While many K-pop songs have funky beats that make you want to dance and sing, many have deeper messages that some overlook. Check out these six K-Pop songs with deep messages that more people need to be talking about.
1. BTS - "N.O"
The 2013 single as well as its music video talks about how the educational system is turning kids into "studying machines" and their desire to see change. The songs ask "Who will take responsibility for us living the lives of puppets?" and even ponders if this will actually make their parents happy.
The song is an attack on the lifestyle of most South Korean students, who are pressured to do well academically to get into a good university - most notably the SKY universities: Seoul University, Korea University, and Yonsei University. BTS actually references SKY in their lyrics, saying "Hands up to the SKY."
The educational system in South Korea is controversial for most who are not familiar with it. There is a strict "All Work-No Play" culture when it comes to education, as students are known to go to school early in the morning, go to after-school cram academies, and then study into the early morning.
In 2019, suicide was named as the leading cause of death among school-aged youths, with many citing academic pressures. Because of this, many have called out South Korea's educational system as borderline child abuse.
2. BIBI - "KAZINO"
"KAZINO" talks about gambling. In fact, the Korean name of the song is "Boss, You Should Only Gamble For Fun" when translated to English. The song itself talks about the danger of gambling, risking it all until they reach the last dime.
Despite the sparkling visuals, gambling is a dangerous game that could risk your life. The music video also shows BIBI gambling, but we see it in relation to human trafficking, as they bet on women. BIBI infiltrates the gambling den in the hopes of avenging them. However, she is unsuccessful and is seen being strangled to death and getting her head bashed. It shows how crimes like these can't be stopped by one person, and we as a society need to do more to protect these girls.
3. 2NE1 - "UGLY"
"UGLY" is a song that talks about how South Korea's standards of beauty are stricter than in other parts of the world. While people from other countries think that being different is okay and that being unique is a good thing, people in Korea tend to bash those who do not fit the status quo. 2NE1 themselves have been bashed by Korean netizens for being "ugly", and were even promoted by YG Entertainment as an "ugly girl group".
The song talks about the increasing pressure for girls to fit the beauty standard, and how despite their other talents, people only care about the visuals. Because they are considered "ugly", they are ostracized and isolated. The song also talks about how people compare themselves to one another and wonder why they aren't attractive.
Producer Teddy Park has also talked about the song and how it's not so one-dimensional. The song talks more than just being "ugly"; it can also refer to someone who is considered an "outsider" or a "problem child" and how those people deviate from the standard. The song is meant to give those people hope and strength.
4. f(x) - "Papi"
At first, "Papi" can be seen as another fun song. However, it has a deeper meaning that most tend to overlook - "Papi" is a song about female empowerment and challenging the norm that women should be submissive. The song mentions the girls becoming bosses, CEO's, and how they are in charge of their own lives. It also mentions how people often try to stop girls who are loud and outspoken, but that won't stop them from being themselves with their fists held up high.
5. BTS - "Bapsae"
"Bapsae" is a song that talks about the plight of South Korean millenials who have inherited the unstable environment and economy from the previous generation. It also talks about how people are often told to "stay in their lane", or in South Korea, they use the idiom, "if a crown-tit walks like a stork, it will break its legs", meaning that those in lower class should stay there, showing the divide between those with golden and silver spoons and the ones living below the 1%.
BTS shrug off that idiom and takes the "crow-tit" idiom for themselves, singing about achieving success despite their underdog career path and supporting their peers trying to achieve success despite the world that is biassed against them.
It is the biggest "Ok, boomer" song out there!
6. B.A.P - "WARRIOR"
"WARRIOR" talks about the injustices of society, and how hardships are forced at those at the bottom of the social hierarchy to keep those on top in power. It is seen in the music video as well, with member Zelo acting as a puppet master trying to keep the other members down and to obey him. The choreography also shows the boys trying to fight against the injustice and in the end, the members gang up on Zelo and shot him, showing that they have overthrown the injustice found in society.
