Beyond Language: Sentimental Tracks from the Beginning of the Year, by Karla Garcia

Music is incredibly powerful and can transmit emotions beyond language. As humans, we empathize with each other's feelings and connect through experiences of hardship and bliss. Finding ourselves is a global endeavor—a journey of uncertainty and disappointments that we all take. Music connects and inspires while transcending borders. In recognition of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, let's uncover three sentimental releases from South Korea this first quarter.

해파리: “jellyfish” by HUH YUNJIN 

This heartfelt track opens with a tranquil ukulele mix, followed by an underwater sound effect that resembles ocean tides. YUNJIN’s soft vocals create a bittersweet ambience infused by layered harmonies and a rich bass tune. 

Like a jellyfish, YUNJIN swims through life, accepting its complexities and comforts. Her performance is graceful, highlighting the feelings of uncertainty in searching for significance within oneself and the world. 

YUNJIN compares humanity to that of an aquatic creature and praises the uniqueness of both. Although the dark sea brings sorrow, YUNJIN transmits a message of resilience as she sings: “Why don’t you know? / How beautiful you are /… Just keep swimming / We still have a long way to go.” 

“jellyfish” reminds us to value existence. With every listen, we feel a serene and optimistic sentiment. This song is ideal for a rainy day to overcome life’s infinite currents. Released on January 10th, its music video beautifully depicts the track’s enigmatic message through motion graphics. 

“Panic” by BEOMGYU 

This mixtape is captivating for its melodic transitions and emotional storyline. The track opens with brittle chords and static amp effects, followed by a powerful beat drop and an electric guitar section.   

BEOMGYU’s performance is exquisite. His crisp vocals express feelings of despair, courage and delight, and build up tension as the song progresses. As listeners, we resonate with BEOMGYU’s pain and journey towards healing. 

This song invites us to look beyond our darkest days and find our “answer,” even when doing so feels unimaginable. BEOMGYU affirms: “Every step we take / You and I / Will find our way through.” 

His sentiment is sincere and goes full circle, as in the outro, a shift emerges. BEOMGYU ends the track with airy vocals, creating an auditory calmness. 

Released on March 27th, Panic’s music video movingly narrates BEOMGYU’s arrival to self-love, forgiveness and freedom through an alternative rock aesthetic. Experience this track’s comfort when faced with discouragement and sleepless nights. 

“Loser” by MARK 

Released on April 7th, “Loser” is featured on MARK's solo debut album: The Firstfruit. 

This heartbreak hymn begins with an acoustic rhythm accompanied by delicate guitar taps. MARK’s voice is euphonic and sharp, illuminating his feelings of love, uneasiness and solitude. 

“Loser” expresses melancholia as MARK unveils his emotional attachment to someone who woefully hurts him. He sings: “Even if loving first was my fault, it's alright.” MARK’s delivery is raw and inspiring. He invites us to welcome vulnerability and uncover the deepest parts of ourselves—even those that make us ‘losers.’ 

While the track’s chorus incorporates English lyrics, its Korean rap sections are more expressive and intensify MARK’s heartache and longing for resolution. The outro, however, is most memorable. This segment soulfully combines choir-like background vocals and crunchy riffs, followed by a silky electric guitar pattern. 

Add “Loser” to your laid-back playlist for a calm evening filled with nostalgia and melodic tenderness. 

Looking to explore global music and expand your affinity for the Korean language? 

These freshly released tracks are perfect. Feelings of fearlessness and hope take center stage alongside a profound triumph over self-doubt and the unknown. With every listen, you’ll be transported to a new world while resonating with each artist’s sentimental message. These tracks prove that music is a universal language, and that emotions hold incredible power within our human and listening experience.