BTS. Photo: courtesy of Big Hit Music.
True friendships often hit right when you least expect them. Whether born from sheer chaos or forged through deep, late-night conversations, there’s no love quite like the comfort of knowing you can send your best friend 200 unhinged texts without any fear of judgment. It’s messy, it’s sacred, and it’s the kind of closeness that outlives logic. So, in the spirit of celebrating that rare kind of friendship, here are some memorable K-pop tracks to soundtrack your bond.
“Spring Day” – BTS
As life takes us forward, we often leave behind pieces of our past as well as the friends who were a part of it. BTS’s “Spring Day” captures the ache of longing that follows. RM’s melody for the pop-rock ballad, born from a winter stroll, says “I miss you,” a bittersweet sentiment that only deepens with time. The lyrics, which he wrote remembering friends from middle school and high school he’d lost touch with, express the pain of lost connections: “Time’s so cruel, I hate us / Now it’s hard to even see each other’s faces.” However, like spring’s promise of renewal, the song holds catharsis in hope and memories that bring warmth to our lives, just like friendships.
“Super” – Seventeen
In a conversation with Billboard, band member Woozi explained that “Super” was Seventeen‘s way of reflecting on their journey, including those who’ve fought for them, who stood by them and continue to build a support system that drives them forward. The track is an alternative jersey club song themed around unity, camaraderie, and team spirit, fueled by a heavy kick drum sound and perfectly captured in the line, “I love my team, I love my crew.” The energy is as insane as it is infectious, hooking you right from the beginning to the very end.
“Run Away” – TXT (Tomorrow X Together)
Also known as “9 and Three Quarters (Run Away),” the song layers TXT’s vocals onto clashing genres like synth-pop, 80s New Wave, and rock-pop. A nod to Platform 9 ¾ in Harry Potter, the secret passage that leads to the realm of magic, the tune evokes a similar sense of intrigue and wonder. It’s a reminder that in tough times, true friends are all the magic you need to get you through.
“Mikrocosmos” – BTS
Within “Mikrocosmos,” BTS and Army (the fans) come together to build a world of their own that’s at once intimate and infinite. When BTS sings, “This dark night (Don’t be lonely)/Like stars (We shine)/Don’t disappear/’Cause you’re a big existence/Let us shine,” it’s like they’re saying to the fans, “We’re in this together.” Musically, a rich indie synth-pop track, “Mikrocosmos,” is a love letter to the fans, built on the unique bond they share with BTS. It celebrates the feeling of sharing a close connection with someone, even from afar, and is reminiscent of a solid friendship that makes everything okay.
“Best Friend Ever” – NCT Dream
“Best Friend Ever” is a bright, feel-good pop anthem that captures the ride-or-die energy of a real friend. With lyrics like “The dreams we shared/Our hearts resonate/Each of us carrying our own pain/Overcoming that all/We connect,” it’s an ode to the friends who become our pillars of strength through life’s highs and lows, and the comfort of knowing you’re never alone with them by your side.
“Imaginary Friend” – Itzy
Itzy has made a refreshing dance-pop track in “Imaginary Friend,” which drives home the message that you can be your own friend and source of solace. The lyrics, “I’m your imaginary friend… I’m here tonight to give you strength… When there are monsters on your ceiling, I’ll keep you safe,” hint at the fictitious companion we long for, symbolizing our inner resilience. This song is a beautiful ode to self-empowerment and the often-overlooked friendship we share with ourselves.
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