
The new year is in full swing, many have bought planners, set goals and outlined their ambitions for the months ahead. If you’re already feeling anxious about how quickly January has passed, why not recharge for the remaining 11 months with songs brimming with positivity?
Lee Chan-hyuk – '1 Trillion'
Lee Chan-hyuk, a unique soloist and the producer of sibling duo AKMU, is known for relatable yet unique lyrics and creative songwriting.
His song “1 Trillion” was inspired by a dream he had at 14, in which he saw a 1 trillion won coin ― which today would be worth about $695 million. Releasing the song on Jan. 1, 2024, Lee said in the album notes, “I hope this song brings great fortune to everyone listening to it as we start the new year.”
The track blends electronic sounds with acoustic elements, creating a rhythmic melody that perfectly complements lyrics brimming with faith that dreams can come true. While the title references an enormous amount of money, the song conveys a broader message: the fulfillment of all kinds of dreams, not just material ones. It is an anthem of hope for those striving for something bigger.

Gaho – 'Start Over'
“Start Over,” by singer-songwriter Gaho, became a massive hit as part of the soundtrack for 2020 JTBC drama series "Itaewon Class." Though it’s been nearly five years since its release in February 2020, the song remains a favored track for moments when encouragement and motivation are needed.
With powerful drum beats and a fast-paced rhythm, the lyrics boldly proclaim, “I’ll get everything I want, because that’s my dream.” Gaho’s energetic and powerful vocals have also made the song a staple at festivals.
Much like the series' resilient protagonists who never give up on their dreams despite myriad challenges, this song’s heart-thumping drum intro and uplifting energy will inspire confidence and drive in its listeners.

Younha – “Oort Cloud”
“Oort Cloud,” a track from Younha’s sixth full-length album "End Theory," released in November 2021, is a heart-pounding country-pop song with rhythmic guitar sounds and a fast-paced beat.
Drawing inspiration from astronomy, the song’s title refers to a theoretical cloud of icy objects surrounding the solar system.
In the album notes, Younha shared, “The heliopause, which we once thought of as the end of the solar system, is not the true boundary. The Voyager probes continue to venture beyond, into the unknown. The same applies to us — our journey has no definitive end.”
With lyrics like “Beyond the road, let’s break the boundary,” Younha’s confident voice and the resonating final guitar riff uplift listeners, reminding them of the endless possibilities that lie ahead.