B-Sides: K-Pop Anti-Love Songs

Last week was Valentine’s Day, but not everyone is in love or wants to be in love. So, for those readers who are in the midst of a breakup, want to move on from an ex, or are just happy to be single, here are some songs to listen to when you’re not in the mood for love and romance but still want to feel happy and empowered.

“No more drama” - MAMAMOO

The second track off of their 2018 album BLUE;S, MAMAMOO’s “No more drama” is the perfect up-beat track to dust off those breakup blues and say goodbye to an ex, with lyrics like, “no more drama, I gave you enough chances,” and, “let’s stop talking enough…you’re only pushing me away with your selfishness.” Infused with electric guitar sounds, electronic sound effects, and a beat to snap along to, “No more drama” allows the MAMAMOO girls to show off a more husky and bold side to their vocals as they say goodbye to the drama in their lives. 

“Psycho” - Soyeon

Soyeon's "Psycho" is a great track for those wanting to express their anger and emotions towards an ex through song. Taken from the (G)I-DLE leader’s 2021 debut solo mini-album, Windy, "Psycho" highlights Soyeon's talents as a singer, rapper, and songwriter. With lyrics such as, "Didn't know I was like this… I can hold a grudge for a long time," and, "I'm gonna crash into your new black car on purpose," this slow, jazz-inspired track has a sound that should definitely be used as an OST for a dark-action K-Drama.

“Without U” - EXID

The fourth track from the group’s 2015 album AH YEAH, “Without U” is EXID’s power anthem for all their happily single fans out there. Sung with lyrics in both Korean and English, “Without U” is uplifting and fun. The song is a reminder of how to be happy by yourself and to not go back to that ex, with the girls singing about how they feel, “freakin’ good without you boy.”

“Don’t Call Me” - Eric Nam

“Don’t Call Me” is the fifth track off of Eric Nam’s 2018 EP Honestly, an all-English track that fuses a blend of guitar and electronic sounds under Eric’s vocals to deliver an empowering song about cutting off that ex you no longer want to hear from. With lyrics such as, “I know you’re hung up on me but please stop trying,” and, “there’s one thing that you shouldn’t do, don’t call me,” this is a song that anyone wanting to move on from an ex should listen to.