Born to a South Korean mother and African-American father, the rapper shares her personal tale of fighting discrimination and growing up with a multicultural identity in South Korea. The song begins with her grappling with how her darker skin looked different from her peers, even washing her face several times during the day. But the rapper describes how she came full circle, finding comfort through music and coming to embrace her identity.
2.
BTS- 21st Century Girl
BTS sends a strong message about female empowerment. This male idol group is perhaps one of the most socially conscious idol groups of K-Pop, but they set a real example with this song. With lyrics that remind women, "you are worth it, you perfect, deserve it, just work it," the song counteracts the stigma and double-standards women often face in South Korea -- which is a traditionally patriarchal society -- as well as various other places around the world.
3.
miss A- I Don't Need A Man
Here's another empowering song for the ladies. Miss A celebrate the independence of women, singing, "I live well without a man." They also teach all the mistaken men an important lesson: that materialistic things and empty promises and compliments are not the key to a woman's heart. "I don't need a man, I don't need a man."
4.
DJ DOC- Dance with DOC
This song was way ahead of its time. The song was released by the veteran hip-hop/dance group in 1997, long before the "YOLO" even existed. The song starts comically, with one of the members ranting about how someone also points out he's not using their chopsticks properly whenever he eats. But the overarching message here is whether you use chopsticks a certain why to eat or decide to dress down and wear jeans to work, it's no one's business. And if you want to break out singing or start dancing, then you should! The band reminds you not to care about what others think and encourages you to enjoy your life and be who you are.
5.
Loveholics- Butterfly
This song has become an anthem of encouragement in South Korea. It was also an OST of the movie, "Take Off," which tells the inspiring success story of South Korea's national ski jumping team. The song motivates people to let down their fears, spread their wings and fly towards their goals with courage. This song, which features several of Korea's most powerful vocals, has often closed major concerts, as well as events related to the upcoming PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games.
6.
Jaurim- Deviations
This refreshing song by the iconic South Korean rock band encourages people to rebel at times and have some spontaneous fun when they are exhausted from their daily lives. It's characterized by a more mellow beat when the lyrics describe how daily routines can be so dull and exhausting. Then once the hook goes, "Isn't there something fun to do?" the music bursts with greater energy with the vocalist suggesting crazy ideas of things to do. "Stick a flower in your hair and break out dancing!" "Shave your head one day before a blind date!"
7.
f(x)- Red Light
SM Entertainment producing director Lee Sung Soo belatedly revealed that this song was a political commentary about the poor way the South Korean government -- then led by the ousted President Park Geun Hye -- responded to the Sewol Ferry tragedy.
Lee revealed the company had debated greatly about using the word "sinking" directly in the song: "Before that caterpillar that got pushed around, when all sank...the red light went off."
8.
SunnyHill- Princess And Prince Charming
This song criticizes how people get calculative when searching for love. "Stop judging their face, stop asking about educational background, stop gazing at the body..." "Who cares what car they drive, where they live or what their father does?" The ladies encourage people to not give a care about shallow, materialistic factors when looking for a significant other, saying that you're "more likely to win the lottery" than to find someone who actually meets all of your high expectations.
9.
Jin, Rap Monster, and Suga - Tears Of School
Before the group rose to global fame, Rap Monster, Jin, and Suga released this song that confronts bullying in schools. They stress all who directly or even implicitly play a role in bullying -- the school, society, parents, teachers, victims, perpetrators and bystanders -- are all "wrong." They describe a classroom where bullying occurs a "ring" where "everyone loses."
10.
Big Bang- Loser
Big Bang is arguably one of the hottest boy bands in the world -- in 2016, they ranked number two in the Time 100 reader poll list of the most influential people in the world. But these K-Pop megastars show that behind all the spotlight and glitz and glam of celebrity life, they, too, have insecurities. They show the ugly side of fame, and how it leaves them feeling isolated.
"I'm a loser, loner, a coward pretending to be strong..."
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