Hate That... (feat. Taeyeon)

KEY's song "Hate That... (feat. Taeyeon)" delves into the complex emotions that arise after a breakup, particularly the pain of seeing an ex-partner happy without you. The lyrics poignantly capture the internal struggle of wanting the best for someone you once loved while simultaneously feeling hurt and resentful that they have moved on. The repeated lines, "And I hate that I hate that you’re happy without me," underscore the conflicting emotions of love and bitterness that often accompany the end of a relationship.

The song's verses paint a vivid picture of the protagonist's loneliness and longing. Lines like "한 번쯤은 나의 소식 어디서든 니가 볼 수 있길" (I hope you see my news somewhere) and "며칠째 울리지 않은 핸드폰이" (My phone hasn't rung for days) highlight the protagonist's hope that their ex still thinks about them, even as they struggle with the silence and absence. The imagery of writing and deleting messages further emphasizes the internal turmoil and the difficulty of letting go.

Taeyeon's feature adds an additional layer of depth to the song, as her voice complements KEY's, creating a harmonious yet melancholic duet. The collaboration between the two artists enhances the emotional weight of the song, making it resonate deeply with listeners who have experienced similar feelings. The song's blend of heartfelt lyrics and emotive delivery makes it a powerful exploration of the pain and complexity of post-breakup emotions.