Five Korean Tracks To Elevate Your Holiday Spirit

2021 has certainly been a monumental year for K-pop. From the resurgence of punk-rock to timeless dance-pop hits, experimental soundscape and engrossing concepts, 2021 advanced the momentum K-pop amassed the previous year.

Now, with the holidays right around the corner, it’s time to revisit some new and old classic holiday hits that have soothed out souls during the cold winter season. With their ballad-led compositions, festive symphonies and heart-warming concepts, here are five Korean tracks to keep you company on these chilly nights. 

“Snow Flower” by BTS V

Released on December 25th, 2020, “Snow Flower” is a collaborative effort between singer-songwriter V and musician and one of his close friends, Peakboy. The Jazz-inspired track is a declaration of love, anchored by V’s emotive lyricism; “You are my special event/ Your warmth will melt/ My blue and grey away.” On a day where Christmas is the focal point, V leaps to show no festivities are grander than the presence and unconditional love of a special someone. The appeal of the track is further enhanced by V’s raspy vocal performance, contrasting beautifully with Peakboy’s melodic rap. 

“Merry & Happy” by Twice

Ringing in the holiday season in style, the K-pop hitmakers released “Merry & Happy” on December 2nd, 2017. Despite its four-year stamp, the track continues to stand the test of time, emerging as an all-time K-pop Christmas favorite. The quintessential Christmas anthem utilizes bell sounds and percussion beats to dispel sadness, as it discusses how affection can dissolve your holiday blues: “I wanted to escape that magic that fills up the city/ So I tried everything/ I tried covering my eyes and ears/ I was so pitiful/ But then the heavens sent you/ Now I like Christmas too.” 

“Miracle” by GOT7

It was a close call between “Miracle” and “Confession Song” but ultimately, “Miracle” maneuvered its way and found a spot on the list. While “Confession Song” has an interesting hip-hop spin and a goofy music video guaranteeing a 1000 watt smile, “Miracle’s” hauntingly beautiful orchestral composition and euphoric vocal performance steals the show. Overall, the group blends their expertise beautifully, however, Jay B, Youngjae, Yugyeom and Jinyoung’s dreamy mix of vocal symphonies, swinging between mellow notes and falsettos makes “Miracle” a timeless Christmas song. 

“Christmas EveL” by Stray Kids

What’s Christmas without a little bit of oomph? Fresh from the South Korean powerhouse’s studio comes Stray Kids’ first-ever holiday special “Christmas EveL.” Rather than romanticizing holiday elements, the octet takes a brutally honest route, critiquing the negative emotions the holiday season entails: My pants are wet to the knee/ After walking for a bit, I topple over/ I used to wish it would be special on this special day/ But not anymore, I only hope nothing ever happens.” The pessimistic feel is heightened by Felix’s deep-toned, powerful vocals.

“Sweet Dreams” by TOMORROW X TOGETHER

Surprising their fans this holiday season, TXT brings forth their first-ever holiday single titled “Sweet Dreams.” The cozy, festive single promises a blanket of emotions with its serenading piano arrangement. Reflecting on the year thus far, TXT offers an alternate perception, focusing on warmth and comfort; “In this cold season you are the only warmth/ You’re the comfort, we fall in, fall in love.” Making the release extra special, the members actively played a role in bringing this record to life with Yeonjun co-writing the melody, while Soobin and Taehyun penned down the lyrics. On the other hand, Huening Kai played an active role in writing the lyrics and melody for the track.