A Hauntingly Beautiful Journey: My Magnum Opus in K-pop Songs
As a passionate listener of K-pop, there are certain songs that resonate deeply with my personal journey. Each melody and lyrics have orchestrated a symphony of emotions reflecting my innermost struggles and aspirations. This essay delves into the significance of five meaningful K-pop tracks that have profoundly influenced me, backed by personal anecdotes and reflections. Among these, 'All Eyes on Me' by Agust D ft. Suran stands as a beacon of hope, a song that I listen to whenever I need a powerful reminder to dream big.
The Road to Dreams
From my very first K-pop song to the profound impact of 'All Eyes on Me', each track has played a pivotal role in my life. 'Sorry Sorry' by Super Junior was the first song that introduced me to the captivating world of K-pop. It became a cherished piece in my collection, symbolizing a new beginning.
My Sankaku: Itzy's Dance Journey
My journey with Itzy, the band, also began with 'Sorry Sorry', yet this was followed by other hits like 'Cheshire', 'Sneakers', and 'Wannabe'. 'Cheshire' and 'Sneakers' were the first Itzy songs I learned to choreograph, and they ignited a spark within me to explore more dance routines. 'Wannabe' provided a much-needed confidence boost during challenging times. These songs not only sparked my passion for K-pop but also taught me resilience in the face of adversity.
Remembering Exo
'Overdose' and 'Monster' by EXO were my first dives into their music, helping me discover the rich K-pop landscape. 'Overdose' particularly served as a guide through those early days, initiating my journey into a world filled with countless dreams.
All Eyes on Me
'All Eyes on Me' by Agust D ft. Suran remains one of my most meaningful songs. Coming to me during a period of existential angst, it captured the essence of my struggles and aspirations. The fear, the fire, the desire for freedom, and the ultimate dream encapsulated in these lyrics touch on my deepest emotions.
'I never had a dream. I was too afraid. And I was always afraid to face the troubles that comes along with it. As my life was already a mess.' These words resonate with a tumultuous chapter in my life, where I felt like half of my childhood had evaporated. I desperately wanted to achieve something meaningful, but society's expectations weighed heavily on me. 'They told me to choose a definite career which would help me settle. But they were wrong all along because I wanted to have a dream - a dream so fulfilling. The dream which would fill all the empty spaces in my heart. I wanted that. I wanted to taste freedom.'
A Call to Embrace Dreams
Life, however, wasn't an easy journey. Moments of vulnerability, like the memory of hands trembling at the sight of someone feared, or the harsh laughter of bullies echoing through the halls, were both physical and emotional traumas. In such moments, returning to 'All Eyes on Me' became a refuge. 'Only if I had a dream I could clench to it on my darkest days. When my hands shake vigorously or those bullies laugh behind my back or when home felt like hell I could remind myself that I have a dream and so I would go on just for the sake of my dream because I know one day this will end. You I and everything will come to an end.'
Untold Regrets and Future Aspirations
The lyrics let me confront the darkest emotions and reminded me of my youthful aspirations. 'If I can’t have a dream I would have to live in regret and living in failure is much better than to live in regret. I won’t give up easily even if my hands break and my legs bleed or even if my eyes get blinded by city-lights. I won’t ever stop even if the society wants me to.' The song concludes with the poignant hope of leaving behind the pain of the past and starting anew. 'And one day I will finally leave everything that hurts me now. And I will go somewhere so far away.'
With 'So Far Away', Agust D ft. Suran offered a glimpse into a future where the pain and trauma of the past might transform. This unfinished phrase is a promise made to myself: To cherish every dream, no matter how improbable, and to embrace the freedom that lies ahead.