I wanna talk about my two favorite tracks on MAMIHILAPINATAPAI.
To be honest, I’m already 26 years old now. And maybe being 26 means I’m “supposed” to start liking more mature music.
I’ve already gotten used to the dull rhythm of adulthood: work, replying to messages, commuting, takeout, meetings, being left on read. Even feelings start becoming efficient somehow.
That’s why I appreciate ILLIT even more. Their music reminds me of emotions that adults slowly lose.
As a non-native English speaker, I searched up the meaning of “Mamihlapinatapai” before listening to the song. The word describes a moment where two people both want something to happen, but neither makes the first move. At first, I thought it would be a song about romance.
But I was surprised that ILLIT turned this romantic concept into something closer to social exhaustion.
The lyrics feel like wanting to mentally shut down from overwhelming relationships and pressure, refusing emotional burnout, and finding comfort in being alone. And honestly, I don’t think this feeling only belongs to students or teenagers. Sometimes adulthood makes it even harder to say “I don’t want it.”
Then there’s “Paw Paw.”
Maybe I just haven’t listened to enough K-pop songs, but I rarely hear songs this lighthearted and sincere about pets.
Two years ago, my corgi passed away.
So when I heard:
“너의 맘을 다, 내게 말해 줄래?
우리에게 헤어짐은 없을거야, all my life”
even though the song sounds so cheerful, I suddenly wanted to cry.
It’s strange, because the song itself isn’t trying to be emotional in an obvious way. But somehow, it still reminds you of the ones you loved and can never see again.
I think that’s why this album means so much to me. ILLIT’s music feels soft and dreamy on the surface, but underneath it, there’s loneliness, exhaustion, sensitivity, and love that feels very real.
I’m really grateful for their music.
Also, this post was written with the help of ChatGPT because my English isn’t very good yet.