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

Last BellTWS

TWS (투어스) ‘마지막 축제’ Official MV

Tuas is a six-member group that debuted in January 2024 under the banner of “Boyhood Pop,” which expresses the emotions of youth.

Among their songs, the one you’ll want to hear during the winter graduation season is “Last Festival.” It’s a fresh, sophisticated reinterpretation of a classic released in 1993 by Seo Taiji and Boys.

The song carries a bittersweet yet warm story about preparing a “last festival” for a friend who’s about to graduate.

Layering synth sounds with their refreshing vocals, it beautifully conveys both the excitement of a new beginning and the sadness of parting.

The track topped Japan’s Oricon charts.

Let its message—one that turns the final moments with dear friends into beautiful memories—bring you comfort.

Season of MemoriesGFRIEND

GFRIEND (여자친구) ‘우리의 다정한 계절 속에’ OFFICIAL MV

GFRIEND, a Korean girl group that has created numerous classics with their pure aura and powerful dance, released the title track included on their album “Season of Memories,” unveiled in January 2025 to mark their 10th debut anniversary.

Blending a lyrical, memory-evoking melody with a dance beat, the song unfolds dramatically with the voices of the six members reuniting for the first time in about four years.

With the seasons they spent together held close to their hearts, the lyrics portray a resolve to step into the future, gently encouraging those standing at the milestone of graduation.

Its warm message, affirming an unchanging bond, is sure to bring tears.

Listen to it when parting with a dear friend or believing in a reunion someday—you’ll feel a sense of hope.

Campfire (캠프파이어)SEVENTEEN

Campfire (캠프파이어)

“Campfire (캠프파이어),” included on SEVENTEEN’s second album TEEN, AGE, is a fan favorite.

The song is a masterpiece that likens the memories made together—gathered in a circle—to a campfire.

Ranging from a beautiful melodic section to a punchy rap part, it’s a highly polished ballad that’s perfect for graduation season.

As a moving ballad, it pairs wonderfully with their track “울고 싶지 않아 (Don’t Wanna Cry)”—be sure to listen to them together!

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GraduationKim Dong Ryul

졸업

Kim Dong-ryul, long cherished in the Korean music scene as a “ballad craftsman.” Are you familiar with the duo Exhibition (Jeollamhoe), in which he performed alongside Seo Dong-wook? Their 1997 EP “Graduation” features a title track of the same name, “Graduation.” It begins with a quiet piano melody and expands into a grand orchestral arrangement, characterized by its dramatic structure.

Many will relate to the lyrics that capture the complex mix of anxiety and hope at the milestone of graduation.

Created as a work to conclude their activities as a duo, it carries a poignant sense of parting that tugs at the heart.

Give it a listen as a message to friends embarking on a new chapter.

GraduationNCT DREAM

[NCT DREAM – Graduation] Comeback Stage | #엠카운트다운 EP.778 | Mnet 221229 방송

A heartwarming song by the male idol group NCT DREAM.

This piece is included on their December 2022 album, Candy.

Set to a gentle melody, it tenderly weaves feelings of graduation.

Incorporating elements of R&B, the sound is ethereal, and the members’ vocals convey real emotion.

While it lingers on the sadness of parting, it also expresses a resolve to take a new step forward.

It’s a song you’ll want to play not only at graduation ceremonies but at life’s milestones.

As you look back on cherished memories, you’re sure to feel hope for the future.

Give LoveAKMU (Akdong Musician)

Akdong Musician(AKMU) – GIVE LOVE M/V

AKMU is a Korean duo made up of real-life siblings.

Among their songs, this piece stands out for its unique perspective inspired by a smartphone game.

It captures the frustration of unrequited love—when the person you like just won’t notice you—through a lively rhythm and an approachable melody.

Many listeners may find the persistent, undaunted approach overlapping with bittersweet memories of their youth.

Included on their debut album PLAY, released in April 2014, it also drew attention for its music video filmed in Okinawa.

Emerging after their success on the SBS program K-POP STAR, this track can be considered a cornerstone of their beginnings.

Give it a listen when you need courage to dive into a new environment.

TimelessSG WANNABE

Timeless

In the Korean music scene of the 2000s, SG Wannabe was the male vocal group that sparked a ballad boom with their overwhelming vocal prowess.

The song that marked their debut and continues to be loved to this day is this very track.

Set to a medium-tempo, emotive melody, it portrays a heartrending, helpless cry at the moment of parting.

The earnest message for the one who is leaving and the dramatic harmonies woven by the three members are sure to bring listeners to tears.

Included on the 2004 album “SG Wanna Be+,” the song resurfaced on the music charts in 2021—17 years after its release—creating buzz with a “reverse run” phenomenon.

It’s a piece that will move your heart, especially in the season when farewells and new beginnings intersect—be sure to give it a listen.

BRAND NEW GIRLTwice

TWICE「BRAND NEW GIRL」Music Video

Brand-new days begin even as it’s a season of partings—the song that lifts your spirits during graduation season is “BRAND NEW GIRL.” It was included on TWICE’s 2018 album BDZ; the girl group enjoys overwhelming popularity in Japan.

A colorful melody unfolds over a glamorous dance beat.

Standing at a new starting line, the lyrics cheer on hearts filled with nerves and uncertainty, giving you courage.

Their bright, radiant vocals make this an energetic track that helps you face forward.

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FloweringLucy

[MV] LUCY _ Flowering(개화)

LUCY is a four-member South Korean band known for their unique lineup that incorporates the sound of the violin into a band setting.

“Flowering,” included on their single album DEAR.

released in May 2020, showcases a refreshing and radiant performance that heralds the arrival of spring, driven by exhilarating string melodies.

The lyrics liken buds blooming to the start of a new chapter in life, making it perfect for the graduation season when many embark on fresh beginnings.

After some time had passed since its release, the song drew renewed attention on music charts in April 2024 and has since become a spring staple.

In this season where anxiety and anticipation mingle, you can feel a gentle, encouraging warmth.

Give it a listen when you need the courage to take a new step forward.

RoughGFRIEND

여자친구 GFRIEND – 시간을 달려서(ROUGH) M/V

GFRIEND is a six-member group that established their unique style of “power innocence,” combining pure, clean visuals with flawlessly synchronized, powerful dance.

Their song “Rough,” the title track of their 2016 mini-album Snowflake, is beloved by many.

The driving strings and lyrical melody intertwine to create a poignant yet beautifully dramatic soundscape.

The lyrics portray a girl’s feelings as she graduates from school, wishing to grow up quickly so she can be closer to the one she loves—words that resonate deeply during the season of farewells.

A masterpiece that became a social phenomenon at the time, it won 15 trophies on music shows.

Give it a listen when you need courage to step into a new world or when you want to look back on precious memories.