Keeping up with K-Pop: What’s love got to do with these iconic K-Pop classics?

Love is in the air, and when asked what your favorite love song is, most of the time you think of any traditional western song that’s been overplayed at weddings. 

When I think of iconic love songs, most times my mind goes to K-Pop classics over any hit from Ed Sheeran or Elvis Presley, which I know some people hold in high regard.

This Valentine’s Day, instead of putting on a randomly generated Spotify playlist of boring, generic love songs to play during the various activities you may be doing that night, switch it up and put on some of these K-Pop tunes. 

“What is Love?” — TWICE

If you are looking for any love songs, TWICE has by far the best catalog to choose from, however, “What is Love?” has to be their most streamlined and successful love song.

This song has all the elements that scream what K-Pop is all about. An upbeat, bubblegum sound, an over-the-top music video, and a life-changing bridge. All of these elements combined make for a perfect song, but this one hits differently. 

It’s a little on the nose, but the song is joyous and fresh; if you want a more mature sound, I would recommend “Alcohol-Free.” However, that song screams summer affair, while “What is Love?” gives giddy, first-love vibes with the song’s lyrics. 

By far, my favorite lyric of the song happens right at the start, “My heart keeps beating as if it’s my own story, makes my heart pound and swell with hope.” 

The song is cute, the lyrics are cute, and it overall is just a cute and happy song that is reminiscent of all the positive feelings that come with being in love. 

“Anti-Romantic” — TOMORROW X TOGETHER

This song radiates feeling sad, lonely, and afraid of the feeling of love; the story of my life. 

Not every love song has to be the most positive, all in your face, this is the best feeling ever song. Love is complex; one day it leaves you hopeful, and the next day heartbroken. 

This song is simple, there’s not much going on instrumentally, minus piano and some drum beats, but it’s the lyrics that hold weight and really carry the emotion of the song. 

“I’m afraid that it will burn all of my heart and leave ashes only.” Shakespeare wishes that his tragedies were as dramatic as that sole lyric alone. 

While this may not be the song you play on your date, for all of those spending this season of love alone, it is the perfect song to sob uncontrollably to. (Trust me, been there, done that.)

“Love So Sweet” — Cherry Bullet

My underrated favorite K-Pop group Cherry Bullet has one of the best discographies in K-Pop, and most of their songs all center around the theme of love. 

This song sounds like it is straight out of a video game, like you are about to embark on an epic journey to find love. 

The whistling in the chorus sells the song and is what makes it really shine. The vocals are top-tier, the song makes you feel good, and even if you do not like K-Pop, I guarantee this song will spark joy.

The song just is ethereal anytime it plays. Even if I’m not  having the best day, it always brightens my mood and reminds me there is love out there.

“CASE 143” — Stray Kids

This song is quite unique and different, but in a good way. 

Normally, I am never one to recommend a garage band beat, let’s throw all the instruments in at once, and get loud type of song, but this one gets my stamp of approval. 

The pre-chorus is lighter and really takes you away from all of the sounds going on before it, and hooks you to really pay attention.  After that, your ears are in for a treat when the beat drops leading into the chorus. The lighter tone disappears and we are in deep mode.

If you like more experimental music, this song is for you. The song makes me feel like Nancy Drew solving a love story. 

“YOUNG LUV” — STAYC

If you love angsty rock music, this song is for you. 

The raw emotion present in the lyrics of this song, and the apologetic nature of them, are something that makes this song the most relatable for me to scream in my car.

“Left alone, tear fallin’, I don’t want to remember it, no no.” This song literally can be used to describe several experiences I have had with my ex, and I know a lot of individuals out there who really will relate to the lyrics and emotion of the song. 

Again, while not the happiest and giddy love song, these more deep songs I feel are necessary to bring up. More often than not we find ourselves in the theming of these sadder songs more so than the happy, life is perfect love song. 

If you are ready to cry on Valentine’s Day like I will, or celebrating the beauty of love, hopefully some of these songs will make it into your red and pink filled day.

Graphic by — Abbey Mark