Learn Korean Through Songs with these 23 Song Recommendations (Full Translations Included!)

Learn Korean Through Songs with these 23 Song Recommendations (Full Translations Included!)
LF Content Team | Updated on 2 February 2023
Learning Korean through song lyrics is a great way to learn Korean! Learning with music is fun, engaging, and includes a cultural aspect that is often missing from other language learning methods. So music and song lyrics are a great way to supplement your learning and stay motivated to keep learning Korean!
These 23 song recommendations are suitable for beginners and will get you started with learning Korean with music and song lyrics.
CONTENTS SUMMARY
Red Lights
Stray Kids
벗어나기 위해 몸부림쳐 봐야
There's no answer
해와 잠들 때까지 더
I really wanna know yeah
I thrash around to get away
...
Until I fall asleep with the sun
...

“Red Lights” plunges listeners into the head-spinning rush of a love that feels more like an addiction than a romance. The singer gasps for air without the other person, confessing I cannot breathe without you, and every attempt to break free only tightens the grip. Those flashing red lights are warnings blaring in his mind, but instead of stopping, he speeds straight through them, driven by feverish desire. The imagery of sleepless nights, frantic movement, and darkened rooms paints a picture of someone trapped in a loop of longing where even closing his eyes triggers vivid danger signals.

Yet beneath the danger is a raw plea: Make you feel my love. He knows the relationship is toxic, maybe even doomed, but surrender feels easier than escape. “Red Lights” turns the universal struggle between heart and reason into a cinematic thriller, wrapping Stray Kids’ edgy sound around the adrenaline-charged confession that some passions are so intense they blur every boundary between pleasure and pain.

Blood Sweat & Tears
BTS
내 피 땀 눈물
내 마지막 춤을
가져가
My blood, sweat, tears
My last dance
all
take it

Blood Sweat & Tears dives into the intoxicating push-and-pull between irresistible desire and the awareness of its danger. The narrator feels so captivated by a love or temptation that they are ready to pour out “my blood, sweat, and tears” and even their last dance to the one who beckons. Sweet images like “peaches and cream” and “chocolate wings” mingle with darker lines about pain and captivity, showing how pleasure and suffering get tangled when you are willingly trapped by something you crave.

At its heart, the song is about surrender: giving up control, sense, and even morality for a passion that tastes “too sweet.” References to a “tempter” and a “forbidden world” hint at classic tales like Faust, where a deal with the devil feels both thrilling and terrifying. BTS turns that story into a modern anthem, inviting listeners to feel the dizzying rush of wanting something so badly that escape no longer seems possible, all while dancing to an addictive beat.

Magnetic
ILLIT
내 심장이
자꾸만 뛰어
저 멀리서도
끌어당겨
My heart
just keeps racing
Even from far away
I'm pulled in

Magnetic is a bubbly confession song where ILLIT compares the thrill of a new crush to the unstoppable pull of two magnets. From the very first heartbeat in the lyrics, the singer admits she is trying to stay cool, yet her feelings keep tugging her closer. Every 'you, you, you' lands like a catchy chant, showing just how laser-focused her mind is on one person.

Instead of playing hard to get, she decides to be bold. She tosses aside the usual push-and-pull dating games, runs straight toward her crush, and invites them to do the same. The repeated 'dash-da-da' sounds mimic quick footsteps and racing hearts, while the playful 'bae, bae, bae' keeps the vibe light and fun. Altogether, the song celebrates youthful confidence, honest attraction, and the exhilarating magnetism that pulls two people together.

What Can I Do
DAY6
너에게 나는 도대체 뭔 거니
내가 맘에 있기는 하니
만날 때마다 다른 넌
알다가도 모르겠어
What am I to you, after all
Am I even in your heart
You're different every time we meet
I think I know you, then I don't

DAY6 turn adolescent uncertainty into an electrifying pop-rock confession in “What Can I Do.” The narrator is hopelessly caught off guard by someone whose mood changes every time they meet, leaving him spinning with questions: Why do you pull me close then walk away? Why do I chase you even when I know it hurts? Every fleeting smile she shows becomes a new reason to stay, even while he scolds himself for falling deeper. The repeated cry “What can I do?” captures that dizzy mix of excitement and frustration that comes with a first intense crush.

