Kpop.
You’ve probably heard of it and if you haven’t, then consider this a mini introduction.
Kpop is described as a separate music genre called ‘Korean Pop’ but in reality, that’s a pretty inaccurate term. In terms of music, Kpop artists create songs with many genres and styles, such as hip-hop, retro, R&B etc. People need to understand that Kpop is more than just ‘Korean Pop’; it’s a whole culture in its own right. The Korean Wave of pop culture, known as the Hallyu, began when stand-out Kpop groups like BTS and Blackpink (admit it, you’ve heard of them), and Kdramas started to get popular around the world.
If you aren’t a fan or haven’t heard of it, you’re probably wondering: why is Kpop so popular?
As a dedicated Kpop fan, I’ve been asked this question one too many times. My answer is always the same: Kpop is different from western music. It’s not just music- it’s a whole culture. As Sarah Kabir from The Daily Star explains in her article, factors such as costumes and colours, storytelling, catchy tunes, choreography, training, multitalented artists and connection to personal lives are what make Kpop so popular. I became a fan for the very same reasons.
Now, moving on to the actual purpose of this article! Maybe you’ve become a little interested in Kpop now or maybe you’re just a sucker for all things zodiac related but I’ll be recommending a Kpop song you should listen to based on your zodiac sign.
Disclaimer: This is just meant to be a fun recommendation, so don’t take it too seriously! My knowledge on zodiac signs is limited to google searches that led me to websites like this one, so you can’t expect the personality traits to be accurate in any way but maybe you’ll like the song recs! Frankly, this is just me using an excuse to shamelessly promote my favs and get you into the Kpop world.
Note: Some of the music videos I’ll be linking don’t have closed captions for English subtitles, so I’ll link a lyric video for those!
Without further ado, here we go:
- Aries
-
“Going up to the top is the type of idea that’s going to hit.”
As an Aries, you’re ambitious and bold and stop at nothing to achieve your goals. With a natural confidence that attracts people, you are a charismatic leader. Admit it, you love to be number one. So what better a song to recommend than “Hit” by Seventeen?
Delivering a powerful song with an equally powerful performance, the members boldly express themselves as a Hit, making this song a perfect match for an Aries.
Seventeen is a thirteen-member boy group under Pledis Entertainment who debuted back in 2015. As a new fan of theirs, I’m also learning more about them, so you’re not alone. Famous in the industry for their unbelievably synchronized performances, a feat made even more impressive with thirteen members- it’s no wonder they’re a hit.
Aries, do give this song a chance- it’ll make you feel like a Hit, trust me.
- Taurus
-
“I’m the one I should love in this world, shining me, precious soul of mine. I finally realized, so I love me. Not so perfect, but so beautiful.”
As a Taurus, you’re reliable and caring, so it’s no wonder that people seek you out for comfort. You always go an extra mile for those you love but because of that, you may forget to take care of yourself. “Epiphany” by Jin of BTS is the perfect song to remind you to love yourself just as much as you love others. You deserve the care you give to others and Epiphany expresses that feeling perfectly.
Just as the title suggests, Epiphany is a song about realizing that you’re the one whom you should love in this world, that you’re beautiful just the way you are. The message of the song combined with Jin’s emotional voice really makes this a touching song, one that will truly move you to tears.
If you don’t already know, Jin is a vocalist of BTS, the seven-member boy group under Bighit Entertainment, who are better known as the biggest boy group in the world. Epiphany was a comeback trailer for their 2018 album Love Yourself: Answer, the final of three albums that make up the Love Yourself series. Furthermore, the meaning of the song ties into the storyline that runs through the BTS universe, specifically the Love Yourself series.
Always remember to love yourself, Taurus.
- Gemini
-
“My heart sank into a maze of memories… I opened my eyes and found out that night, the day of the fire rain.”
