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

Learn Korean With Songs with these 23 Clean Song Recommendations (Full Translations Included!)
LF Content Team | Updated on 2 February 2023
Learning Korean with songs and 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 cleans which are still popular today despite being released over a generation ago. So they are great songs that will get you started with learning Korean with music and song lyrics.
CONTENTS SUMMARY
JJAM
Stray Kids
재미 좀 볼 때 발라 버려 honey jam, ayy
Finger lickin', yeah 실컷 찍어라 직캠
다채로움을 모아 새로 조화롭게
자, 찬란한 목소리, 현란한 춤사위 모여 같이 jam, jam
When you start having some fun, smear that honey jam, ayy
Finger lickin', yeah take all the fancam shots you want
Bringing together all the diversity and forming a fresh harmony
Now, let brilliant voices and dazzling moves come together as one, jam, jam

“JJAM” bursts open like a jar of peanut-butter-and-jelly joy. Stray Kids flip the Korean slang “no jam” (meaning “boring”) on its head, inviting everyone to make their own jam by diving into irresistible bass lines, flashy dance moves, and playful word-play. The chorus’s sticky refrain celebrates togetherness: when each person adds their unique flavor, the crew’s groove becomes sweet, thick, and impossible to shake off.

Beyond the party vibe, the lyrics carry a friendly challenge: drop your worries, slow traffic, and second-guessing, then mix your colors into a brand-new harmony. “JJAM” is a musical playground where confidence and spontaneity spread like jam on toast, proving that fun gets louder—and tastier—when we stick together.

Silent Cry
Stray Kids
넌 그저 그렇게 아무렇지 않게
웃고 있는데 들리는 네 말에
You always say 'I'm okay'
하지만 다 보여
You just act like nothing happened
You're smiling, yet the words I hear
You always say "I'm okay"
But I can see everything

Silent Cry invites you into the hidden world of a friend who keeps smiling while quietly drowning inside. Stray Kids paint a picture of someone who says “I’m okay” yet sits alone in an empty room where even the air feels heavy. Beneath the bright grin lie whispers of loneliness, muted sighs, and rain-soaked thoughts no one else seems to hear.

The song flips that hush into a promise of rescue: “Let me hear your silent cry.” Instead of forcing cheerfulness, the narrator offers an umbrella when the storm hits, a hand to catch the tears, and a voice to say those comforting words for you. It is a moving reminder that real strength can be a shared weakness, and that friendship means listening to the feelings that never make a sound.

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.

Spring Day
BTS
보고 싶다
이렇게 말하니까 더 보고 싶다
너희 사진을 보고 있어도
보고 싶다
I miss you
Saying that makes me miss you more
Even while I look at your photo
I miss you

“Spring Day” wraps longing, loss, and hope into one vivid journey. The lyrics feel like staring out a train window while snowflakes drift past, each flake a memory of someone you miss. BTS compare the cold stretch of separation to an endless winter that even August cannot melt. Time feels unfair, friends feel distant, and every photo only sharpens the ache. Yet hidden in the chill are promises: if the snow of yearning keeps falling, eventually it must give way to warmer skies.

Hope blossoms at the heart of the song. The members remind us that no darkness, no season lasts forever. Just as cherry blossoms crack open the frost, a reunion will bloom after every sleepless night. “Spring Day” is both a comforting hug and a gentle nudge forward, assuring listeners that even when friendships seem frozen, patience and love will guide them back together when the first petals of spring appear.

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.

LALALALA
Stray Kids
Welcome to 극락 락
날벼락
도시의 락
즐기면 그만
Welcome to paradise rock
Thunderbolt
City rock
Just enjoy it

LALALALA is Stray Kids’ high-voltage invitation to a limitless party. From the opening line “Welcome to geungnak” (a Buddhist word for paradise), the lyrics fling us into a neon playground where worries melt and pure rhythm rules. The group paints a picture of a buzzing city night, crammed with pounding drums, jangling guitars, and friends who shout the chorus in unison. Every shout of “La-la-la” is a reminder to ditch overthinking, breathe in fresh air, and dive headfirst into joy.

At its core, the song is a manifesto of fearless fun: lock your doubts, unlock your passion, and let the beat take control. Stray Kids blur the line between rock concert, street festival, and late-night dance battle, urging listeners to move until sunrise and trust the “rhythm of the world” to guide them. Whether you’re cramming for exams or stuck in a routine, LALALALA blasts open an escape hatch filled with relentless energy, self-expression, and a promise that happiness is louder when everyone sings together.

Boy With Luv
BTS, Halsey
모든 게 궁금해
Tell me
Yeah yeah
뭐가 널 행복하게 하는지
I'm curious about everything
...
...
What makes you happy

“Boy With Luv” is a bright confession of how powerful simple love can be. BTS and Halsey trade epic adventures for everyday moments, singing about how one special person makes them curious about everything, lifts them up, and gives them “wings.” The lyrics show a playful eagerness to learn every detail of the other person—every picture, every small habit—because those details turn ordinary life into something extraordinary.