Underneath the crunchy guitars and sing-along chorus, the lyrics sketch a tug-of-war between head and heart. He lists everything he should do—stop overthinking, stop following her around—yet each time he tries, her image pops back in his mind. In the end, his simple wish is disarmingly honest: I just like being with you, even if I have no answers. It is a relatable snapshot of anyone who has ever felt powerless in the face of unpredictable love, wrapped in DAY6’s signature energy.

Earthquake
JISOO
널 부정할 수 없게
I think I'm gonna
Wake up, electric touch
내 맘이 춤춰
Unable to deny you
...
...
My heart dances

Get ready to feel the ground shake! In “Earthquake,” JISOO likens the rush of sudden, unstoppable attraction to a powerful tremor. The lyrics describe her heart revving “vroom vroom vroom” and her whole body trembling deo ppareuge (even faster) as the feeling takes over. No matter how hard she tries to escape, she is pulled deeper, lost in a dream she knows she should wake from but can’t.

The song celebrates that electrifying moment when love hits without warning and rearranges your world in seconds. With vivid phrases like onmomi tteollyeo (my whole body shakes) and electric touch, JISOO captures the adrenaline, passion, and sweet surrender of letting the quake roll through you. “Earthquake” is an anthem for anyone whose heart has ever gone off the Richter scale the instant the right person walked in.

Bite Me
ENHYPEN
혈관 속
널 찾던 내 세포는
이젠 알아
운명은 우릴 다시 발견했지
Inside my veins
My cells that were searching for you
Now I know
Fate has found us again

“Bite Me” sinks its teeth into a gothic love fantasy where affection tastes like danger. ENHYPEN describe two destined souls meeting again in a shadow-lit world, begging each other to “come kiss me and bite me.” The bite is more than flirtation; it is a life-saving ritual that makes their blood race, seals an unbreakable bond, and guides them out of darkness. Vampiric imagery turns vulnerability into raw power, showing how surrendering to love can feel both risky and irresistible.

At its heart, the song celebrates a mutual rescue mission. The singer will gladly be marked and protected if it means eternal togetherness with the only person who truly understands him. By fusing gothic drama with youthful longing, ENHYPEN transforms a simple request for a kiss into a thrilling oath of loyalty, proving that sometimes the most electrifying romances start with a playful bite.

Super Lady
(G)I-DLE
거기 비켜 어서
우린 따위 하긴 바빠
여긴 자비 따윈 없어
날 막는다면
Get out of the way, now
We're too busy for that
There's no mercy here
If you try to stop me

“Super Lady” explodes with the confidence of a comic-book heroine strutting into battle. From the very first line “I am the top, super lady”, (G)I-DLE paints a picture of a woman who knows her worth, wields her own “superpower,” and refuses to bow to anyone. The lyrics brag about being unbeatable and immortal, but the swagger is not just personal—it is a rallying cry. Every “Follow, ladies” invites listeners to step into their own capes, brush off society’s doubt, and stand shoulder-to-shoulder as unstoppable forces.

Beneath the flashy bravado sits a message of fearless sisterhood. The song calls out tired stereotypes (“namjadeurui ppeonhan gasik”) and dismisses anyone who tries to dim their shine. Instead, it urges women to “back it up” with unshakable pride, to laugh louder, jump higher, and claim victory together. “Super Lady” is a high-energy anthem that celebrates self-belief, crowns every listener a queen, and reminds us that true power multiplies when shared. Put simply, it is three minutes of pure empowerment wrapped in punchy beats and unapologetic attitude.

Thunder
SEVENTEEN
떨어져 온몸이
회로가 미쳐버렸어 제멋대로
액셀 밟어
Everybody say, 'Woah-oh, woah-oh'
My whole body's falling
The circuits went crazy doing whatever they want
Step on the gas
...

