Have you ever felt that mix of excitement and anxiety when starting something new? That’s exactly what Korean singer-songwriter Hanroro captures in her debut single “입춘” (Ipchun), which translates to “Let Me Love My Youth.” Released in March 2022, this modern rock track beautifully expresses the vulnerable feelings of youth stepping into an uncertain world, longing for warmth and courage.
Hanroro (real name Han Jisu) creates music that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced the bittersweet moments of growing up. Her poetic lyrics and emotionally rich vocals have earned her recognition, including nominations at the Korean Music Awards and a spot on Apple Music Korea’s “Best 100 Songs of 2022.” The song even caught the attention of BTS’s RM, who recommended it on his Instagram!
For intermediate Korean learners, this song is a wonderful study resource. The lyrics feature seasonal vocabulary centered around spring (봄), expressions of longing and hope using -고 싶다, and beautifully poetic imagery that will expand your understanding of Korean metaphors. Let’s dive in!
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Lyrics Preview
| 한국어 | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| 봄을 기다린다는 말 | bo-meul gi-da-rin-da-neun mal | The words “waiting for spring” |
| 차가운 마음 | cha-ga-un ma-eum | A cold heart |
| 첫 봄인사를 건네줘요 | cheot bom-in-sa-reul geon-ne-jwo-yo | Please give me the first greeting of spring |
Want to see the full lyrics? Check them out on Bugs!
Key Expressions
Here are the must-know expressions from this song!
입춘 ip-chun
This is the traditional term for the “beginning of spring” in the Korean lunar calendar, one of the 24 seasonal divisions. It represents new beginnings and hope after winter.
입춘이 지나면 날씨가 따뜻해져요.
After Ipchun passes, the weather gets warmer.
고개를 내밀다 go-gae-reul nae-mil-da
Literally “to stick out one’s head,” this expression means to cautiously emerge or appear, like a flower bud peeking through the soil.
새싹이 땅에서 고개를 내밀었어요.
A sprout poked its head out from the ground.
인사를 건네다 in-sa-reul geon-ne-da
To offer or extend a greeting. 건네다 implies handing something over with care, making this expression feel warm and intentional.
모르는 사람에게 먼저 인사를 건넸어요.
I offered a greeting first to a stranger.
차가운 마음 cha-ga-un ma-eum
A “cold heart” – used to describe emotional coldness, loneliness, or feeling emotionally frozen.
겨울처럼 차가운 마음이 녹기를 바라요.
I hope my cold heart melts like winter thawing.
피우다 pi-u-da
To bloom or make something bloom. This verb is used for flowers blooming, but also metaphorically for dreams, smiles, or potential coming to fruition.
올해는 꼭 꿈을 피우고 싶어요.
This year, I really want to make my dreams bloom.
Grammar Points
-고 싶다 (Expressing Wishes and Desires)
This grammar pattern attaches to verb stems to express “want to do” something. It’s one of the most essential patterns for expressing your hopes and desires in Korean. In the song, the singer expresses deep longing through this structure.
| 한국어 | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| 한국어를 잘하고 싶어요. | han-gu-geo-reul jal-ha-go si-peo-yo. | I want to speak Korean well. |
| 봄에 꽃구경을 가고 싶어요. | bo-me kkot-gu-gyeong-eul ga-go si-peo-yo. | I want to go see flowers in spring. |
| 따뜻한 사람을 만나고 싶어요. | tta-tteu-tan sa-ra-meul man-na-go si-peo-yo. | I want to meet a warm-hearted person. |
-아/어 주다 (Doing Something for Someone)
This pattern expresses doing an action for someone else’s benefit. When combined with the request ending -세요 or -줘요, it becomes a polite way to ask for help or a favor. The song uses this to express vulnerability and a plea for support.
| 한국어 | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| 도와줘요. | do-wa-jwo-yo. | Please help me. |
| 이 노래 불러 줘요. | i no-rae bul-leo jwo-yo. | Please sing this song for me. |
| 손을 잡아 줄 수 있어요? | so-neul ja-ba jul su i-sseo-yo? | Can you hold my hand (for me)? |
Culture Note
The title “입춘” (Ipchun) refers to the first of the 24 solar terms in the traditional East Asian calendar, marking the beginning of spring, usually falling around February 4th. In Korea, this day carries special significance as a time of new beginnings. Traditionally, Koreans would write auspicious phrases called “입춘대길” (ip-chun-dae-gil) on paper and post them on doors and gates to welcome good fortune for the new season. The song cleverly uses this seasonal imagery as a metaphor for youth – that delicate, hopeful moment when one is about to bloom but still feels the lingering cold of uncertainty.
Fun fact! Hanroro is not just a talented musician – she’s also a published author! In 2025, she released her novel “자몽살구클럽” (Grapefruit Apricot Club) and won “Content of the Year” at the Kyobo Book Publishing Awards. Her artistic talents truly span multiple creative fields!