What If (Korean)

EXO's 'What If (Korean)' is a poignant exploration of unspoken feelings and missed opportunities in a relationship. The song delves into the emotional turmoil of seeing someone you love with another person, and the regret of not having expressed your feelings when you had the chance. The recurring motif of '시선' (siseon), which translates to 'gaze' or 'sight,' symbolizes the different perspectives and emotional states of the individuals involved. The lyrics repeatedly mention '서로 바라보는 시선' (seoro baraboneun siseon), meaning 'mutual gaze,' and '하나 남아버린 시선' (hana namabeorin siseon), meaning 'one remaining gaze,' highlighting the contrast between shared moments and solitary longing.

The song's narrative is filled with a sense of melancholy and beauty, as the protagonist observes the happiness of their loved one from a distance. Lines like '많이 행복해 보여 행복해 보여 슬프도록 아름다운 널 보면' (mani haengbokhae boyeo haengbokhae boyeo seulpeudorok areumdaun neol bomyeon), which translate to 'You look very happy, you look happy, when I see you, beautifully sad,' capture the bittersweet nature of their emotions. The protagonist acknowledges that the person they love is happy with someone else, and this realization brings both joy and sorrow.

The song also touches on themes of regret and acceptance. The protagonist reflects on their past mistakes and the dreams they kept to themselves, as seen in the lines '큰 착각을 했어 착각을 했어 내 안에서만 잠자왔던 꿈' (keun chakkageul haesseo chakkageul haesseo nae aneseoman jamjawatdeon kkum), meaning 'I made a big mistake, a mistake, the dream that only slept inside me.' Despite the regret, there is a sense of acceptance and a promise to cherish the memories, even if they can only do so from afar. The closing lines, '그게 나였다면 네 그 두 눈 속에서 너를 보고 있는 그의 시선' (geuge na-yeotdamyeon ne geu du nun sogeseo neoreul bogo inneun geuui siseon), meaning 'If that were me, the gaze looking at you in your eyes,' encapsulate the longing and 'what if' scenarios that haunt the protagonist.

EXO's musical style, known for its emotional depth and intricate harmonies, enhances the lyrical content, making 'What If (Korean)' a deeply moving song that resonates with anyone who has experienced unspoken love and missed chances.