Gemini, you’re probably staring at the italicized lyrics and going: what? Before you get too confused, let me explain why I recommend this song. As a Gemini, you’re known for your intelligence and love for learning but also for your ability to change in a heartbeat. That makes sense because Gemini is referred to as the “twin” sign, which represents duality.
“Eternally” by Tomorrow x Together is a literal manifestation of duality in a song, which is why it’s perfect to recommend to a Gemini. The meaning of the song may seem pretty dark but the reason is because the song and its music video tell a part of the storyline present in their universe. I linked a lyric video, as the music video is more of a short film (19 minutes long) and doesn’t really have the entire song- it’s super interesting though (and a bit scary) to watch. TxT actually have a pretty dark storyline as they utilize a fictional plot to depict the struggles of friendship, identity and growth. Therefore, I recommend the song more based on its duality rather than its meaning which is much more complex- but since you’re a Gemini, you’ll probably enjoy figuring that out as well!
Tomorrow x Together is a five-member boy group under the company Bighit Entertainment (same as BTS). They debuted in March of 2019 and I’ve been a fan of theirs since pre-debut and since I’ve seen their growth from the beginning, this song is a favourite of mine. This song may not have a performance or choreography but the shocking duality the members present with their vocals truly make it one of a kind!
Give it a listen, Gemini, you won’t regret it!!
- Cancer
-
“All this is no coincidence… the whole world is different than yesterday. Just let me love you.”
I know this is totally stereotypical but as a Cancer, you have a heart made of gold. Kind and sympathetic, people are drawn to your loving personality. You’re also very emotionally intelligent, which is why you’re great at persuading people and most of the time people believe what you say. So what a better song to recommend than “Serendipity” by Jimin of BTS?
Serendipity means the development of events in a beneficial way and this song is truly the epitome of that. I recommend this song because of the enchanting and soft aesthetic of the music video, which when coupled with Jimin beautifully singing about love becomes a perfect match for a Cancer. Note that because I recommend this song more for its aesthetic and concept, I encourage watching the music video rather than just listening to the song, as the visuals are the main part of the song itself.
Jimin is one of the main vocalists of the group BTS (mentioned above for Taurus), and his solo song Serendipity was a comeback trailer for the Love Yourself: Her album, the first in the Love Yourself series. The meaning of this song is quite befitting the theme and storyline of the Love Yourself series, and when you watch the music video you’ll understand why it’s a fan favourite.
This song will no doubt put a smile on your face, Cancer, so give it a chance!
- Leo
-
“Follow only me far away, I’ll take you fearlessly… I lead you, I’m the Boss.”
As a Leo, you’ve probably been told this a million times, but you’re super confident and a natural-born leader. You like being the center of attention, which makes sense because you were born to stand out from the crowd and shine the brightest. However, let’s face it- even Leos’ need a confidence boost once in a while. “Boss” by NCT U is the perfect song to make you feel like a literal boss and restore your shine for when you’re feeling down. As a Leo, it’s my go-to song for a confidence boost, which is why I’m recommending this song for my fellow Leos’.
This song was released back in 2018 and became an immediate hit because of the powerful performance the charismatic members showcased- and coupled with the addictive beat and lyrics, it really is a bop, to say the least.
NCT U is a fluid subunit of the much larger Kpop boy group called NCT under SM Entertainment. When I say fluid, I literally mean that the group members change depending on the concept of the song. NCT is a unique Kpop group because- get this- they have no cap on the number of members. Currently, the group has a total of 23 members, divided into subunits like NCT 127 and NCT U. To put it simply, some of their subunits have a fixed number of members, such as NCT 127 while other subunits like NCT U do not have a fixed number of members and the members change depending on the song. Confusing, I know- but it’s a really cool concept if you think about it!
(P.S, the MV doesn’t have English subs, so here’s the link to a lyric video for the translation!)
Do give it a listen fellow Leo, it’s a whole bop, trust me!