Instead of chasing fame or soaring alone, the singers realize they would rather fly together. Love becomes stronger than any heroic dream, transforming them from lonely high-flyers into joyful “boys with love.” It is a feel-good reminder that true strength is found not in grand gestures but in the shared smiles, texts, and tiny steps we take with someone who matters.

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.

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.

RUN
BTS
넌 내 하나뿐인 태양 세상에 딱 하나
널 향해 피었지만
난 자꾸 목말라
너무 늦었어 늦었어
You’re my one and only sun, the only one in this world
I bloomed toward you but
I keep getting thirsty
It’s too late, too late

RUN catapults us into the dizzying rush of a love that feels like a sprint with no finish line. BTS sing from the viewpoint of someone who sees their lover as the only sun in the sky, so they keep dashing forward even when their lungs burn and their heart aches. The lyrics paint love as a reckless marathon—full of skinned knees, swirling storms, and tears that blur with sweat—yet the narrator refuses to slow down because every glimpse of that special face makes the pain feel worth it.

Behind the pounding beat and urgent vocals lies a story about youth’s stubborn persistence. No matter how many times they stumble, get hurt, or hear that “love is a lie,” the boys refuse to give up. This unstoppable run symbolizes chasing dreams, clinging to hope, and embracing every scar along the way. RUN reminds us that growing up often means sprinting through heartbreak, but the very act of running proves we’re still alive, still dreaming, and still unafraid to love again.

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.

HOT
SEVENTEEN
모두 우릴 쳐다봐
태양 위를 달리는 마차
Juicy, juicy, juicy, juicy
총성이 울려 퍼진 다음
Everyone's watching us
A chariot racing across the sun
...
After gunshot echoes

SEVENTEEN’s “HOT” is a blazing anthem of confidence, passion, and unstoppable momentum. The members compare themselves to the scorching sun, racing across the sky in a fiery convertible of rhythm. Every boom-brr-boom-boom is a spark that fuels their drive to break limits, light up the night, and make the whole world feel their heat. The lyrics shout “juicy” and “so hot” to paint a picture of raw energy—sweaty palms, pounding hearts, and a beat that never cools down.

Underneath the sizzling imagery, the song is a rallying cry: embrace your own inner sun, chase your destiny, and burn brighter than any shadow. SEVENTEEN turn the dance floor into a desert highway where hesitation evaporates, self-belief ignites, and everyone is invited to sing, run, and glow together. In short, “HOT” is not just about temperature—it is about attitude, daring you to turn up the heat on every dream you have.

Life Goes On
bts
어느 날 세상이 멈췄어
아무런 예고도 하나 없이
봄은 기다림을 몰라서
눈치 없이 와버렸어
One day the world stopped
Without any warning
Spring didn’t know how to wait
So it came unannounced

“Life Goes On” finds BTS looking out the window at a world that suddenly hit the pause button. Streets are empty, footprints fade, and rain seems endless, mirroring the uncertainty many of us felt during the global shutdown. The members admit to feeling powerless, as if tripped by a cold handed to them by the world itself, yet they refuse to stay down for long. From lonely halls and rain-soaked clothes, they invite listeners to close their eyes, grab a friend’s hand, and breathe in warmer days ahead.

The chorus becomes a comforting mantra: like an echo in the forest, like an arrow in the blue sky, tomorrow always circles back around. BTS remind us that life quietly continues on pillows, tables, and everyday moments, even when everything else feels frozen. The song is a gentle pep talk that blends melancholy with hope, encouraging us to trust that light will rise again and to keep stitching today and tomorrow together with the simple greeting, “Annyeong.” Life goes on, and with this track, BTS help us move with it—one steady beat at a time.

What Is Love?
TWICE
내 일처럼 자꾸 가슴이 뛰어 두근두근거려
설레임에 부풀어 올라
궁금해서 미칠 것만 같아
언젠간 내게도
My heart keeps pounding like it's happening to me
Excitement swells up
I'm so curious I could go crazy
Someday for me too

“What Is Love?” is TWICE’s bright, sugar-sparkling quest to understand romance before it actually arrives. The members imagine love the way they have seen it in movies, dramas, and books – sweet like candy, heart-racing, and capable of turning the whole world beautiful. Each line captures their youthful curiosity: Will it make my heart pound all day? Will I smile from morning to night? They keep replaying these dreamy scenes in their minds, wondering when and how their own story will begin.

