Exhibition Drunken Truth 1996 K-Ballad
In 1990s Korean popular music, the duo Exhibition (전람회) transcended a simple group label, becoming the symbol of K-Ballad infused with sensitive and intellectual depth. Composed of Kim Dong Ryul and Seo Dong Wook, their signature song, “Drunken Truth (취중진담),” released in 1996, is a perfect representation of their musical world. The track encapsulates the universal experience of awkward confession, and remains a beloved icon of 90s Retro K-pop to this day.
🎤 Why “Drunken Truth” Became an Icon of the Era
90s K-Ballad Exhibition Kim Dong Ryul Seo Dong Wook
The reason “Drunken Truth” is still celebrated is the flawless harmony between Kim Dong Ryul’s deep, emotive vocals and the sophisticated production of Seo Dong Wook.
Poetic Melody and Piano Arrangement
The song is characterized by a calm piano arrangement in the intro, building up to a poetic, escalating emotional structure. The vocal delivery focuses on sincere emotion rather than excessive technique, offering deep immersion and cementing the sentimental ballad trend of the late 90s.
The Universal Narrative of a Confession Under Alcohol
The lyrics tell the story of a speaker who harbors feelings for a friend and finally uses the “courage” of alcohol to confess their heart. The subsequent morning’s attempt to dismiss the event as “just forget what happened last night” perfectly captures the universal dilemma of those caught between love and friendship.
“이렇게 널 사랑해” (Translation: I love you like this)
This moment of sincere, yet vulnerable, confession embodies the very essence of 90s Retro K-Ballad sentiment.
📝 Audio & Lyrics
Feel the hidden truth veiled by the glass with the English translation.
| 그래 난 취했는지도 몰라 실수인지도 몰라 아침이면 까마득히 생각이 안 나 불안해할지도 몰라 하지만 꼭 오늘 밤엔 해야 할 말이 있어 약한 모습 미안해도 술김에 하는 말이라 생각지는 마 언제나 네 앞에 서면 준비했었던 말도 왜 난 반대로 말해놓고 돌아서 후회하는지 이젠 고백할게 처음부터 너를 사랑해왔다고 이렇게 널 사랑해 어설픈 나의 말이 촌스럽고 못 미더워도 그냥 하는 말이 아냐 두 번 다시 이런 일 없을 거야 아침이 밝아오면 다시 한번 널 품에 안고 사랑한다 말할게 자꾸 왜 웃기만 하는거니 농담처럼 들리니 아무 말도 하지 않고 어린애 보듯 날 바라보기만 하니 언제나 네 옆에 서면 준비했었던 말도 왜 난 반대로 말해놓고 돌아서 후회하는지 이젠 고백할게 처음부터 너를 사랑해왔다고 이렇게 널 사랑해 어설픈 나의 말이 촌스럽고 못 미더워도 아무에게나 늘 이런 얘기하는 그런 사람은 아냐 너만큼이나 나도 참 어색해 너를 똑바로 쳐다볼 수 없어 자꾸만 아까부터 했던 말 또 해 미안해 하지만 오늘 난 모두 다 말할 거야 이렇게 널 사랑해 어설픈 나의 말이 촌스럽고 못 미더워도 그냥 하는 말이 아냐 두 번 다시 이런 일 없을 거야 아침이 밝아오면 다시 한 번 널 품에 안고 사랑한다 말할게 널 사랑해 이렇게 널 사랑해 어설픈 나의 말이 촌스럽고 못 미더워도 그냥하는 말이 아냐 | Maybe I’m drunk, maybe it’s a mistake, I might be completely blank in the morning and feel anxious. But there’s something I absolutely must say tonight. I’m sorry for my weak side, but don’t think this is just the alcohol talking. Every time I stood in front of you, Why did I end up saying the opposite of what I’d prepared, only to regret it when I turned away? Now I’ll confess: I’ve loved you from the very start. I love you like this. Even if my clumsy words sound awkward and unreliable, I’m not just saying this casually. This won’t happen a second time. When the morning light comes, I’ll hold you in my arms again and tell you I love you. Why do you keep just smiling? Does it sound like a joke? You don’t say anything, You just stare at me like I’m a child. Every time I stood next to you, Why did I end up saying the opposite of what I’d prepared, only to regret it when I turned away? Now I’ll confess: I’ve loved you from the very start. I love you like this. Even if my clumsy words sound awkward and unreliable, I’m not the type to say these things to just anyone I’m honestly just as awkward as you are. I can’t look straight into your eyes. I keep repeating what I said earlier, I’m sorry. But today, I’m going to say absolutely everything. I love you like this. Even if my clumsy words sound awkward and unreliable, I’m not just saying this casually. This won’t happen a second time. When the morning light comes, I’ll hold you in my arms again and tell you I love you. I love you. I love you like this. Even if my clumsy words sound awkward and unreliable, I’m not just saying this casually |
👑 The Track That Defined K-Ballad’s Golden Age
Though Exhibition’s activity period was short, the duo produced a prodigious talent in Kim Dong Ryul. “Drunken Truth” serves as a benchmark for the quality of ballads during the Golden Age of Korean Pop in the 90s. The song remains a K-Ballad textbook, influencing countless artists and leading directly into Kim Dong Ryul’s successful solo career.
🔥 If you crave the deep, sentimental intensity of 90s K-Ballad, Exhibition’s ‘Drunken Truth’ is an unmissable retro masterpiece!
