Breakups are always difficult for everyone involved, but for K-Pop artists, they can be a huge source of inspiration. Many idols have been able to harness the emotion of a breakup and transform their pain into a beautiful song.
Here are 5 times idols turned their heartbreak into chart-topping successes.
Heize – “Don’t Know You”Heize has explained on a recent TV appearance that her song, “Don’t Know You” tells the story of a real relationship she had. When the pair first met, Heize had yet to become one of Korea’s biggest hip-hop artists and was actually struggling to make any money.
As a result, he bought her many gifts, but Heize was never able to buy anything for him. The couple eventually broke up, and as many Heize was constantly reminded of him by his many gifts, she was never able to give anything to him.
Akdong Musician – “Last Goodbye”
Akdong Musician’s Chanhyuk has also revealed that “Last Goodbye” was inspired by a real breakup and that he even cried while writing the song.
Soohyun even confirmed the story and explained just how Chanhyuk turned his heartbreak into this masterpiece.
“I saw it myself. I noticed someone crying while I was heading to the bathroom. When I looked, Lee Chan Hyuk was crying as he played the guitar.”
— Akdong Musician Soohyun
Leessang – “The Girl Who Can’t Break Up, The Boy Who Cannot Leave”
During his time on Running Man Gary explained that most of Leessang’s songs were based on real events from the lives of the group’s 2 members, and their heart-wrenching song “The Girl Who Can’t Break Up, The Boy Who Cannot Leave” was another of these examples.
This heartbreaking song is filled with references to the relationship, making it truly emotion to listen to!
Baek A Yeon – “Shouldn’t Have”
Baek A Yeon explained that her song “Shouldn’t Have” came from real experiences, and writing the song was her way of coping with the difficulties that the relationship caused.
With powerful lyrics like “You shouldn’t have hugged me that night if you were going to be this way” show how truly personal the song is.
Taeyang – “Eyes, Nose, Lips”
Taeyang has explained that “Eyes, Nose, Lips” was actually somewhat based on his relationship with actress Min Hyo Rin. He mixed his imagination with his real relationship and made this heartbreaking song.
Jung Joonyoung – “Sympathy”
Jung Joonyoung’s breakup song, “Sympathy”, is described by the singer as “Not a typical breakup song” and was based on real experiences Joonyoung went through. That real emotion certainly shows itself in the song, and many listeners can relate to its lyrics.
Juniel – “Last Carnival”
Juniel’s “Last Carnival” is based on her real past relationship with an abusive boyfriend. The song is a big step away from what fans are used to hearing from the singer. Considering the song’s lyrics are completely true, it becomes a very powerful piece of music.
“This new song is a bit heavy, it’s about dating violence, I’m the victim, it’s actually my experience.”
— Juniel
