iKON “Apology” Korean Lyrics
iKON · 2015 · Album: Apology · Intermediate
A selfish person's apology: I couldn't protect you, I'm sorry — live well. The cruelest kindness.
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FAQ
What are the lyrics of “Apology” about?
A selfish person's apology: I couldn't protect you, I'm sorry — live well. The cruelest kindness.
How do I learn Korean with “Apology”?
Sing along with the karaoke-synced lyrics, then study 10 key vocabulary, 3 grammar points and a 7-day study plan — free, no sign-up.
How hard is this song for Korean learners?
The level is “Intermediate” — every line comes with pronunciation, romanization and translation, great for learners with some basics.
Which group sings “Apology”?
YG's six (2015) — Love Scenario became a national hit. B.I's firsthand lyrics are vivid, colloquial storytelling.
Full lyrics (Korean, romanization, English translation)
언제나 넌 같은 자리에 항상 날 기다렸지만eonjena neon gateun jarie hangsang nal gidaryeossjimanYou always waited for me in the same place
I was gone I was goneI was gone I was goneI was gone, I was gone
바보같이 나를 믿지 마babogati nareul mitji maDon't trust me like a fool
영원히 널 지키겠단 말 거짓말 거짓말yeongwonhi neol jikigessdan mal geojitmal geojitmalSaying I'll protect you forever — a lie, a lie
오늘따라 자주 보던 TV Drama에선 뻔한 장면들이 날 보며 비웃고 있어oneulttara jaju bodeon TV Dramaeseon ppeonhan jangmyeondeuli nal bomyeo biutgo isseoToday's TV drama scenes mock me
난 마치 죄인처럼 run awaynan machi joeincheoreom run awayI run away like a criminal
넌 오늘도 내게 소리 질러 go awayneon oneuldo naege sori jilreo go awayYou scream at me again — go away
내가 이기적인 놈이란 걸 넌 알고 있었잖아naega igijeokin nomiran geol neon algo isseossjanhaYou knew I was a selfish guy
사소한 관심을 바란 네가 부담스러웠나 봐sasohan gwansimeul baran nega budamseureowossna bwaYour small requests for attention felt like a burden
그 흔한 사진 한 장도 남기지 못한 채geu heunhan sajin han jangdo namgiji mothan chaeWithout leaving even one photo
마지막 순간까지도 우린 나만 생각해majimak sungankkajido urin naman saenggakhaeUntil the last moment, we only thought of ourselves
미안 미안 지켜주지 못해 미안해mian mian jikyeojuji mothae mianhaeSorry, sorry — couldn't protect you, sorry
잘 살길 바래jal salgil baraeI hope you live well
Vocabulary (10)
| Korean | Romanization | English | Note |
|---|
| 지못미 | jimotmi | my bad (apology slang) | my bad |
| 죄인 | joein | criminal | run away like a criminal |
| 소리 질러 | sori jilreo | scream at | scream go away |
| 이기적인 | igijeokin | selfish | a selfish guy |
| 사소한 | sasohan | trivial / minor | trivial attention |
| 부담스럽다 | budamseureopda | to feel burdensome | it felt like a burden |
| 그 흔한 | geu heunhan | that common ~ | even one common photo |
| 남기다 | namgida | to leave behind | leave memories |
| 나만 생각해 | naman saenggakhae | only thinking of myself | only thinking of myself |
| 잘 살다 | jal salda | to live well | hope you live well |
Grammar notes (3)
-ㄴ단 말 = the words saying (I) will
영원히 널 지키겠단 말 거짓말 거짓말
-단 말 negates the words themselves: admitting the promise of forever was a lie.
Pattern: [stem] + ンダン マル + コジンマル
Example: 사랑한다는 말 거짓말 (the words 'I love you' were a lie)
그 흔한 ~도 = not even a common ~
그 흔한 사진 한 장도 남기지 못한 채
그 흔한 emphasizes the ordinariness: not even that common thing was kept.
Pattern: [noun] + ハンジャンド ナムギジ モッタン
Example: 말 한마디도 못 했다 (couldn't even say a word)
나만 생각하다 = only thinking of me
나만 생각해
나만 생각하다: the phrase that defines selfish love in one line.
Pattern: [noun] + マン + [think]
Example: 돈만 생각해 (only thinking of money)
7-day study plan
Day 1 — Vocab Set A + hum along to the chorus
- Memorize 10 basic words
- Listen to the song 3 times
- Hum along to the chorus 미안 미안
- Write today's new words once
Day 2 — Grammar 1, 2 (-ㄴ단 말 = the words saying (I) will, 그 흔한 ~도 = not even a common ~)
- Review vocab set A
- Learn -ㄴ단 말 = the words saying (I) will and 그 흔한 ~도 = not even a common ~
- Notice these patterns while listening
- Make two sentences with today's grammar
Day 3 — Vocab Set B + Grammar 3 (나만 생각하다 = only thinking of me)
- Memorize Apology keywords
- Learn 나만 생각하다 = only thinking of me
- Sing the whole chorus
- Sing the chorus along with the video
Day 4 — Grammar 4 (-ㄴ단 말 = the words saying (I) will) + Vocab Set C
- Learn -ㄴ단 말 = the words saying (I) will
- Read the lyrics aloud twice
- Make a sentence with 지못미 (對不起)
- Shadow the verses once
Day 5 — Grammar 5, 6 + sing the whole song
- Learn 그 흔한 ~도 = not even a common ~ and 나만 생각하다 = only thinking of me
- Sing the whole song with karaoke
- Flag the words you still miss
- Review grammar 1-3
Day 6 — Vocab review + quiz
- Score 80+ on the vocab quiz
- Write missed words 3 times
- Sing the chorus without looking
- Explain the meaning of 지못미 to a friend
Day 7 — Final check: full sing-through + use the grammar
- Sing the entire song without subtitles
- Make one sentence per grammar point
- Record yourself singing and check pronunciation
- Use today's expressions in a short diary entry
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