1st Generation K-pop (The Golden Age)

H.O.T – 빛 (Hope, 1998) | The Anthem of Hope in 90s K-pop

빛 (Hope) – H.O.T

🌟 Introduction

In 1998, H.O.T released “빛 (Hope)”, a track that departed from the usual idol love songs to deliver a powerful message of hope, friendship, and resilience.
With its uplifting melody and socially conscious lyrics, “Hope” became one of the most meaningful songs of first-generation K-pop.

It wasn’t just a pop hit — it was a cultural anthem that inspired a generation.


👥 Artist & Song Background

  • H.O.T (High-five Of Teenagers) debuted in 1996 under SM Entertainment.
  • Members : Moon Hee-jun, Jang Woo-hyuk, Tony An, Kangta, Lee Jae-won.
  • While known for high-energy dance tracks like Candy and We Are the Future, they showcased a more heartfelt, message-driven side with Hope.

The song was included in their third album “Resurrection (1998)”, one of their best-selling records.


📖 M/V & Lyrics

늘 함께 있어 소중한 걸 몰랐던 거죠
언제나 나와 함께 있어 준 소중한 사람들을
가끔씩 내가 지쳐 혼자라 느낄 때
언제나 내게 힘이 돼 준
사람들을 잊고 살았죠

이제는 힘들어도 지쳐도 쓰러지지 말고
당신의 내일을 생각하며 일어나요
사업에 실패했어 사랑에 실패했어
그 어떤 것도 당신을 쓰러뜨릴 순 없어
알고 있죠 세상엔 당신 혼자가 아니란 걸
주저앉아 슬퍼만 하고 있을 때가
아니란 걸 아는 걸 우리 모두 일어나요
손을 내밀어요 모두 다 함께해요

다 함께 손을 잡아요 그리고 하늘을 봐요
우리가 함께 만들 세상을 하늘에 그려봐요
눈이 부시죠 너무나 아름답죠
마주 잡은 두 손으로
우리 모두 함께 만들어 가요
워우 워우 baby

어둠에 둘러싸인 세상이
그 속에 쓰러져 가는 모두들의 모습이
우리 마음속에 있는 믿음과 사랑이
크지 못하게 가로막고 있다고 해도

(Oh yeah)다시 시작할 수 있는 굳은 용기
일어설 수 있다는 걸 알고 있어
눈물을 닦고서 밝아오는 빛을 맞이하며
높이 우뚝 선 모두들의 행복한 미소를 그려

주위를 둘러보면 너무나 가슴이 아프죠
세상에 가득 차 있는 미움과 아픔들이 나를

서로를 미워하는 그런 마음들을
조금만 가슴을 열어
우리 서로의 사랑을 나누어봐요

우리가 서로에게 조금씩 사랑을 보일 때
서로에 대한 믿음을 키워나갈 때
싸울 일 없어 기분 나쁜 일도 없어
서로 찡그리며 다툴 필요도 전혀 없어
우리가 꿈꾸는 눈 부신 빛이 저기 있어
아름다운 세상이 바로 저기 보여
우린 여기 서서 이렇게 말하고 있어
우린 H.O.T. let’s party!

다 함께 손을 잡아요 그리고 하늘을 봐요
우리가 함께 만들 세상을 하늘에 그려봐요
눈이 부시죠 너무나 아름답죠
마주 잡은 두 손으로
우리 모두 함께 만들어 가요
워우 워우 baby

앞으로 열릴 당신의 날들을
환하게 비춰줄 수 있는 빛이 되고 싶어
이제 고개를 들어요 눈부신 빛을 바라봐요

다 함께 손을 잡아요 그리고 하늘을 봐요
우리가 함께 만들 세상을 하늘에 그려봐요
눈이 부시죠 너무나 아름답죠
마주 잡은 두 손으로
우리 모두 함께 만들어 가요

모두 다 눈을 떠 봐요 눈앞에 세상을 봐요
꼭 마주 잡은 두 손으로 우리가 해냈어요
두려움은 없어요 슬픔도 이젠 없어
우리 마음을 여기에 모아
기쁨의 축제를 열어요
We were always together,
yet I didn’t realize how precious it was.
The precious people
who were always by my side.
At times when I felt exhausted,
when I felt all alone,
I forgot about the people
who were always my strength.

Now, even if it’s hard,
even if you’re tired, don’t collapse.
Rise again, thinking of your tomorrow.
Even if you failed in business,
even if you failed in love—
nothing can truly break you down.
You know this—
you are not alone in this world.
This is not the time
to just sit down in sorrow.
We all know it, so let’s rise together,
reach out your hand,
let’s all stand together.

Let’s all hold hands, and look up at the sky.
Draw in the sky
the world we will create together.
Isn’t it dazzling? Isn’t it so beautiful?
With hands joined tightly,
let’s all create it together.
Woah woah, baby.

This world wrapped in darkness,
with so many collapsing within it—
even if it blocks the faith and love
that live in our hearts,

(Oh yeah) we have the firm courage
to begin again.
I know we can rise again.
Wipe away your tears,
welcome the bright new light,
and picture the joyful smiles
of people standing tall.

Looking around,
my heart aches so much.
The world is so full
of hatred and pain.

Those hearts that hate one another—
let’s open our hearts just a little,
and share our love with each other.

When we start to show
a little love for one another,
when we begin to grow
our trust in each other,
there will be no more fights,
no more reasons to be upset,
no need to frown or argue.
The shining light we dream of is right there.
The beautiful world is just before us.
And here we stand,
saying these very words:
We are H.O.T. — let’s party!

Let’s all hold hands,
and look up at the sky.
Draw in the sky
the world we will create together.
Isn’t it dazzling?
Isn’t it so beautiful?
With hands joined tightly,
let’s all create it together.
Woah woah, baby.

I want to become the light
that brightly shines on
the days that lie ahead of you.
Now lift your head,
look upon the radiant light.

Let’s all hold hands,
and look up at the sky.
Draw in the sky
the world we will create together.
Isn’t it dazzling?
Isn’t it so beautiful?
With hands joined tightly,
let’s all create it together.

Open your eyes,
see the world before you.
With hands held tightly,
we made it happen.
There is no fear,
no more sorrow.
Let’s gather our hearts right here,
and open a festival of joy.

The lyrics encourage youth to overcome struggles, embrace unity, and believe in a brighter future.


🌍 Why It Matters

  • Hope was one of the first idol songs with a strong social message, proving that K-pop could be more than just entertainment.
  • It became an anthem for students, youth movements, and fans, symbolizing courage during hardships.
  • Helped cement H.O.T’s status not only as idols but as voices of their generation.

🎤 Fun Facts

  • Hope is often sung in graduation ceremonies, school festivals, and fan gatherings.
  • Its choreography was simpler, focusing more on audience participation and emotion.
  • The song is still covered by later idols to pay tribute to H.O.T.

“Hope” is more than just a song — it’s a message of light and courage that defined H.O.T’s legacy.
It stands as proof that first-generation K-pop idols weren’t just performers, but also cultural leaders.

👉 Do you think today’s idols should sing more message-driven songs like Hope?
Share your thoughts in the comments!

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