Super Junior‘s Kim Heechul and Lee Mijoo opened up about their real experiences with breakups.
The 296th episode of KBS Joy’s 20th Century Hit Song, which aired on January 16, was themed “How Far Have You Gone in Breakups? All Kinds of Breakup Hit Songs,” introducing famous songs that tell diverse breakup stories.
Ranked 10th was Eugene’s “Cha Cha.” A follow-up song from her solo debut album, it’s a house dance track notable for its thrilling beat and rapid-fire lyrics. It depicts a “boredom stage breakup,” where one partner endures and waits until the feelings fade, resonating with many.
9th place went to COOL’s “Before Sadness Comes” A follow-up from their second album, it features delicate lyrics and a synthesizer riff that gradually intensifies through the introduction and interlude. It expresses the emotions of a “mutual breakup,” where the couple parts ways for each other’s sake.
In 8th place was Hareem’s “Departure.” The title track of his first solo album, it blends cinematic storytelling with a unique vocal tone. Through the narrator watching their leaving lover, it delicately portrays the regrets and sorrow of a “long-distance breakup.”
7th was Kim Min Woo’s “On the Military Train.” Known as a “national enlistment song,” it moved the hearts of couples facing military enlistment with its heartfelt voice and sorrowful rhythm. Regarding this “military enlistment breakup,” Kim Heechul asked, “Is it really true that if you wait for someone in the army, they break up with you after discharge?” The producers explained, “It’s due to the pressure to repay that patience.” Kim Heechul angrily responded, “Isn’t that crazy? That’s insane,” and Lee Mijoo empathized, adding, “Where else can you find such a great woman?”
6th place was Park Mi Kyung’s “Obsession.” A Latin dance track featuring samba rhythms, it depicts an “obsessive breakup,” unable to let go of the partner. Kim Heechul shared, “I’ve had this experience,” and admitted, “I even asked to be dumped” because of the lover’s obsession.
5th went to Chae Jung Ahn’s “Heartless.” With techno rhythms and a distinctive chorus capturing the fin-de-siècle vibe, this song deals with a “cheating breakup.” Lee Mi-joo confessed a past experience of learning about her boyfriend’s infidelity through a friend. Although he apologized, she chose to break up, leaving a bittersweet impression.
4th place went to Space A’s “Season of Betrayal.” Set to the then-popular techno sound, it shockingly centers on a betrayal by a friend, illustrating a “betrayal breakup.” A survey by a matchmaking company was also mentioned, naming “sudden breakup notifications” and “affairs with acquaintances” as the most shocking breakup situations.
3rd place was Lim Jae Beom’s “For You.” A masterpiece blending husky vocals with grand orchestration, it’s described as a “nonsense breakup” — breaking up with the rationale of “because I love you”— evoking a bittersweet laugh.
2nd place went to Kim Don Gyu’s “My Own Sorrow.” Known for its deeply emotional vocals, it’s a song about a “time-limited breakup,” where one hides the truth to protect the other. Lee Mi-joo expressed sorrow, saying, “I understand wanting to protect your partner, but it’s very sad that the other person doesn’t get a chance to say goodbye.”
The top spot was Jo Sung Mo’s “For Your Soul.” A ballad classic that sold over 2 million copies, it deals with a “bereavement-type breakup” — losing a loved one. It resonated deeply as a breakup everyone inevitably faces, earning first place.