Thunder is SEVENTEEN’s sonic lightning bolt, a shout-out to those electrifying nights when excitement crackles in the air and your whole body feels super-charged. The members compare their sudden rush of adrenaline to a flash of lightning that splits the sky, urging everyone to drop their worries, gather together, and jump into the moment. Phone calls keep buzzing, hearts keep racing, and the onomatopoeic jjirit jjirit mimics that sizzling buzz before thunder strikes, capturing the thrilling anticipation of something unforgettable about to happen.

More than just a party anthem, the song celebrates friendship and youthful confidence. SEVENTEEN invite listeners to rewrite their “DNA,” crank up the energy, and drive straight through the clouds—no detours, no doubts. With every chant of “T-H-U-N-D-E-R,” they remind us that unforgettable memories are made when we unite, charge the night with courage, and let our inner storm light up the sky.

BOOMBAYAH
BLACKPINK
굳이 애써
노력 안 해도
모든 남자들은 코피가
팡팡 파라파라 팡팡팡
Go out of your way
Without any effort
Every guy gets a nosebleed
Bang bang para para bang bang bang

BOOMBAYAH is BLACKPINK’s explosive invitation to let loose, own your confidence, and dance like the night will never end. The lyrics burst with self-assured swagger: the members introduce themselves as “bad girls” who are hot enough to need a fan, too bold for childish boys, and ready to turn every head the moment they kick open the door. Each punchy rap line and playful Korean interjection paints a picture of fearless young women ruling the party with unstoppable energy.

The chorus chant “BOOMBAYAH” acts like a sonic fireworks display, urging everyone to throw away their inhibitions and join the ride. Between boasts about their standout style, cheeky nods to 90s hip-hop, and a promise to race past every limit, BLACKPINK celebrates freedom, youth, and girl-power bravado. In short, the song says: turn up the volume, raise a toast, and feel the boom of confidence ripple through your veins.

PLAYING WITH FIRE
BLACKPINK
우리 엄만 매일 내게 말했어
언제나 남자 조심하라고
사랑은 마치 불장난 같아서
다치니까
My mom told me every day
Always watch out for guys
Love's like playing with fire
You get hurt

Playing With Fire lights up the story of a love that feels thrilling but dangerous, like sparks that refuse to die out. From the very start, BLACKPINK’s singer recalls her mom’s warning to “always be careful with boys,” yet the moment she meets this particular guy, her heartbeat flares up like gasoline on an open flame. The pull toward him is hotter than fear itself, and every verse paints that rush—heart racing, cheeks blazing, caution melting away.

The chorus, “My love is on fire—so don’t play with me, boy,” captures the core message: passion can be powerful, beautiful, and wildly uncontrollable. She knows this romance could burn them both, but stopping is no longer an option. Instead, she dives head-first into the blaze, daring her partner to treat her feelings seriously. The song mixes sweetness with danger, showing that love is both a thrilling ride and a blazing risk—so handle with care, or get scorched!

Ditto
NewJeans
Stay in the middle
Like you a little
Don't want no riddle
Ooh
...
...
...

“Ditto” feels like opening the pages of a high-school diary and finding a confession scribbled in the margins. NewJeans sings from the heart of a teen crush that sits right between friendship and romance. The narrator’s pulse pounds (ra-ta-ta-ta!) as she wrestles with that awkward “middle” stage: she likes someone, she thinks they might like her back, but no one has said the magic words yet. Rather than keep decoding mixed signals, she pleads, “Say it, ditto,” which is a playful way of asking, “Just tell me you feel the same!”

The song captures the universal suspense of young love—waiting for a text, replaying memories, daydreaming about what could be. Every line flips between courage and hesitation: “I got nothing to lose,” yet she still worries about being left hanging. By the end, “Ditto” becomes an anthem for anyone who is tired of riddles and ready for clarity in their crush. It celebrates that pivotal moment when you stop guessing and simply ask for a clear reply, hoping your heartbeat and theirs will echo in perfect synchrony.