- Virgo
-
“Can’t you see me? Friends don’t understand me anymore…”
Alright, you’re probably wondering why the italicized lyrics are so sad… but before you get too upset, let me explain. As a Virgo, you work extremely hard for the things you are passionate about, and you are driven by success. You are also very rational and practical, therefore giving you the ability to align your dreams with reality in order to make them come true. However, you are also a perfectionist and although that may motivate you to be the best at everything, it also makes you overly critical of yourself and others as you can’t help but compare yourself to everyone else. Unfortunately, your friends may not understand that about you, so you may feel a bit distant from them sometimes.
“Can’t You See Me” by Tomorrow x Together is a bittersweet song that depicts the challenges of friendship, presenting both the heartwarming and distressing aspects that come with it. Virgo, this song will make you realize you’re not alone in this feeling of isolation, and that because everyone is different, sometimes friends do not see eye to eye. However, you and your friends can overcome this by putting aside your differences and coming together.
A cool fact about TxT is that in the industry they’re known for having long title track names in Korean, so “Can’t You See Me” is actually the short English name for the song. The full name in Korean translates to “The Night The World Burned Down, We… (Can’t You See Me).” Dark, I know… but it’s all part of a much larger storyline. The music video is almost like watching a movie, which makes it easy to understand the theme of the song.
I mentioned more about TxT previously for Gemini, so you can scroll up to read that if you’d like!
Give it a listen, Virgo, you might actually like it!
- Libra
-
“My choice is my leader, I am my own believer.”
As a Libra, your empathetic nature and bubbly personality draw people to you, which is why you’re known as everyone’s best friend. It only makes sense that you’re extroverted and love being around people at all times. However, because you’re so caring, you would avoid confrontation at any cost and would rather go with someone else’s decision than make your own, caging your own freedom as a result.
“Puma” by Tomorrow x Together is the perfect song to encourage you to not be afraid of confrontation and to become your own leader, Libra! The full Korean title translates to “Puma Who Escaped the Zoo” and it’s a song actually based on a real event in Korea- one of a puma who escaped a zoo and was sadly shot just as it tasted its first freedom. The lyrics reflect that story and how the puma, despite knowing the dangers of confrontation, daringly decided to escape. Although it has a sad ending, it is still a story that can inspire us to be confrontational and to strive for our own freedom when we find ourselves caged in.
The visuals of the song are quite dark and interesting, and the performance is just as powerful as the message. The members also tell the story of the puma through the choreography, so I would encourage you to watch the dance practice of this song as well!
I mentioned more about TxT for Gemini and Virgo, so you can scroll up to read that if you’d like!
Be your own leader, Libra, you got this!
- Scorpio
-
“Watch me do what I want, if you test me, I’ll improve step by step babe.”
As a Scorpio, you’ve always been misunderstood as the ‘evil’ sign (seriously, I don’t know why either). In reality, though, you’re someone who is a true friend to those you are close with. You’re actually very loving and devoted, making you someone people seek out for emotional comfort.
Scorpio, you should just block out the negativity and keep moving forward like you always do- but if you ever need a reminder, “Blueprint” by Stray Kids is the perfect song to listen to. It is one of the most encouraging and comforting songs that I could think of and is one that will remind you to block out the negativity and stay on the path of your own blueprint. Remember, the only one who can define your future is you!
Stray Kids is an eight-member boy group that debuted under JYP Entertainment in 2018. They are one of the few groups who completely produce their own music, which is why all their songs are very unique and relatable. This particular song was made to comfort the fans, and I hope that with the beautiful blue aesthetic of the music video and the uplifting vocals you too can find some comfort.
(P.S, the MV doesn’t have English subs, so here’s the link to a lyric video for the translation!)
Prove ‘em wrong, Scorpio!
- Sagittarius
-
“Just play any song first, any song that’s upbeat. I need to refresh urgently, the stress is piling up.”
As a Sagittarius, you’re the mood maker of the group, the life of the party! With your witty sense of humour and goofy personality, you love making people around you feel happy. It’s no wonder that everyone wants to be around you all the time.
