Jake’s Top Ten Favorite K-Pop Songs for Spring

It’s Springtime! The sun is out, the flowers are “In Bloom,” (foreshadowing) and the pollen is making us all sneeze. And if you like K-Pop, you know that the genre has a lot of material to provide for this time of year. If you don’t like this type of music or haven’t listened to it before, I highly encourage you to give my list of ten favorite K-Pop tracks a listen for Spring. 

*DISCLAIMER: These picks are based on my taste and preferences in music, I don’t know every single K-Pop song that has been made. I’d love to read all of your playlists in the comments below!

#10: Spring Day - BTS

She’s a hit, she’s a classic, and she’s most definitely a staple. No, I didn’t just add this song because the word “Spring” is in the title, as it does embody the new season. The ever-so-present synth, the passionate vocals, and the 2017-esque music video, ‘Spring Day’ puts you in the mood to go for a walk in Prospect Park on a rainy day, or a partly cloudy afternoon. This fan favorite among Armys (BTS’ fanbase) is a single that everyone should add to their playlist. Everyone knows BTS, but everyone should also know this certified moody boy anthem. 

#9: Day 1 - Red Velvet

This could be an Anime intro. Red Velvet can do any genre of music and never fail to impress me. Keep in mind, that this was released a year into their career. There are buckets of energy poured into the instrumental, and of course, the vocal performance is exceptional. This track is perfect for if you want to go for a run outside, or if you’re late for work and need some tunes to speed up your usual walking pace. ‘Day 1’ is fantastic, and will teleport you into a new world during your first listen. 

#8: Love So Sweet - Cherry Bullet

Whatever happened to FUN? Cherry Bullet gave us a good time with this song. The girl group delivered a bubblegum pop hit that exuded sunshine, rainbows, and candy. With the booming chorus, cutesy beat, and good old high note at the end, what’s not to love? I guarantee you, ‘Love So Sweet’ will put a smile on your face. I particularly recommend watching the music video before listening to the song alone to get the whole vibe.  

#7: LILAC - IU

Putting this song on AUX while driving at night hits differently. The lead single from her 5th full-length studio album, IU presents listeners with elegant vocals, on top of City Pop-inspired production with ‘LILAC.’ The 30-year-old artist’s inspiration for the song was her 20s, and how she’s saying goodbye to that point in her life. (Lilac means ‘memories of youth.’) The track feels like a smoothie of 80s and modern musical trends, with flower petals added into the blender. I am a big fan of the City Pop genre in K-Pop, it never misses in my opinion. IU is no exception, she fulfilled my cravings with ‘LILAC.’ With strong critical and commercial success, I have a strong feeling that this song is going to be a bonafide classic in the upcoming years. 

#6: Violetta - IZ*ONE

After my initial listening to this single a couple of years ago, it felt like a boost of caffeine. The production on this track is crazy, like “I just took a 5-hour Energy” type of crazy. The sophomore single from the temporary mega group, IZ*ONE, is jam-packed with vibrancy and liveliness. The group brings a playful and bright performance on this track, and the empty chorus isn’t even that bare, because the explosive beat drop makes up for the lack of vocals. 

#5: Save Me, Save You - WJSN

What if the word, “Magic” was a K-Pop song? This is what fairies jam out to, I’m almost positive this song broke the charts of the Pixie Hollow Hot 100. WJSN has proved time and time again that they can provide fans with their signature mystical pop hits, but ‘Save Me, Save You’ is their biggest hit. And I believe it, it’s a stellar piece of music. The track will make you feel like you are on a trip into a fantasy land where everything is blue, purple, and pink, and where little butterflies are everywhere. 

#4: Secret Garden - Oh My Girl

The fan-titled sub-genre of “Christian Horse girl music” is a dying art in K-Pop. (Gfriend you will always be famous), but looking back, this specific song is more “Christian Spring girl music.” ‘Secret Garden’s orchestral elements, specifically the beautiful violin, and striking chorus make a strong impact on the overall composition and mood of the record. This is another majestical entry to the list, that’ll make you feel sparkly, and light, and will give you the urge to frolic in an open valley. 

#3: Hello - JOY

Her name is the perfect word to describe this single, JOY! This is a cover of Park Hye-Kyung’s 1999 hit single, ‘Goodbye.’ Joy brings new life to the popular Korean song with thriving trumpets, exuberant vocals, and a hot drumline. The music video accompanies the song very well, showcasing a lighthearted storyline about discovery, connection, and new beginnings. Joy’s voice is a wonderful fit for this track, and every time she performs it, her aura is infectious. If you need a song to lift your spirits, this is your golden ticket. 

#2: In Bloom - ZEROBASEONE

Now THIS is how you introduce yourself as a group. ZEROBASEONE showed up and showed out with their first single, ‘In Bloom,’ and gave us all the spring vibes. I feel a slight 80s influence in this track, especially with the exquisitely constructed chorus and addictive main synth/melody that is scattered throughout the record. Also, all of the ad-libs and high notes are insane and are like the rainbow sprinkles to this musical ice cream sundae. If you don’t give this smash hit of a debut single, you’re seriously missing out. 

