아시나요 – 조성모(Jo Sung-mo)
🌟 Introduction
In 2000, Jo Sung-mo (조성모) released “아시나요 (Do You Know)”, a ballad that showcased his unmatched vocal power and emotional delivery.
Known as the “King of Ballads” in Korea, Jo Sung-mo solidified his status as one of the defining voices of the early 2000s with this heartfelt song.
👥 Artist & Song Background
- Jo Sung-mo (조성모): Debuted in 1998 with To Heaven, instantly rising to stardom. His music videos were often cinematic, earning him recognition for both music and storytelling.
- 아시나요 was part of his third studio album (2000) and became another monumental hit, following the success of his earlier classics.
- The song highlights themes of longing, unrequited love, and emotional confession, resonating deeply with Korean audiences.
📖 M/V & Lyrics
| 아시나요 얼마나 사랑했는지 그댈 보면 자꾸 눈물이 나서 차마 그대 바라보지 못하고 외면을 해야했던 나였음을 아시나요 얼마나 기다렸는지 그대 오가는 그 길목에 숨어 저만치 가는 뒷모습이라도 마음껏 보려고 한참을 서성인 나였음을 왜 그런 얘기 못했냐고 물으신다면 가슴이 아파 아무 대답도 못하잖아요 그저 아무것도 그댄 모른 채 지금처럼만 기억하면 돼요 우리 그리고 날 아시나요 얼마나 힘겨웠는지 하고 싶은 말이 너무 많아서 듣지 못하는 병이라도 들면 그땐 말해볼수 있을까요 모르셨죠 이렇게 아픈 내 마음 끝내 모르셔도 난 괜찮아요 그댈 향한 그리움의 힘으로 살아왔던거죠 그대가 없으면 나도 없죠 몇번을 다시 태어나고 다시 떠나도 그댈 만났던 이 세상만 한곳은 없겠죠 여기 이 세상이 아름다운건 그대가 머문 흔적들 때문에 아마 슬픈 오늘이 같은 하늘 아래 그대와 내가 함께 서있는 마지막 날인걸 그댄 아시나요 | Do you know, how deeply I loved you? When I saw you, tears kept welling up, So I couldn’t bear to look at you— I had to turn away instead. Do you know, how long I waited? Hiding along the path you walked, Just to watch your back as you passed by, Lingering there, longing to see you. If you ask me why I never said a word, My heart aches too much—I can’t answer. It’s enough if you remember me Just as I was, and as we were then. Do you know, how hard it’s been? There were so many things I wanted to say. If I were struck with an illness That let me finally speak—would I say them then? You never knew how much my heart hurt, But even if you never know, I’ll be fine. I’ve lived on with the strength of longing for you— Without you, there is no me. Even if I’m born again, and leave again, There will never be a place like this world Where I met you. This world is beautiful Because of the traces you left behind. This sorrowful today… Beneath the same sky, you and I Stand together for the last time. Do you know that, my love? |
The lyrics are poetic and heartfelt, expressing love and yearning in a way only Jo Sung-mo’s voice could deliver.
🌍 Why It Matters
- Cemented Jo Sung-mo’s reputation as the leading ballad artist of his era.
- His distinct vibrato and dramatic singing style influenced many younger singers.
- The song remains a popular karaoke choice and a classic example of K-ballads at their peak in the 2000s.
🎤 Fun Facts
- Jo Sung-mo was so popular in the late 90s and early 2000s that he was often called the “CD million-seller” for his record-breaking album sales.
- His music videos for songs like To Heaven and 아시나요 were often shot like mini-movies, setting a new standard for K-pop production.
- 아시나요 is still frequently used in Korean dramas and variety shows when referencing emotional or nostalgic scenes.
“아시나요 (Do You Know)” is more than a ballad — it’s a timeless love confession that continues to move hearts decades later.
Jo Sung-mo’s voice, combined with poetic lyrics, makes this song one of the greatest treasures in Korean ballad history.
👉 Do you still remember where you first heard “아시나요”?
