Seoul

“Seoul” is a song written and sung by Kim Nam-joon (RM), the leader of BTS, one of the most famous K-pop groups in the world.

In the song, RM talks honestly about what it feels like to live in a big city. He shares moments of loneliness, frustration, and the wish to belong. A lot of the song has a tired, almost hopeless tone, like he’s speaking for everyone who struggles to find their place.

By the end, RM admits he’s gotten used to the tougher parts of city life: the pollution, the odd smells, and the loneliness that comes even when you’re surrounded by people. It feels like he’s trying to find little pockets of comfort wherever he can. 

The third verse shows how creative he is with language. He connects words like 한 (deep sorrow), 한강 (the Han River), 그네 (a swing), and 다 큰 애 (a young adult), and turns them into lines filled with meaning. He even uses the smell of the city to express emotion, showing that scent can be just as powerful as anything we see.

Lyrics:

Verse 1:

Aroused by the chilly dawn,

Eyes open quietly—

City’s humming harmony

Is now matched to my biorhythm.

My youth fades from memory;

Now it’s all buildings and cars.

This city has become home:

Seoul, Seoul.

Curious you sound like “soul,”

Yet I can’t find your spirit.

What keeps me bound here?

We don’t even share a past.

I’m tired of your dusty, drab streets—

No, maybe I’m just scared;

Now I’m woven into your fabric.

Chorus:

If one can love and hate the same thing

I love you Seoul

If one can love and hate the same thing

I hate you Seoul

Verse 2:

Watching the city shift from a bus seat,

Buildings all alike, but each distinct.

The air mixes happiness and sadness.

Parks meant for comfort feel somber,

People lost in city apathy.

Han River flows with heartache.

Swings no longer reach the sky—

We’re too old, and I’m too late to try.

Friends talk of leaving; I nod, but stay.

I hate to admit it:

I’m numb to even the pollution.

I even love the queasy smell of Cheonggyecheon,

The lonely quiet of Seonyudo,

And taxi drivers’ sighs that

Seoul is only kind to the rich.

Chorus:

If one can love and hate the same thing

I love you Seoul

If one can love and hate the same thing

I hate you Seoul

Bridge:

I’m leavin’ you

I’m livin’ you

I’m leavin’ you

I’m livin’ you

Seoul

Chorus:

If one can love and hate the same thing

I love you Seoul

If one can love and hate the same thing

I hate you Seoul

Outro:

Seoul

I love you, Seoul

I hate you, Seoul

I love you, Seoul

I hate you, Seoul