Disclaimer: All the lyrics have been quoted from Color Coded Lyrics and I don’t own the rights to any of them.

TW: Depression and suicide 

Hey! Everyone looks at mental health differently as you will see from these songs that we have all come to love and relate to. Remember to love yourself, do your best, stay positive, speak out and get professional help. People around you care a lot more than you think. Just because everyone is immersed in their own secret battles doesn’t mean that they won’t care about yours.

No No No by Apink

Starting off on a high note, we have the ultimate anti-depression anthem. I love how Koreans talk about “giving strength” rather than “having strength”. They take that extra step to show that they care and that you can rely on them. Sometimes, all you want is for someone to say, “I’m here for you.” A shoulder to lean on can be the most powerful thing for a person who’s suffering silently.

Don’t be sad no no no, you’re not alone no no no

You always became a light for me

Hold my hand, come and lean on me

I’ll always be your strength

Although there is a romantic aspect to this song, it can be applied to any valuable relationship. Initially, they talk about the other person being “the light” for them when they were having a hard time. Basically, they are saying that they will return the kindness and love shown to them. At the same time, they are reminding that person of their true strength which can uplift others. This is a great way to help a person heal on their own without being dependent on another.

You had so many dreams a nd when you were feeling nervous

You hoped for a miracle out of the many hardships

I’ve never seen you being shaken

By the continuous wind

A lot of people find it hard to talk to a depressed person. Not only does this song contain some wonderful examples of what to say but the ideal conversation starter that shows that you sympathize with them:

Did you hold it in for a long time?

The sweetest bridge endings ever

When people start to leave you one by one in this world

I’ll shine on you

and,

When the lights turn off one by one

I’ll shine on you

I know people usually listen to sad songs when in a bad mood but this MV is guaranteed to make you feel better. Tastefully done with pure, cute and sexy vibes all in one, No No No’s iconic point dance and catchy chorus is irresistible. Visual queens. Vocal queens. Apink has it all

 

Ayo by SHINee

One of the most comforting Kpop songs, I could not stop crying when I first saw this video. Thanks to the person who recommended it ages ago This is definitely one of my favourite live performances ever because it is everything and more. I don’t think anyone can watch it without being affected because of the sheer sincerity and love with how this song was made and presented. They did a great job of pointing out situations that hurt people: love, school and work. They made it so extra and fun that you cannot help but smile.

For everyone tired of trying:

Sometimes, you walk alone

You stop for a moment and take a look around

When you’re tired of the feeling of being alone

Follow me then, follow me, me, eh

For insomniacs:

You fall asleep alone again

You try hard to doze off, you close my worn out eyes

When you still can’t sleep

because of the many, many thoughts

Follow me then,

follow me, me, eh 

Taemin knows what’s up lol:

Your IQ is two digits, test scores are also two digits

School rank is three digits, why in the world, why, why

Remember, grades don’t matter. Skills get you jobs. Just do your best and don’t let anyone tell you that you are not smart because of your low grades. The education system is shit after all.

To all the assholes I loved before:

Person I trusted,

I gave you my best, but your love that changes

like seasons do, bye, goodbye

Their loss!

We have all lost loved ones. The love you had for each other always keeps them alive in your heart so you only have to look there to find them waiting for you.

Woo~ when it’s tough,

think about who will greet you

As I wait for you to come, I’m smiling for you, hey

SHINee wants you to know:

A-yo, when it’s tough,

doong-ta-dak, lean on the rhythm, oh

With our song for you oh,

everyone a-yo, everyone a-yo

Side to side, my sad tears,

side to side, all my pain

Brush it off, leave it to the rhythm oh,

everyone a-yo, everyone a-yo

Fighting

 

Plz Don’t Be Sad by Highlight/ BEAST

I don’t quite know what to say. Highlight in their natural habitat trying to find your smile, fighting your shadow, making carpet angels and being ridiculous in general has got to make you smile. First of all Highlight thinks that you have a pretty angelic face so don’t dare call yourself ugly! Secondly, they’re trying really hard here. I mean Dongwoon nearly lost an eye. Just one smile, come on you can do it!

You’re smiling less, especially today

You seem sad for some reason

When I asked you what’s wrong

You said everything’s fine and turned your head

They know something’s up so don’t lie, okay? If it’s too hard to say something then write a note, send a message or record audio for the person you want to spill your feelings too. Don’t keep it in!

Your single tear drop

Makes my day crumble down

Your deep sighs

Tear apart my heart

There are people out there who care for you just like this

Don’t hide it, tell me

I’ll hold you without a word

So all your scars can heal

Inside my arms

Hugs are healing so hug more! We all need them so don’t be shy.

Even if everyone leaves, I only need you

I want you to be happy as you’re with me

If I can protect you, nothing’s a waste

Even my own world

There are nice people around us whom we take for granted. They wonder if they are good enough. Don’t be fixated on those who walk away. Seek comfort from those who open their arms for you.

Like This by Pentagon

This is Pentagon’s best title track and nothing can change my mind. From Hui to Yanan, every vocalist shined and of course, rap line never disappoints. I did want to see and hear more of Shinwon though. The year 2016 was the year some of the best Kpop male vocalists debuted and if you are still sleeping on them….boo WHY? The MV is awesome with lovely symbolism that supports the lyrics. You can check out my review of Demo-01 here. Like This is an entire journey with so many important messages in between. Ready? Let’s go!

Every day and every night

In the passing time

There is one shadow that stops

Where am I looking?

Everything feels so strange

Even myself, that I was so familiar with

Even when the bright morning comes

It doesn’t shine on me

I mean, we have all been there. This is so relatable. You’re not the only one going through this. Life can come to a standstill and lose meaning. Everything seems repetitive yet unfamiliar even yourself. Everyone seems to be moving ahead leaving you behind and when anything good happens, it doesn’t seem to touch you.

I’m letting out a cold breath

In front of the hardships that repeat every day

I don’t want meaningless fights

But the more I hold it in, the bigger the thorn gets

I don’t want to get caught

So I hide it more but my heart hurts

But all of these little things that happen

They’re all the same

Wooseok’s part is very interesting. Daily, there’s conflict and he’s tired of it so he does’t want to be a part of it. As a result, he keeps his feelings hidden to avoid confrontation. Eventually, it just becomes background noise. This is a very unhealthy state to exist in. Speaking up is important. The problem is that most people don’t have the emotional energy to talk things out. Make people feel valuable. Less judgment. More listening.

Like a flower blooming for the first time

Like a small blade of grass sprouting

I believed in you and go on my way

I hope you’ll wait for the real me, like this

Like Hui said, he didn’t know himself or he lost his idnetity somewhere along the way. Self discovery is an exciting yet draining journey. It becomes easier when your loved ones encourage you and believe in you. Sure, there are risks not to be taken but opposition should be reasonable and gentle.

I won’t cry anymore

Scream it to the world, oh yeah

Even if I fall and my knees bleed

I’ll keep running like this

I won’t ever stop

For the only light I want

Oh yeah, even if there’s a storm

I’ll keep running like this

And so should you

I’ll live with no regrets, looking at the sky like this

Spread my wings and fly, now like this

I’ll fly with you!

365 FRESH by Triple H

I was surprised by how many people misunderstood this song. Glad to take this opportunity to explain it