Queencard
(G)I-DLE
Hey you
뭘 보니?
내가 좀 반했니
Ye you
Hey you
What’re you looking at?
Are you kinda into me?
Yeah, you

Queencard is a bold celebration of self-love and unapologetic confidence. In the lyrics, (G)I-DLE’s speaker struts through life like a runway model, proudly flaunting her “boob and booty,” dazzling everyone from head to toe, and comparing her style to icons like Kim Kardashian and Ariana. She brushes off anyone else’s opinions because she already knows she was “born this way,” and that is reason enough to party. The repeated chant of “I’m a queencard” turns the playing card metaphor into a manifesto: she is the winning hand, and anyone who embraces their own uniqueness can be one too.

Under the flashy surface, the song carries an empowering message for listeners learning English or simply looking for a boost of confidence. It reminds us that true beauty starts with self-belief, not external validation. By the end, the infectious hook—“You wanna be the queencard”—invites everyone to claim their own spotlight, snap a photo of their best selves, and step out into the world like the stars they already are.

I'll Be There
Jin
그걸 위해 나는 살아가
I will be there forever Forever
난 변하지 않아
There for you, Yeah, yeah
I live for that
...
I won't change
...

“I’ll Be There” feels like a warm hug set to a pop beat. Right from the playful count of “one, two, three,” Jin steps into the hectic rush of modern life and says, “I get it—things are tough, but I’ve got you.” She celebrates the joy of giving something bigger than herself, promising that her presence and her music will lift you above everyday stress. The repetitive vow “I will be there forever” turns into a mantra that chases away worry and replaces it with confidence and calm.

At its heart, the song is a loyal friend in audio form. Whether you feel lonely, on the verge of tears, or simply need a boost, Jin pledges to sing for you—any time, any place. The bright “ooh-ooh” hooks echo like cheers from a crowd that believes in you, reminding you to smile and feel special. Listen, and you will hear more than a catchy chorus; you will hear a promise that you are never on your own. "I’ll Be There" lets every listener walk away lighter, knowing someone is always in their corner.

Still With You
Jung Kook
날 스치는 그대의 옅은 그 목소리
내 이름을 한 번만 더 불러주세요
얼어버린 노을 아래 멈춰 서있지만
그대 향해 한 걸음씩 걸어갈래요
Your soft voice grazes me
Please call my name once more
I'm standing still beneath the frozen sunset
I'll walk toward you one step at a time

Still With You feels like a quiet confession whispered in the glow of a single lamp. Jung Kook paints the scene of a lonely room, soft foot-steps, and misty rain, then lets his voice glide between vulnerability and hope. He looks back on dazzling memories – laughing together, dancing alone under a downpour, gazing up at a radiant moon – and turns them into a promise: even in the dark, I will keep walking toward you, step by step, until we meet again.

Rather than dwelling in sadness, the song wraps longing in warmth. Each verse moves from gentle ache to determination, showing how love can outshine empty nights and uncertain horizons. Listeners are invited to remember someone they miss, feel every shiver of nostalgia, then hold tight to the belief that sunrise will come – and when it does, they will still be together.

Chasing That Feeling
TXT
천국을 등진 난
Fall from the sky
Maybe I'll miss it for good
달콤했던 환각
I turned my back on heaven
...
...
The sweet hallucination

TXT’s "Chasing That Feeling" is a high-octane anthem about the unstoppable rush of pursuing a dream. The lyrics paint cinematic images of falling from the sky, burning like a meteor, and crashing back to earth, all to capture a single exhilarating emotion. Even when the sweetness fades and pain creeps in, the narrator refuses to slow down. Instead, he rockets forward, trusting that every bruise and burst of starlight will be worth it once he grabs that elusive spark of aliveness.

Think of this track as a soundtrack for anyone who feels restless. It celebrates the wild loop of ambition: you shoot up, you stumble, you ignite again, and through it all you keep chasing because that thrill is "all I know." "Chasing That Feeling" reminds listeners that growth often comes wrapped in both bliss and discomfort, and that the fire inside us can light the way even when everything else is falling apart.

