Are you ready to brighten your Korean studies with a song that feels like a warm hug? Today, we’re learning with “오늘이야” (Today is the Day) by 유다빈밴드 (Yudabin Band), a lovely K-indie track that’s perfect for beginners!
유다빈밴드 is a five-member co-ed band that debuted in 2021. Led by singer-songwriter Yudabin, they create heartfelt music blending folk, blues, and rock. This particular song was released as part of the OST for the popular Korean drama “Cheer Up” in 2022. The song carries an uplifting message about embracing the present moment, reminding us that our most brilliant days are happening right now.
What makes this song great for Korean learners? The lyrics use everyday vocabulary about time and feelings, the melody is gentle and easy to follow, and you’ll pick up some essential time expressions like “오늘” (today) that you’ll use constantly in daily conversations!
Listen
Lyrics Preview
| 한국어 | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| 지금 나의 앞에 | ji-geum na-ui ap-e | Right now, in front of me |
| 있다는 걸 알아 | it-da-neun geol al-a | I know that it exists |
| 나의 계절은 오늘이야 | na-ui gye-jeol-eun o-neul-i-ya | My season is today |
Want to see the full lyrics? Check them out on Bugs!
Key Expressions
Here are the must-know expressions from this song!
오늘 o-neul
This means “today” and is one of the most essential time words in Korean. You’ll hear and use this word every single day!
오늘 뭐 해요?
What are you doing today?
지금 ji-geum
This means “now” or “right now.” It emphasizes the present moment and pairs perfectly with “오늘.”
지금 어디에 있어요?
Where are you right now?
나의 앞에 na-ui ap-e
This phrase means “in front of me.” 나의 (my) + 앞 (front) + 에 (location particle) creates this useful expression.
카페가 나의 앞에 있어요.
The cafe is in front of me.
좋은 날 jo-eun nal
This means “good day.” 좋은 (good) + 날 (day) is a simple but beautiful combination you’ll use often.
오늘은 좋은 날이에요!
Today is a good day!
꿈을 꾸다 kkum-eul kku-da
This means “to dream.” In Korean, you literally “dream a dream,” using the same root word twice!
어젯밤에 좋은 꿈을 꿨어요.
I had a good dream last night.
Grammar Points
-이야 / -야 (Casual Statement Ending)
This is the casual, intimate form of “이에요/예요” (to be). Use -이야 after consonants and -야 after vowels. You’ll hear this a lot among close friends!
| 한국어 | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| 오늘이야. | o-neul-i-ya | It’s today. |
| 이건 내 책이야. | i-geon nae chaek-i-ya | This is my book. |
| 그 사람은 내 친구야. | geu sa-ram-eun nae chin-gu-ya | That person is my friend. |
Time Words: 어제 / 오늘 / 내일 (Yesterday / Today / Tomorrow)
These three time words are essential for talking about when things happen. Memorize them as a set!
| 한국어 | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| 어제 비가 왔어요. | eo-je bi-ga wass-eo-yo | It rained yesterday. |
| 오늘 날씨가 좋아요. | o-neul nal-ssi-ga jo-a-yo | The weather is nice today. |
| 내일 만나요! | nae-il man-na-yo | See you tomorrow! |
Culture Note
Korean culture places special emphasis on living in the present and appreciating current moments. The phrase “오늘이야” (It’s today) reflects a common theme in Korean media: the idea that your most meaningful moments are happening right now, not in some distant future. This philosophy appears frequently in Korean dramas, songs, and even everyday conversations when people encourage each other with phrases like “오늘도 파이팅!” (Fighting for today too!).
Fun fact! Yudabin Band formed after vocalist Yudabin won the grand prize at the 12th Money Today University Song Festival in 2019. The band members are all alumni from Howon University, and they later gained wider recognition by finishing in 3rd place on Mnet’s band survival show “Great Seoul Invasion”!