by REERA YOO | @reeraboo
editor@charactermedia.com
It’s Christmas Eve! Here are some festive K-pop jingles, old and new, to help you get in the holiday spirit.
Roy Kim – “It’s Christmas Day”
Roy Kim’s silky voice is sure to melt a few hearts this Christmas Day in his latest self-composed winter carol. The lyrics capture the feeling of butterflies when one confesses love to that special someone on Christmas.
The VIBE Family – “Lonely Christmas”
http://youtu.be/m1F8gWtR4BM
If you’re planning to spend Christmas alone this year, this emotional pop ballad by VIBE Entertainment’s best vocalists will bring you comfort. Composed and written by Ryu Jaehyun, “Lonely Christmas” is dedicated to those who are unable to be with their loved ones during the holiday season. In addition, the music video uses beautiful animation and storytelling.
Mystic89 Family – “Christmas Wishes”
Mystic89 artists have some of the most unique voices in the K-pop industry, and this Christmas collaborative song blends all of their vocals perfectly. “Christmas Wishes” has a cheerful but easygoing melody that will ease away all your holiday worries.
Sweet Sorrow – “The Story of December”
Nothing screams Christmas more than sleigh bells and bright trumpets. “The Story of December” is a cheery holiday classic that highlights Sweet Sorrow’s smooth harmonies.
Ailee – “My Grown-up Christmas List”
Korean American soloist Ailee brings her signature soul in this cover of Amy Grant’s “My Grown-up Christmas List.” Recorded in both English and Korean, the song is about an adult asking Santa for a better world for humanity rather than materialistic gifts.
BTOB – “You Can Cry”
Despite its title, BTOB’s “You Can Cry” is a lighthearted, mid-tempo song that attempts to cheer up all the single people spending Christmas alone. While Christmas is considered a celebration of family and close friends in Western countries, South Korea sees the holiday as a romantic one that’s on par with Valentine’s Day. This is why BTOB reassures their lonely listeners with their smooth vocals that it’s OK to cry if they have no date for the holiday.
Crayon Pop – “Lonely Christmas”
This is probably the most hyperactive Christmas song in K-pop. Crayon Pop’s disco-pop jam will make you want to dance and is perfect for livening up holiday parties. The “jelly legs” dance works as a cool party trick as well.
TVXQ – “Magic Castle”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrIeexoSwn8
“Magic Castle” is one of the earliest songs the original five-member boy band TVXQ recorded. In the first minute of the music video, the group showcases their acapella skills before performing the cover of The Classic’s 1994 hit song “Magic Castle.” It’s hard to believe that it’s been nearly 11 years since TVXQ released this track. Fun fact: Yoona of Girls’ Generation plays the girl featured in the music video, which was her first public appearance.
IU – “Merry Christmas in Advance ft. Thunder”
IU, who was recently voted as South Korea’s favorite singer of 2014, flaunts her clear vocals in this sweet and peppy song. MBLAQ’s Thunder is also featured as a rapper in the original track.
Kim Bum-soo and Lena Park – “White Winter”
Kim Bum-soo and Lena Park, two of the most acclaimed vocalists in K-pop, brighten the holiday season with their modernized cover of “White Winter,” originally released by Mr. 2 in the ’90s.
URBAN ZAKAPA – “Snowing”
URBAN ZAKAPA, an indie-jazz trio, captures the warmth and sweetness of winter with their crooning voices.
Jellyfish Entertainment – “Because It’s Christmas”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaYC2uW0PLM
The gentlemen of Jellyfish Entertainment delight listeners in this festive R&B song. All-star vocalists Sung Si-kyung, Park Hyoshin and Lee Seok-hun give solid performances with support from K-pop boy band VIXX.
What are some of your favorite K-pop Christmas songs? Let us know your thoughts!