However, it’s only normal that you feel down sometimes and want some alone time to recharge, instead of a party filled with people. “Any Song” by Zico is a witty song that perfectly depicts that feeling. The way Zico sings and raps the verses is as if the song is a stream of consciousness one would have at a party when they don’t want to be there, or while listening to any random song mindlessly. The catchy tune and funny music video are hilariously relatable, especially for introverted people- and I think you could relate to this when you’re in that mood, Sagittarius!!
Zico is the leader of the boy group Block B, but currently, he is a solo artist who made his own company, called KOZ (it means King Of the Zungle lol), last year in 2019. He’s famous for his ability to make catchy songs that create new trends- you may even have heard any song on TikTok.
(P.S, the MV doesn’t have English subs, so here’s the link to a lyric video for the translation!)
Hope you enjoy listening to it, Sagittarius!
- Capricorn
-
“No worries, no thanks, I’m ok, I am just who I am. Leave me alone to my rhythm.”
As a Capricorn, you’re known for your self-discipline and self-motivation. You’re also fiercely independent, and like doing things your way. Although people admire that about you, they sometimes misunderstand it as arrogance. You want them (especially some adults) to understand that you know how to fend for yourself, so they should have a little more faith in you.
“Thanxx” by Ateez is a song that perfectly captures that feeling. The most impactful no thanks is presented through a powerful performance and an addictive beat, that when paired with the relatable lyrics truly feels like the best song for those who need some reassurance that it’s ok to be independent and do things your own way. Your life, your path, am I right?
Ateez is an eight-member boy group under KQ Entertainment, and they debuted in 2018. Despite being fairly new to the Kpop scene, they are recognized for their subpar performances and relentless energy.
(P.S, the MV doesn’t have English subs, so here’s the link to a lyric video for the translation!)
Give it a listen, Capricorn, you may just relate!
- Aquarius
-
“No matter what darkness you walk in, even if there’s a blocked road, remember these words I say: I won’t let go of your hand, I promise you.”
As an Aquarius, you have an independent soul, and you pride yourself on your ability to take care of yourself. You’re also very creative and always have unique, inspiring ideas that others admire you for. People do love to be around you, but you prefer to be alone.
However, being too independent can sometimes get lonely. “Promise” by Ateez is the perfect song to remind you that there are people who love you and you can and should depend on them for support when things get tough. “Promise” is a sweet song in which the members reassure their fans that they will always be there for them and that they can lean on the group. A song made even more touching with the fact that the music video was shot outside during their last world tour- meaning they performed the song in many different locations, surprising their fans on the streets!
More about Ateez is mentioned above for Capricorn, so you can scroll up to read that if you’d like!
(Also, since the MV doesn’t have English subs, here’s the link to a lyric video for the translation!)
You’re not alone Aquarius, I promise!
- Pisces
-
“This is our start line, the starlight of the day that we saw together. Don’t forget that night, you can’t forget this place.”
As a Pisces, you have great intuition and are very in touch with your emotions at all times. You are in tune with the emotions of others, which makes you very empathetic and emotionally intelligent. People seek you out for comfort and you love being someone they can lean on. Other than that, you are also very artistic and full of creativity.
Then what better a song to listen to but “Magic Island” by Tomorrow x Together? Haunting, yet beautifully reminiscent, this song is sure to get you in your feels, Pisces. The meaning of the song is essential to the storyline present in their Dream Chapter era but it is still a beautiful ballad to listen to on a rainy day when you’re in the mood. That is why I linked a lyric video, as the music video is more of a short film (13 minutes long) and doesn’t really have the entire song- but is super interesting albeit a bit dark, so I think you’ll enjoy watching it and appreciating it’s artistic nature. I mean, how many times have you seen a 13-minute long music video?
I mentioned more about the group for Gemini, Virgo and Libra, so you can scroll up to read that if you’d like to know more about them!
Get in the feels with Magic Island, Pisces!