IDOL
BTS
손가락질 해
나는 전혀 신경 쓰지 않네
나를 욕하는 너의
그 이유가 뭐든 간에
Point fingers
I don't care at all
Your insults toward me
Whatever your reason is

“IDOL” turns the spotlight into a mirror. In this high-energy anthem, South Korean supergroup BTS shrug off every label—artist, idol, hero, even “Anpanman”—and proudly declare, “I know what I am.” The lyrics flicker between Korean and English like stage lights, celebrating self-acceptance while brushing off gossip and online chatter. Every shout of “You can’t stop me lovin’ myself” is a confetti blast of confidence, inviting listeners to dance, sing, and cheer for their own identities.

Behind the vibrant drums and playful chants lies a simple message: your worth is not up for negotiation. No matter how far from home they travel or how loud the critics get, the members stay grounded in passion for their fans, their art, and themselves. “IDOL” is your invitation to join that celebration—move to the beat, mute the doubt, and let self-love take center stage.

Smeraldo Garden Marching Band
Jimin, Loco
시작된 건 6월 12일
행복을 선물해 매일
Say, Let's talk about us
전하지 못한 말
It started on June 12
Gift happiness every day
...
Words I couldn't say

Picture a sun-soaked parade winding through a fantasy garden where the rare Smeraldo flower blooms. That is the setting Jimin and rapper Loco invite us into. With the shout-out "Say, Love," the song opens like a marching-band fanfare, urging everyone to drop their fears and celebrate honest feelings. The lyrics circle around one simple wish: let’s talk about us. Jimin promises to share the happiness he feels every single day, while Loco’s quickfire rap shows how love can speed up your heart better than any drumline.

From secret crush to full-blown confession, every line pushes the listener to speak up, reach out, and hold hands under a dazzling sky. The date hidden in the words hints at a special anniversary, but the larger idea is timeless: love is a gift meant to be unwrapped right now. By the final chorus, the music swells, the lights come on, and the message is clear—step into the garden, turn up the music, and march forward together without hesitation.

Doctor! Doctor!
ZEROBASEONE
Doctor! Doctor! Help me
낫게 해줘 너 때문인
너 아니면 소용없어
It's the L-O-V-Emergency
Doctor! Doctor! Help me
Make me better, 'cause of you
If it's not you, it's pointless
It's the L-O-V-Emergency

Feel your pulse quicken and the temperature rise – "Doctor! Doctor!" throws us straight into a playful love emergency. ZEROBASEONE sings about a crush so intense it feels like a medical crisis: racing heartbeats, dizzy spells, and a fever that no real doctor can cure. The only prescription is the attention of that special someone, and the group treats every symptom with hooks that bounce between urgency and flirtation.

Behind the catchy chorus lies a simple truth: love can make us feel wonderfully out of control. By turning romantic obsession into a mock emergency, the song captures both the panic and thrill of falling head-over-heels. Expect sirens of synths, heartbeat drums, and lyrics that spell out L-O-V-E as the ultimate diagnosis – and the only remedy is more of the person who started it all.

Gangnam Style
PSY
오빤 강남 스타일
강남 스타일
낮에는 따사로운 인간적인 여자
커피 한잔의 여유를 아는 품격 있는 여자
Oppa Gangnam Style
Gangnam Style
A girl who's warm and classy by day
A girl with elegance who enjoys a cup of coffee

Gangnam Style is PSY’s playful love letter and cheeky critique of Seoul’s wealthiest neighborhood, Gangnam. In the song he calls himself Oppa (the friendly Korean term women use for an older brother or boyfriend) and boasts a cool, confident swagger that matches the district’s glitzy reputation. The repetitive chant of “Oppa Gangnam Style” is not just a party slogan, it announces PSY’s over-the-top persona who enjoys fancy coffees by day and heart-racing nightlife after dark.

At its core, the lyrics celebrate a perfect yin-yang pairing: a woman who is refined in public yet passionate in private, and a man who appears reserved but turns wild when the time is right. PSY’s witty contrasts highlight how image and reality often clash in status-obsessed Gangnam, poking fun at people who flaunt luxury while secretly craving excitement and authenticity. All of this comes wrapped in an irresistible beat, making the song both a global dance craze and a satirical snapshot of modern Korean pop culture.