Despite not having experienced true love yet, the song overflows with excitement and hope. TWICE picture themselves spotting “the one,” feeling fireworks in their chest, and maybe even bursting into happy tears. That playful anticipation is what makes the chorus so catchy. Instead of giving a concrete answer, the group invites listeners to join the adventure and discover the feeling together. “What Is Love?” becomes an upbeat reminder that the journey to love – filled with questions, daydreams, and wide-eyed wonder – can be just as magical as love itself.

Blind Spot
Stray Kids
Eoduun bam sorichineun nal
Amudo nae moseup mollado gwaenchana
Binnaneun dochak jijeom dwi mollak
Haet-tteon moseubeun sumgyeo
I yell into the dark night
It's alright that nobody knows me
I took a step back from the shining finish line
I hide the way I used to be

Blind Spot is Stray Kids’ anthem for anyone who feels overlooked while chasing a dream. The lyrics paint a picture of long, dark nights filled with sweat, mistakes and self-doubt that the outside world never sees. People usually applaud the final triumph, but this song zooms in on the hidden grind—the blind spot—and urges listeners to keep pushing even when no one is watching. Every unseen effort is compared to a secret light being forged in the dark, ready to burst out and silence the skeptics.

The repeated line “Shining, we are the champions” flips the script: the moment you recognize your own progress, you have already started winning. Stray Kids cheer you on to stomp over fear, protect your self-belief, and meet them “outside the blind spot” where all the quiet perseverance finally glows. It is an energizing reminder that true greatness is born in private struggles, not in public applause.

Friends
Jimin, Taehyung (BTS)
뭔가 이상했었던 아이
난 달에서
넌 별에서
우리 대화는 숙제 같았지
A kid who felt a bit strange
I'm from the moon
You're from the stars
Our talk felt like homework

Friends is Jimin and Taehyung’s playful love letter to their real-life bond. The lyrics follow two young dreamers who first lock eyes under the bright lights of Seoul and instantly sense that they come from different worlds—one is the moon, the other a star, an “alien” and a “mystery.” Homework-like chats, sweaty dance practices and classroom bus rides all weave together as they try to “understand” each other. What begins as curious fascination quickly settles into effortless companionship.

The second half of the song turns into a highlight reel of inside jokes and legendary moments: seven summers and winters together, countless promises, the famous “dumpling incident” that went from drama to comedy, and late-night drives that replace old school buses. Through every scene they repeat the same request—stay right by my side—and call each other “soulmate,” proving that true friendship is a constant you can trust even as everything else changes. The track glows with warmth and nostalgia, inviting listeners to celebrate the friends who feel like family.

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.

I AM
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.

Butterfly
BTS
아무것도 생각하지 마
넌 아무 말도 꺼내지도 마
그냥 내게 웃어줘
난 아직도 믿기지가 않아
Don't think about anything
Don't say a word
Just smile for me
I still can't believe it

“Butterfly” invites you into a weightless moment where love feels as fragile as a butterfly’s wings.

From the very first line—“Don’t think about anything”—the singer begs time to stand still, afraid that a single word or touch could make this beautiful presence vanish. The repeated questions “Is it true?” and “Untrue” reveal a heart caught between dream and reality, dazzled by someone so breathtaking that even happiness feels dangerous. Like chasing a butterfly in the dark, every hesitant step is filled with wonder, panic, and the fear of breaking what you adore.

As the song drifts on soft synths and tender vocals, the narrator makes three desperate wishes: stay by my side, promise you won’t disappear, and let this instant last forever. The imagery shifts from star-lit darkness to a shoreline café, underscoring how quickly the scene could dissolve. Ultimately, “Butterfly” captures that trembling pause before you reach out—hoping the delicate magic of a first love will settle on your hand instead of flying away.

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.

Phoenix
Stray Kids
걸음 할 수 없는 날에 베여도
그을린 상철 뒤로해 난 날아오를 내일로 가
You know I won't give up, yeah
We're gonna rise up again
Even when I'm cut on days I can't walk
Leaving behind my burnt scars, I fly toward tomorrow
...
...

Feel the heat of survival and self-belief. In “Phoenix,” Stray Kids turn the legendary firebird into a musical rally cry for anyone who has ever been knocked down. The lyrics open with pain and doubt, yet the members quickly swallow the hurt, wake themselves up, and refuse to stay buried in yesterday’s ashes. Every “Rebirth, rebirth” acts like a spark, reminding listeners that scars are not shackles but fuel for a spectacular comeback.

The chorus spreads its wings wide. When Stray Kids shout “We’re gonna rise up again,” they invite us to glide alongside them, feel the air of possibility, and light up the night with our own flames. The song’s rapid rap lines paint images of dancing through storms, blooming after being trampled, and sprinting through endless fire without fear. In the end, “Phoenix” is an anthem of relentless resilience: no matter how fierce the blaze, we can always emerge brighter, stronger, and ready to soar higher than before.

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.

BATTER 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.

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!