My Youth”, it captures the fleeting nature of youth with a poignant, reflective mood. HANRORO uses a gentle mix of acoustic guitar and soothing vocals to create a sound that’s both nostalgic and fresh. The lyrics encourage listeners to cherish and embrace their youthful moments, making it an especially fitting tune for springtime, a season often associated with growth and new beginnings.
Each of these songs, with their unique melodies and messages, provides a soundtrack to the diverse experiences of spring. From the romantic allure of cherry blossoms to the introspective moments of personal growth, Korea's springtime songs are a celebration of the season's dynamic beauty. Whether you're in Korea experiencing spring firsthand or elsewhere in the world, these songs are sure to bring a touch of Korean spring to your day.