[K-POP] Korea’s graduation song: a message that speaks straight to the heart [2026]

Graduation Day (졸업하는 날)IU

[Japanese Translation / Lyrics Video / K-POP] IU (아이유) / Graduation Day (졸업하는 날) Congratulations on your graduation!!

IU, a leading female singer from Korea.

Her song ‘Graduation Day (졸업하는 날)’ features lyrics that positively push through the loneliness of graduation.

When it comes to graduation songs, many people might first think of ballads, but this track is a rare, refreshing mid-tempo piece.

With an acoustic flavor and a pace that isn’t too upbeat, its tone might fit your state of mind perfectly.

Along with her hit song ‘Good Day,’ it’s highly recommended for graduation season!

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Yuuki

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Through the NightIU

[MV] IU(아이유) _ Through the Night(밤편지)

Singer-songwriter IU, affectionately known in Korea’s music scene as the “Nation’s Little Sister” and active as an actress as well.

Among the songs for which she wrote the lyrics herself, the masterpiece themed around a night letter is “Through the Night.” Released in March 2017 as a pre-release track from the album Palette, it’s a ballad characterized by its acoustic sound, expressing delicate, modest emotions—like entrusting unspoken feelings to the glow of fireflies.

Her voice, which carefully weaves each word, will quietly resonate with those facing farewells or new beginnings.

Filled with kindness and the wish for a loved one to have sweet dreams, this song is perfect for listening alone on a graduation-season night.

Let its heartwarming message bring you comfort.

Time of Our LifeDAY6

DAY6 “Time of Our Life(한 페이지가 될 수 있게)” M/V

This work carries a passionate message that seeks to etch the brilliant moments of youth into our hearts as “a page in life.” It was released as the title track of South Korean powerhouse band DAY6’s mini-album “The Book of Us: Gravity,” unveiled in July 2019.

Characterized by an exhilarating pop-rock sound, the track features driving drum beats intertwined beautifully with keyboard tones.

The members themselves handled the songwriting and composition, and you can feel an energy that strongly propels those about to embark on a new world.

It’s a landmark number in their career, earning them their first-ever win on a music program.

Be sure to give it a listen on your way home after graduation, when your heart is brimming with hope for the future.

Traffic lightLEE MU JIN

[MV] Lee Mujin(이무진) _ Traffic light(신호등)

Lee Mujin is a South Korean singer-songwriter who rose to prominence after appearing on the audition program “Sing Again,” captivating listeners with his distinctive voice.

His signature song, released in May 2021, uses the colors of a traffic light to portray the honest emotions of young people just entering society.

Like a yellow light flickering between red and blue, it captures the anxious hesitation of not knowing whether to move forward or stop, set to a lively guitar sound and a bright brass section.

Its earnest message about struggling to find one’s own path will deeply resonate with those standing at life’s crossroads, such as graduation or starting a job.

Give this song a listen on the day of a new beginning—it offers the courage to face forward, even amid uncertainty.

TurbulenceATEEZ

ATEEZ(에이티즈) – ‘야간비행 (Turbulence)’ Official MV

When it comes to a song that likens the restlessness of youth and the anxiety of an unseen future to a night flight, it has to be “Turbulence.” ATEEZ, a group that captivates the world with overwhelming performance power, delicately sings of inner conflict.

Featuring an emotional, grand rock sound that expresses a heart tossed about like it’s caught in turbulence, the track resonates with those who struggle with a reality that won’t move as they wish, yet still try to find meaning in continuing to fly.

Included on the 2021 album “ZERO : FEVER EPILOGUE,” it’s a song that gently accompanies anyone standing at the major milestone of graduation and hesitating to take a step toward the future.

Give it a listen—this is a track that will grant you the courage to believe in yourself, even in the dark.

Dear DREAMNCT DREAM

Dear DREAM

NCT DREAM is a boy group under SM Entertainment.

Among their songs, one that portrays the strong bond between the members is “Dear DREAM.” It’s a moving track in which the members weave their words like letters to Mark, who was set to leave the group due to the graduation system at the time.

Its warm message—“Memories become strength for the future”—gently envelops the sadness of parting.

The song was included on the mini-album “We Go Up,” released in September 2018.

Lyrics written by four members, including Mark, resonate with an honest, down-to-earth sincerity.

This song, which stands close to the ache of parting from dear friends, is perfect as background music for graduation season.

Be sure to listen to this ballad that feels like a page out of youth.

GraduationBroccoli, You Too?

[MV] 브로콜리너마저 (Broccoli, you too?) – 졸업 (Graduation)

In South Korea’s indie scene, Broccoli, You Too? is a band that delicately captures everyday emotions in their lyrics.

This enduringly beloved work, one of their signature pieces, candidly portrays the vague anxiety and loneliness felt at the milestone of graduation.

With understated band arrangements and Yoon Deok-won’s vocals, it poignantly expresses the feelings of young people facing not only a hopeful future but also harsh realities.

Released in October 2010 as the title track of the album “Graduation” (졸업), it received high acclaim, including winning Best Modern Rock Song at the Korean Music Awards.

It will resonate with those who, buffeted by society’s rough waters, still wish to remember the people who matter to them.

When you find yourself at a crossroads, feeling uneasy at night, lend an ear to these words that quietly stay by your side.

졸업J.Y. Park

졸업

J.Y.

Park has long been at the forefront of the Korean music scene.

On his 1998 album “Even After Ten Years..

(십년이 지나도..),” there’s a ballad that’s perfect for graduation season.

The track features composition by Bang Si-hyuk, who would later become a global hitmaker.

It portrays the bittersweet feelings of trying to accept a parting with a smile in order to move on to a new path.

Many may relate to the lyrics, which pair an adult’s resolve to end a relationship beautifully with tears that can’t be held back.

It’s a song that gently accompanies you when you’re standing at a crossroads in life and feeling the loneliness of leaving someone important.

Immerse yourself in its memorable melody, and take that first step forward.

A Goose’s DreamInsooni

[Official Audio] 인순이(Insooni) – 거위의 꿈 Goose’s Dream (Original)

As a leading R&B diva representing South Korea, Insooni has been active at the forefront for many years.

Since her debut in 1978, she has continued to captivate many people with her overwhelming vocal prowess.

Among her signature songs that offer courage during graduation season is Goose’s Dream (거위의 꿈).

It’s a 2007 remake of Carnival’s 1997 release and garnered a huge response at the time.

The song carries a message of overcoming harsh realities by likening oneself to a goose trying to fly despite its heavy body.

The powerful vocals and dramatic melody come together to give listeners a strong push forward.

Known as well for taking first place on music shows over idol groups, this piece is a standout.

Consider keeping it as a charm when you spread your wings into a new world.

이젠 안녕015B

[Lyric Video/Eng Sub] 015B(공일오비) – 이젠 안녕(Goodbye Now)

015B (Gongil O.B.) led the Korean band scene in the 1990s.

They enjoyed a glittering record of awards on Korean music programs and went on to influence the music world that followed.

Among their songs, the one beloved as a graduation song is “이젠 안녕” (Now, Goodbye).

It carries a message to someone precious with whom you shared a limited time.

Set to a simple melody of piano and vocals, their rich choral work is sure to bring tears.

It’s a song that gently accompanies the bittersweet feelings of students facing graduation.

Let its warm phrases, which make you long to reunite with someone you parted from, bring you comfort.

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