K-pop anthems of democracy
Revisit some beloved K-pop songs that formed the soundtrack of protests during four months of political turmoil
From former President Yoon Suk Yeol's sudden declaration of martial law the night of Dec. 3 to his removal by the Constitutional Court on April 4, many South Koreans spent those 122 days protesting, marching and calling for democracy.
Amid the serious atmosphere at the demonstrations, one element stood out— the voluntary participation of younger generations and the powerful presence of K-pop music. Here are some of the tracks that lit up the night skies during the countless protests, uplifting the crowd and bringing people together.
Girls' Generation's "Into the New World"
'Into the New World' is the debut single of Girls' Generation, a legendary group that helped shape K-pop. Released in August 2007, the song features a stirring harmony of guitar, keyboard and drums and heartfelt lyrics of encouragement, all wrapped in a stirring melody.
This track, which echoed at many recent protests calling for Yoon's impeachment, has been used as a protest song since 2016. That year, when students at Ewha Womans University staged a sit-in against the university's plan to build a college of continuing education despite students' opposition, they sang this song to encourage each other as police gathered to break up the protest. From then on, the song began to carry the weight and spirit of a protest anthem.
It continued to be heard during the demonstrations demanding the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye. Time and again, it has served as a song that unites citizens and shows their collective yearning for a new, better world.
Day6's "Time of Our Life"
This track by Day6, one of the most exciting bands in the Korean music scene today, also became a staple at impeachment protest rallies.
'Time of Our Life,' the lead track from the band's fifth EP, "The Book of Us: Gravity," released in July 2019, compares moments spent together to pages in a book—celebrating the value of the present and the hope of a shared future.
With Day6's signature refreshing and heart-pounding rock sound, the song has often been played at graduation ceremonies and festivals. Its bold message — making the present moment unforgettable — made it a perfect fit for protests. As it is easy to sing along to and full of youthful energy, it quickly became a crowd favorite at impeachment rallies.
G-Dragon's "Crooked"
G-Dragon, a K-pop icon who recently thrilled fans with his first album in eight years and a new world tour, also lent his voice to the recent impeachment protests through his music.
Chanting the opening line, 'Nothing lasts forever,' demonstrators found the courage to continue the fight and stand in solidarity for the society they dream of.
'Crooked,' released in September 2013 as one of the main tracks from G-Dragon's second LP, "Coup D'etat," features a catchy, repetitive melody that easily sparks mass sing-alongs at protest gatherings. Blending punk rock, rap and dance music, the track's pounding beat is matched by G-Dragon's sometimes childlike, sometimes fierce vocals —making it both emotionally charged and an irresistible anthem.
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