Aside from the fluffy and romantic K-pop songs, these tracks by K-pop idols tackle toxic relationships. From (G)I-DLE's "Tomboy" to Red Velvet's SOTY "Psycho," these seven songs talk about unhealthy love affair.
Love is not all rainbows and butterflies. Sometimes, it also has to deal with sorrows and pains, especially if you're with the wrong person.
Toxic relationships are undoubtedly suffocating, but hopefully, the following songs will inspire people to realize their worth and get out of such unhealthy love affair.
7 K-pop Songs About Toxic Relationships
1. (G)I-DLE - 'TOMBOY'
The girl group released as the title track of (G)I-DLE's first full-length album "I NEVER DIE" on March 14. Titled "TOMBOY," it depicts the powerful message of breaking free from a toxic partner who only wants to treat his lover like a "doll."
The lyrics also convey the heroine knowing her self-worth, and finally embracing her "tomboy" life.
"I don’t wanna play this ping pong// I would rather film a Tik Tok //Your mom raised you as a prince// But this is queendom, right?"
2. Red Velvet - 'Psycho'
From the title itself, the 2021 hit "Pyscho" tells the story of the female main character in a mentally disturbing "strange relationship."
However, she can't get rid of her strong "love."
The song further narrates the heroine's feelings despite prejudices in their relationship. She convinces herself that everything will be okay as long as they have each other despite the toxicity.
"People say we're so weird//I just like you so much//You know it so well and control me// So do I
We're in a very weird and strange relationship//We crush each other// And hug each other."
3. TWICE - 'TT'
Although "TT" is known for its cute and addicting choreo, the song actually has a deeper meaning. The title is a symbol of the sad/crying emoji, which represents the main character's feelings.
Although the love interest is treating her badly, she still can not let go of her feelings.
Overall, the heroine expressed her frustrations of being unheard and mistreated yet she is unable to forget the person.
"You say I’m ridiculous//That I don’t live up to my looks// But the more I try to push you away// The more I’m drawn and attracted to you baby"
4. BTS - 'Fake Love'
As part of their series, "Love Yourself: Tear," BTS explained that "Fake Love" unveils the story of finding out that the "real love" the protagonist felt turned out to be all lie.
Contrary to the aforementioned songs, this song motivates listeners to stop and let their love go. Fake love will only inflict more pain to both.
"Trying to erase myself and make me your doll//Love you so bad, love you so bad//Mold a pretty lie for you//"
5. MAMAMOO - 'Egotistic'
Another song about a toxic relationship is MAMAMOO's "Egotistic." The song expresses how one should not be too dependent on their lover. Breaking free from their controlling hands, and finally realizing to love themselves first is a motivating thing to do.
It shows that when you free yourself from toxic love, it will make you feel real love.
"You only think about yourself//As if that’s so natural//I foolishly adjusted to you and it’s torturing me//Making me lonely till the end
Now I need to take care of myself// Because I won’t break down just cuz you’re not here."
6. SHINee Taemin - 'Criminal'
A little bit different from romantic love, Taemin's "Criminal" captured the concept of "Stockholm Syndrome," or a phenomenon where the hostage becomes attracted to their captors.
In the MV, the male idol brilliantly showed his hands being tied. This portrays how someone is controlling and manipulating him.
Later on, he finally breaks free from it. But at the end of the MV, it shows how he is caressing the bondage, which symbolizes the unrelentless affection directed to the one who inflicted him pain. Sadly, he can not run away from it.
7. BLACKPINK - 'Lovesick Girls'
Last but not least, "Lovesick Girls" of BLACKPINK shows how a good relationship can also become poison to the heart once toxicity crawls inside two lovers.
Despite being on the edge of ending the relationship, the heroine still tries to find something they can hold on to. She does not want to let go, because she is experiencing lovesickness.
READ MORE: K-pop Songs that Will Remind You to Love Yourself
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Written by Eunice Dawson