#1: Feel My Rhythm - Red Velvet    

Are we surprised? Red Velvet truly is my girl. For me, this is THE spring K-Pop song. ‘Feel My Rhythm’ samples ‘Air on the G String’ by Johann Sebastian Bach, and it is sampled to literal perfection. This is orchestral pop but cranked up to one hundred. With the god-tier production, charming vocals from the Red Velvet members (per usual), and an established ballet/garden aesthetic showcased in the single and music video, Red Velvet did their big one with one of the best singles in their discography. You must watch the music video first, do not listen to just the audio first. The video pays homage to various paintings done by legendary artists such as Claude Monet, Hieronymus Bosch, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, and more. Overall, Whenever I think of springtime, I know that it’s time to “Feel My Rhythm” and transform into the sixth Red Velvet member. 

Written by Jake Pranian

Photography by Thea Wiener

Editing by Jake Pranian

Videography by Geo Mojica

Talent: @d.xbrah on Instagram

Audience Control

I went on a press tour expressing my love for you, the faces I remember, names I’ve forgotten.

I gave out clues but who would believe me or you? Again and again.

We are not made up to fit, to live in pain as the audience has no shame. The strength to grasp, to hold, to interpret our language the audience may never understand.

The audience dangles onto ignorance, the only life they have known.

So go on and live in fucking bliss, enjoy the red carpet and screenings, watch the jumbotron for the kiss cam kiss, life must be hard to watch us exist.   

Written by Daniel Rojas

Photography by Jacob Goetke

Creative Director: Sophia Querrazzi

Editing: Mark Bluemle

Talent: Jaden Ritwegger, Kai Kilburn

When is it My Turn: 4 Tips for Building Character in the Loneliness Epidemic

Do you ever wonder when it will be your time to flourish? Finding success in young adulthood is confusing and nonlinear, what If I told you there’s a way out?

As I stumble through the barren wasteland that is my early 20s, I sometimes think to myself; “When is it my turn”? Whether you’re a sufferer of loneliness or a typical late bloomer, it can often feel like you’re light years behind in experience from our well-seasoned peers. As we know, developing meaningful relationships in a post-pandemic world is a challenge many of us did not expect to face. Bombarded by misinformation and disinformation, tragedies and war-stricken times, our happiness is thwarted by the decaying nature of humanity itself. 

Now, add a mental health crisis and a staggering rise in loneliness and we’ve become completely dependent on social media for our escapism. No one is meant to mope around on their phone scrolling through TikTok and reels, seeking solace in flickering images of a promised life unlived. Instead, let’s get out there and claim our turn in life! Rather than waiting around for the world to get its sh#@! together. While I navigate the bumpy road to adulthood, here are 4 methods that are helping me survive through this isolation.

Don’t “Gatekeep” Yourself.

Popularized by TikTok, to be a gatekeeper in the 2020s is to withhold information about a product, media, or even yourself. Some might call gatekeeping protecting your peace, but I believe that it’s an excuse to be comfortably excluded from our peers. In recent times, I’ve found gatekeeping to be sort of ridiculous, so why wouldn’t I want to share my invaluable findings? Maybe I want to keep my favorite denim brand covert or hide the secret to my quaffed hair. Nonetheless, What’s the point?  I’ve determined that it’s irrelevant that others might be gatekeeping themselves but that I don’t have to follow suit. I’m not implying that one be fully unraveled, but I’ve found that extending yourself is more impressive than being elusive.

Please, reach out already!

There’s absolutely no shame in reaching out to a cool classmate, co-worker, or potential mentor. It’s actually quite admirable, you deserve to be surrounded by those who spur curiosity and tingle your excitement. Although rejection is a painful emotion to tackle, it’s vital to monitor your anxiety and think about the lack of severity these interactions hold in the bigger picture. A lot of the time, these cohorts feel the same amount of pressure to find their own people. If you haven’t been given the boot already, make a point of greeting this person, striking up a conversation, and being vulnerable and reflective when responding to others. If you miss them in person, pick up the phone! Decoding vague text messages and interpreting typos is too cumbersome and frustrating. At least In person or on the phone, misunderstandings can be addressed intuitively and in real-time, without the burden of texting politics. 

Although maintaining your immediate relationships is crucial, it’s also key for you to nourish communication with the cast of individuals in your daily life. Like the cashier at your supermarket or the server at your favorite restaurant. Form connections with those who preserve public spaces you reside in. These are the individuals who are the cornerstones of our safety, wellness, and comfort. Developing empathy and having meaningful interaction with people of all walks of life is not only valuable for yourself but also for the state of the world. 

Move Your Body! 

Literally, move your body! Dance, run, jump, and get your juices flowing. The best way to combat isolation or boredom could be remedied by simply grooving to your favorite tune. Moving your body isn’t just for getting your steps in, but also for stimulating the soul. If you’re blessed with a healthy body, truly appreciate it and be thankful for your mobility. I feel the most exhilarated flailing my arms and kicking my legs to the punky rumble of the Ramones. Or sprinting along the river shirtless, with the yellow hue of the summer sunshine on my back. It’s the most mundane aspects of my routine that help me stay grounded, and secure and stave off my most depressive thoughts!

Claim Your Turn.

It’s not worth it to yearn for things to materialize out of nowhere. The truth is, you’re the only one who holds sway over your destiny. Take the risk of rejection, and embarrassment, always have intention, claim your turn in life, and own it! 

Written by Nathan Zierlein

Illustration by @poz.gram on Instagram