Happiness(행복) – H.O.T
🌟 Introduction
In 1997, H.O.T (에이치오티) released “행복 (Happiness)”, showing a completely different side from their earlier intense image.
Instead of the rebellious tone of Warrior’s Descendant, this song radiated pure joy, youthful energy, and warmth — and it worked.
Happiness became one of their most beloved and recognizable hits, proving H.O.T could master both charisma and cuteness.
👥 Artist & Song Background
H.O.T debuted in 1996 under SM Entertainment as Korea’s first full-fledged idol group.
With Happiness, they shifted from their powerful image to a cheerful, lovable concept that broadened their fanbase to children, teens, and families alike.
This song helped solidify their status as national icons of the late 90s.
📖 M/V & Lyrics
| 한 번도 난 너를 잊어본 적 없어 오직 그대만을 생각했는 걸 그런 너는 뭐야 날 잊었던 거야 지금 내 눈에선 눈물이 흘러 배신감 느껴 널 찾아갈까 생각했어 난 난 잘 모르겠어 이 세상이 돌고 있는 지금 내 눈에는 너 밖에 뭐지 할 말이 없어 갈 수도 없어 눈물도 없어 느낌도 없어 네 앞에 서 있는 날 바라봐 이렇게 널 위해 살아있는 날 약속된 시간이 왔어요 그대 앞에 있어요 두려움에 울고 있지만 눈물을 닦아 주었어요 그대 내 손 잡았죠 일어날 거야 함께해 준 그대에게 행복을 눈 감고 그댈 그려요 맘 속 그댈 찾았죠 나를 밝혀주는 빛이 보여 영원한 행복을 놓칠 순 없죠 그대 나 보이나요 나를 불러줘요 그대 곁에 있을 거야 너를 사랑해 함께해요 그대와 영원히 한 번도 난 너를 (너를) 잊어본 적 없어 (없어) 오직 그대만을 생각했는 걸 (몰라 몰라) 그런 너는 뭐야 (뭐야) 날 잊었던 거야 (거야) 지금 내 눈에선 눈물이 흘러 배신감 느껴 약속된 시간이 왔어요 그대 앞에 있어요 두려움에 울고 있지만 눈물을 닦아 주었어요 그대 내 손 잡았죠 일어날 거야 함께해 준 그대에게 행복을 눈 감고 그댈 그려요 맘 속 그댈 찾았죠 나를 밝혀주는 빛이 보여 영원한 행복을 놓칠 순 없죠 그대 나 보이나요 나를 불러줘요 그대 곁에 있을 거야 너를 사랑해 함께해요 그대와 영원히 눈 감고 그댈 그려요 맘 속 그댈 찾았죠 나를 밝혀주는 빛이 보여 영원한 행복을 놓칠 순 없죠 그대 나 보이나요 나를 불러줘요 언제라도 그대 마음을 열어보아요 앞에 내가 있어요 나를 불러줘요 그대 곁에 있을 거야 너를 사랑해 함께해요 그대와 영원히 | Not even once have I ever forgotten you. I’ve thought only of you. But what about you— did you forget me? Now tears are falling from my eyes, I feel betrayed. I thought about going to find you, but I… I’m not sure. Even as the world keeps spinning, you’re the only one my eyes can see. I have no words, I can’t go to you. No tears, no feelings left. Look at me standing here before you— I’m still living only for you. The promised time has come, I am standing before you. Though I cry from fear, you wiped away my tears. You took my hand— I will rise again. To you who stayed with me, I give my happiness. I close my eyes and picture you, I found you in my heart. I see the light that shines on me— I can’t let this eternal happiness slip away. Can you see me? Call my name— I’ll be by your side. I love you, let’s be together forever. Not even once (you) have I ever forgotten you (never). I’ve thought only of you (don’t you know). But what about you (what), did you forget me (you did)? Now tears are falling from my eyes, I feel betrayed. The promised time has come, I am standing before you. Though I cry from fear, you wiped away my tears. You took my hand—I will rise again. To you who stayed with me, I give my happiness. I close my eyes and picture you, I found you in my heart. I see the light that shines on me— I can’t let this eternal happiness slip away. Can you see me? Call my name— I’ll be by your side. I love you, let’s be together forever. I close my eyes and picture you, I found you in my heart. I see the light that shines on me— I can’t let this eternal happiness slip away. Can you see me? Call my name anytime. Open your heart, I’m standing right in front of you. Call my name, I’ll be by your side. I love you, let’s be together forever. |
The lyrics are full of hope and positivity, making the song feel like a bright summer breeze.
🌍 Why It Matters
- Happiness became one of the most recognizable songs of 90s K-pop, often used in commercials and TV shows.
- It showed the versatility of H.O.T, proving they could succeed with light concepts as well as intense ones.
- The song inspired the tradition of “smile/cheerful concepts” for future boy groups like SEVENTEEN and NCT Dream.
🎤 Fun Facts
- H.O.T performed Happiness in colorful overalls and bright costumes, which became a trend among students.
- The song has been covered by many newer idols, including Red Velvet and NCT Dream.
- Fans often call it the “official cheer song” of 90s K-pop.
With Happiness, H.O.T showed that K-pop could be powerful and joyful — and that idols could spread smiles as well as excitement.
👉 Which H.O.T song do you love more — Happiness or Candy?
Comment below!
