맨발의 청춘 – 벅(Buck)
🌟 Introduction
In 1997, Buck (벅) released “맨발의 청춘 (Youth Of A Barefoot)”, a rock-infused K-pop track that stood out in the era dominated by idol groups and ballads.
With its energetic beat and rebellious lyrics, the song captured the restless spirit of Korean youth in the 90s.
👥 Artist & Song Background
- Buck (벅): A mixed duo consisting of Kim Byung-soo and Park Sung-jun, who were known for their distinctive blend of rock, rap, and pop.
- 맨발의 청춘 became their signature hit and still remains a nostalgic anthem among 90s K-pop fans.
- The title references the idea of being free, unpolished, and fearless, much like the youth of the time.
📖 M/V & Lyrics
| one two one two three four 이렇다 할 빽도 비전도 지금 당장은 없고 젊은 것 빼면 시체지만 난 꿈이 있어 먼 훗날 내 덕에 호강할 너의 모습 그려봐 밑져야 본전 아니겠니 니 인생 걸어보렴 용하다는 도사 그렇게 열나게 찾아다닐 것 없어 두고 봐 이제부터 모든 게 원대로 뜻대로 맘대로 잘 풀릴걸 속는 셈 치고 날 믿고 따라 줘 니가 보는 지금의 나의 모습 그게 전부는 아니야 머지않아 열릴 거야 나의 전성시대대대대대 갈 길이 멀기에 서글픈 나는 지금 맨발의 청춘 나 하지만 여기서 멈추진 않을 거야 간다 와다다다다다다다다다 그저 넌 내 곁에 머문 채 나를 지켜보면 돼 나 언젠간 너의 앞에 이 세상을 전부 가져다줄 거야 (간주) 기죽지는 않아 지금은 남들보다 못해도 급할 건 없어 모든 일엔 때가 있는 법 먼 훗날 성공한 내 모습 그려보니 흐뭇해 그날까지 참는 거야 나의 꿈을 위해 길고 짧은 건 대봐야지 지금은 비록 내가 보잘것없지만 나도 하면 돼 뚜껑을 열어봐야 알지 벌써 포긴 왜 해 그렇다면 이건 사랑도 아냐 니가 보는 지금의 나의 모습 그게 전부는 아니야 머지않아 열릴 거야 나의 전성시대대대대대 갈 길이 멀기에 서글픈 나는 지금 맨발의 청춘 나 하지만 여기서 멈추진 않을 거야 간다 와다다다다다다다다다 그저 넌 내 곁에 머문 채 나를 지켜보면 돼 나 언젠간 너의 앞에 이 세상을 전부 가져다 줄 거야 오직 믿는 건 배짱뿐 가진 것 하나 없이 폼 잰다지만 나 젖 먹던 힘 다해 내 꿈을 이룰 거야 간다 와다다다다다다다다다 어차피 인생은 한 판의 멋진 도박과 같은 것 자 맨발에 땀나도록 뛰는 거야 내 청춘을 위하여~! | One, two One, two, three, four I’ve got no big connections, no clear vision right now, All I’ve got is my youth, but I still have a dream. I picture you someday living in comfort because of me, There’s nothing to lose—why not bet your life on me? No need to chase after every so-called fortune teller, Just wait and see, from now on everything Will work out the way I want, the way I plan. Take a chance, trust me, and follow me. The way I look right now, that’s not all there is to me, Soon enough, my golden era will unfold. The road ahead is long, So here I am, a barefoot youth, feeling a little sorrowful. But I won’t stop here—no, I’ll keep running forward, Wadadadadada! All you need to do is stay by my side and watch over me, Because one day, I’ll lay the whole world at your feet. (Instrumental) I won’t be discouraged, even if I’m behind others now, There’s no need to rush—everything has its time. I smile as I picture myself succeeding one day, Until then, I’ll endure—for the sake of my dream. You can’t measure what’s long or short until you try, Right now I may look insignificant, But if I try, I can make it. You won’t know what’s inside until you lift the lid— So why give up already? If that’s the case, then it’s not even real love. The way I look right now, that’s not all there is to me, Soon enough, my golden era will unfold. The road ahead is long, So here I am, a barefoot youth, feeling a little sorrowful. But I won’t stop here—no, I’ll keep running forward, Wadadadadada! All you need to do is stay by my side and watch over me, Because one day, I’ll lay the whole world at your feet. The only thing I believe in is my courage, Even if it looks like I’ve got nothing to my name. With every ounce of strength in me, I’ll make my dream come true— Wadadadadada! Life is nothing more than a grand gamble, So I’ll run until sweat drips from my bare feet— All for my youth! |
The lyrics speak of freedom, defiance, and chasing dreams, reflecting the passion of a generation.
🌍 Why It Matters
- 맨발의 청춘 stood apart from the polished idol pop of the late 90s, offering something raw and energetic.
- Showed that Korean pop could successfully mix rock elements with mainstream appeal.
- Still remembered as a unique anthem of the 90s, especially among those who grew up in that era.
🎤 Fun Facts
- The song’s music video featured a rebellious, street-style aesthetic that resonated with Korean teens at the time.
- It became a popular choice at festivals and talent shows for its energetic, shout-along chorus.
- Though Buck didn’t last long as a group, 맨발의 청춘 ensured their place in K-pop history.
“맨발의 청춘 (Youth Of A Barefoot)” isn’t just a song — it’s a 90s time capsule, filled with energy and rebellion.
For those who remember the era, it remains a nostalgic reminder of freedom and youth.
👉 Do you think today’s K-pop still has songs that capture the same rebellious spirit?
