Festival – 엄정화(Uhm Jung-hwa)
🌟 Introduction
In 1999, Uhm Jung-hwa released “Festival”, a song that brightened up the entire Korean music scene.
With its cheerful rhythm, uplifting lyrics, and catchy melody, it quickly became known as the ultimate summer anthem in Korea.
👥 Artist & Song Background
- Uhm Jung-hwa: Known as the “Sexy Diva” of the late 90s and early 2000s, she is one of Korea’s most influential female solo artists.
- Festival was the title track of her 5th album and dominated the charts upon release.
- Just like its name, the song captures the lively and joyful spirit of a festival, instantly lifting listeners’ moods.
📖 M/V & Lyrics
| 이제는 웃는 거야 Smile again 행복한 순간이야 Happy days 움츠린 어깨를 펴고 이 세상 속에 힘든 일 모두 지워버려 슬픔은 잊는 거야 Never cry 뜨거운 태양 아래 Sunny days 언제나 좋은 일들만 가득하기를 바라면 돼 항상 똑같은 생활 속에 지쳐가지만 나를 누르는 힘든 일에 쓰러지지만 고개를 숙일 건 없어 그 속에 행복 있는 걸 찾으면 돼 나의 주위를 둘러봐 힘겹다 느낄 때 맑은 어린 아이의 모습에 미솔 닮아봐 이제는 웃는 거야 Smile again 행복한 순간이야 Happy days 움츠린 어깨를 펴고 이 세상 속에 힘든 일 모두 지워버려 슬픔은 잊는 거야 Never cry 뜨거운 태양 아래 Sunny days 언제나 좋은 일들만 가득하기를 바라면 돼 아주 가끔은 사랑 있어 즐겁게 웃고 또 어떤 날은 사랑으로 울기도 하고 쉬운 건 하나도 없어 그 속에 기쁨 느끼면 그걸로 돼 조금 낮추어 돌아봐 삶이 무거울 때 아무 말 없이 뛰고만 있는 많은 사람들 이제는 웃는 거야 Smile again 행복한 순간이야 Happy days 움츠린 어깨를 펴고 이 세상 속에 힘든 일 모두 지워버려 슬픔은 잊는 거야 Never cry 뜨거운 태양 아래 Sunny days 언제나 좋은 일들만 가득하기를 바라면 돼 라라라 라라라라 Smile again 라라라 라라라라 Happy days 커다란 하늘처럼만 더 크게 웃고 더 크게 생각하는 거야 눈물은 잊는 거야 Never cry 푸르른 햇살처럼 Sunshine days 언제나 좋은 일들만 가득하기를 기도할께 | Now it’s time to smile, Smile again This is a happy moment, Happy days Straighten up your slumped shoulders, Erase all the hardships of this world. Forget the sadness, Never cry Under the blazing sun, Sunny days If you simply hope for it, Only good things will fill your days. In the same tiring routine, I grow weary, And though I fall beneath the weight of hardships, There’s no need to hang my head low— Just search for happiness within it. When life feels heavy, look around you, See the bright smiles of children And try to smile like them. Now it’s time to smile, Smile again This is a happy moment, Happy days Straighten up your slumped shoulders, Erase all the hardships of this world. Forget the sadness, Never cry Under the blazing sun, Sunny days If you simply hope for it, Only good things will fill your days. Sometimes, love makes us laugh with joy, And on other days, love makes us cry. Nothing in life comes easy, But if you can find joy within it, that’s enough. When life feels too heavy, slow down a little, And look at all the people Running silently with no words. Now it’s time to smile, Smile again This is a happy moment, Happy days Straighten up your slumped shoulders, Erase all the hardships of this world. Forget the tears, Never cry Like the blue sunlight, Sunshine days I’ll pray that your days Will always be full of good things. La la la, la la la la, Smile again La la la, la la la la, Happy days Like the vast, wide sky, laugh even bigger, Think even greater. Forget the tears, Never cry Like the shining sunlight, Sunshine days I’ll pray that your days Will always be full of good things. |
🌍 Why It Matters
- Festival cemented Uhm Jung-hwa’s status as a national diva in Korea.
- Even today, it remains a staple summer hit at festivals, TV shows, and karaoke.
- The track symbolizes the bright, hopeful energy of late 90s K-pop.
🎤 Fun Facts
- Uhm Jung-hwa’s vibrant stage outfits and choreography for this song earned her the title of performance queen.
- Its modern arrangement keeps it sounding fresh, making it a timeless summer anthem.
- The song has been revived in recent years through TV shows and commercials, proving its lasting appeal.
“Festival” is more than just a hit song — it is a celebration of life itself.
Uhm Jung-hwa’s bold charisma and uplifting energy continue to inspire fans across generations.
