seoul

RM, the leader of the global K-pop sensation BTS, is known for his introspective and often philosophical lyrics. In his song 'seoul,' RM presents a complex relationship with the city that shares his name's pronunciation, Seoul, the capital of South Korea. The song is a nuanced portrayal of the love-hate dynamic that one can have with their hometown or the place they reside in.

The lyrics of 'seoul' open with RM waking up to the cold dawn air, a metaphor for the awakening to the realities of the city. He describes the harmony of the city, which he is all too familiar with, and reflects on how the city has become his home despite the overwhelming presence of buildings and cars. The song's chorus plays on the duality of love and hate, suggesting that these emotions are two sides of the same coin when it comes to his feelings for Seoul. The repetition of 'I love you, Seoul' and 'I hate you, Seoul' emphasizes the internal conflict and the inseparable bond he has with the city.

The latter part of the song delves into the specific aspects of Seoul that evoke these mixed feelings. RM mentions the ever-changing landscape, the life's scent that is both repulsive and not, and the cold parks that pretend to be warm. He also touches on the Han River, which holds too much resentment, and the inability to see the sky alone, symbolizing the crowded and oppressive nature of city life. The song concludes with a play on words, 'I'm leavin' you' and 'I'm livin' you,' indicating that while he may want to leave, he is also very much alive because of the city. 'seoul' is a poetic exploration of the complexities of urban life and the deep connections we form with the places we live in.