CANDY – H.O.T

🎶 Introduction

Welcome to KpopBro! Here, we explore the golden era of 90s K-pop. This blog revisits the songs and idols that shaped the future of Korean pop culture.

Our journey begins with one of the most iconic tracks of the first generation: “Candy” by H.O.T.

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🌟 Artist & Song Background

H.O.T (High-five Of Teenagers) debuted in 1996 under SM Entertainment. They quickly became Korea’s first true idol group. Their hit song “Candy” wasn’t just popular—it became a national sensation.

At that time, the concept of “idol groups” was still new. However, Candy stood out with its bright melodies, colorful fashion, and energetic choreography. As a result, it captured the spirit of Korean youth in the 1990s and laid the foundation for today’s K-pop industry.

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📖 M/V & Lyrics

사실은 오늘 너와의 만남을 정리하고 싶어 Actually, today I want to end our relationship 널 만날 거야, 이런 날 이해해 I’ll meet you, please understand me on a day like this 어렵게 맘 정한 거라 네게 말할 거지만 It was a hard decision, I was going to tell you 사실 오늘 아침에 그냥 나 생각한 거야 But honestly, this morning I just thought about it suddenly 햇살에 일어나 보니 너무나 눈부셔 When I woke up in the sunlight, it was so dazzling 모든 게 다 변한 거야, 널 향한 마음도 Everything had changed, even my feelings for you 그렇지만 널 사랑 않는 게 아냐 But it doesn’t mean I don’t love you 이제는 나를 변화시킬 테니까 It’s just that now, I will try to change myself 너 몰래몰래, 몰래 다른 여자들과 비교, 비교했지 Secretly, secretly, I compared you with other women 자꾸만 깨어지는 환상 속에 혼자서 울고 있는 초라하게 갇혀 버린 나를 보았어 But the illusions kept breaking, and I saw myself Trapped in loneliness, crying in misery 널 떠날 거야 음, 널 떠날 거야, 음 I’ll leave you, hmm… I’ll leave you, hmm… 하지만 아직까지 사랑하는걸 But still, I love you 그래, 그렇지만 내 맘속에 너를 잊어갈 거야 Yes, but inside my heart I’ll start forgetting you 머리 위로 비친 내 하늘 바라다보며 Looking up at the sky above my head 널 향한 마음을 이제는 굳혔지만 I’ve made up my mind about my feelings for you 웬일인지 네게 더 다가갈수록 Yet strangely, the closer I get to you 우린 같은 하늘 아래 서 있었지 We find ourselves standing under the same sky “단지 널 사랑해” 이렇게 말했지 “I simply love you,” that’s what I said 이제껏 준비했던 많은 말을 뒤로한 채 Though I left behind all the words I had prepared 언제나 니 옆에 있을게 I promised to always stay by your side 이렇게 약속을 하겠어 저 하늘을 바라다보며 Making that vow while looking at the sky 내게 하늘이 열려 있어 The sky above has opened up for me 그래그래, 너는 내 앞에 서 있고 Yes, you’re standing in front of me 그래, 다른 연인들은 키스를 해 But other lovers are kissing 왜 너의 뒤에 있어야 할까? Why must I always stand behind you? 햇살에 일어나 보니 너무나 눈부셔 When I woke up in the sunlight, it was so dazzling 모든 게 다 변한 거야, 널 향한 마음도 Everything had changed, even my feelings for you 그렇지만 널 사랑 않는 게 아냐 But it doesn’t mean I don’t love you 이제는 나를 변화시킬 테니까 It’s just that now, I will try to change myself 머리 위로 비친 내 하늘 바라다보며 Looking up at the sky above my head 널 향한 마음을 이제는 굳혔지만 I’ve made up my mind about my feelings for you 웬일인지 네게 더 다가갈수록 Yet strangely, the closer I get to you 우린 같은 하늘 아래 서 있었지 We find ourselves standing under the same sky “단지 널 사랑해” 이렇게 말했지 “I simply love you,” that’s what I said 이제껏 준비했던 많은 말을 뒤로한 채 Though I left behind all the words I had prepared 언제나 니 옆에 있을게 I promised to always stay by your side 이렇게 약속을 하겠어 저 하늘을 바라다보며 Making that vow while looking at the sky 한 번 더, 한 번 더 말했지 Once more, once more, I said it 이제껏 준비했던 많은 말을 뒤로한 채 Leaving behind all the words I had prepared 언제나 니 옆에 있을게 I promised to always stay by your side 다신 너 혼자 아냐, 너의 곁엔 내가 있잖아 You’re never alone again, because I’m right beside you (Hit me)

The lyrics are simple, innocent, and sweet. Moreover, they reflect the fresh, hopeful energy of 90s teenagers.

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🌍 Why It Matters

“Can“Candy” was more than just a song. In fact, it marked the birth of idol fandom culture in Korea.

• Fans carried matching balloon colors (white for H.O.T).
• Teenagers filled stadiums with synchronized fan chants.
• The group’s colorful outfits and fuzzy hats became fashion icons.

Because of these trends, many elements of today’s K-pop fandom—fan chants, lightsticks, and coordinated cheering—can be traced back to Candy.

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🎤 Fun Facts

• The members’ bright costumes, especially the oversized furry hats, became legendary in Korea.
• Even after almost 30 years, “Candy” is still performed and covered by younger K-pop groups. They see it as a tribute to the origins of idol culture.
• In 2018, H.O.T reunited on national TV. Fans in their 30s and 40s sang along to Candy as if it were still 1996.

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“Candy” is not only a nostalgic 90s hit. It is also the starting point of the K-pop phenomenon that would later spread worldwide.

👉 What was your first favorite K-pop song? Share your memories in the comments below!