BATTER UP (BATER UP)
BABYMONSTER
Attention
I'm on a mission
Don't need permission
No matter what I'm gonna
Attention
I'm on a mission
Don't need permission
No matter what, I'm gonna

BATTER UP is BABYMONSTER’s rallying cry of self-confidence and fearless ambition. Borrowing the baseball phrase “batter up” as its hook, the song paints the members stepping to the plate, ready to swing for the fences with their talent and charisma. Lines like “I’m on a mission / Don’t need permission” and “Sting like a bee” show they are done asking for approval; they are here to make the rules, steal the spotlight, and leave a lasting sting in the memory of anyone who underestimates them.

Behind the swagger lies an invitation to listeners: raise your voice, own your choices, and jump into the game with them. Calling themselves the “Monsters of the world,” BABYMONSTER celebrates daring individuality while promising never to betray the trust of their supporters. The result is an explosive anthem that turns doubt into fuel, pressure into power, and every stage into a home run moment.

I AM (YO SOY)
IVE
Dareun muneul yeoreo
Ttara gal piryoneun eopseo
Neon neoui gillo nan naui gillo
Haruharumada
Open another door
Don't need to follow
You're on your road, I'm on mine
Daily

In “I AM,” IVE turns self-confidence into a cosmic adventure. The lyrics invite you to open new doors, trust your own road, and blaze forward like a rocket through a beautiful galaxy. Each day feels freshly painted, and every step glows brighter as the singer declares, “I’m on my way.” Rather than following someone else, she writes her own fantasy, reminding us that life becomes exciting when we believe in ourselves.

The song mixes dreamy images (soaring into the sky, floating through stars) with a bold promise: “Look at me now, I’m on fire.” It celebrates being the hero of your own story, wishing that you, too, will become someone’s dream come true. Whether you feel lost in the dark or ready to fly, “I AM” is an energetic anthem that pushes you to claim your identity, chase your dreams, and shine just as brightly as the galaxy the singer imagines.

A
GOT7
It's not working
So stop fronting
I know you want me, let's start talking
A
It's not working
So stop fronting
I know you want me, let's start talking
A

GOT7’s irresistibly catchy single, A, is a playful tug-of-war between shyness and confidence. From the very first “It’s not working, so stop fronting,” the members call out a crush who keeps stealing glances yet pretends nothing’s going on. The repeated “A” mimics a surprised gasp in Korean—something like “Eh? I caught you!”—and becomes their cheeky way of saying, I see right through you, so quit hiding those feelings.

Underneath the bubbly synths and slick choreography lies a simple message: when two people like each other, why waste time? The song urges listeners to drop the act, take each other’s hands, and turn that nervous energy into a fun adventure together. It celebrates youthful courage, honest flirting, and the thrill of finally admitting, “Yes, I like you too.” Let the upbeat hooks remind you to be bold about your own feelings—and maybe pick up some cool English lines like “stop fronting” along the way!

FLOWER
JISOO
난 파란 나비처럼 날아가
잡지 못한 건 다 네 몫이니까
활짝 꽃 피웠던 시간도 이제 모두
내겐
I fly off like a blue butterfly
Not able to catch me is all on you
Even the time when it bloomed brightly, now all
For me

“FLOWER” paints a vivid picture of a love that once bloomed beautifully yet eventually burned out. Jisoo compares herself to a butterfly and a delicate white petal, showing how freely she wants to fly but how tightly her partner tried to hold on. The song’s playful A-B-C, Do-Re-Mi opening hints at innocence, then quickly shifts to disappointment when “that look in your eyes changes.” As feelings cool, the singer realizes that the time they shared—once full of color and warmth—has turned to ash.

With graceful confidence, Jisoo says goodbye, leaving only the lingering image of a flower’s scent. There is no regret in her voice; instead, she feels light and unburdened. The petals represent moments of beauty she chooses to keep, while the rest of the relationship falls away. “FLOWER” is ultimately a self-empowerment anthem: even after passionate love goes up in flames, you can step into spring again, keep the best memories, and let the wind carry you forward.

We have more songs with translations on our website and mobile app. You can find the links to the website and our mobile app below. We hope you enjoy learning Korean with music!