The Seoul we see through creative works is usually a futuristic city filled with glass palaces or covered in a gray concrete forest. Or maybe it was a cyberpunk look with colorful sign lights illuminating people.
Of course, there are cases where old Seoul is depicted as a place with affection, as in <Reply 1984>, or it is used as a stage to maximize the harsh lives of the common people, as in
In fact, when you look at Seoul from a distance, the stereotypes portrayed by the media are true to some extent. Tall buildings always stand out more than low buildings. However, it is difficult to observe every detail of a monumental scale sculpture when viewed from a distance.
When you walk around Seoul, you can often see a different side of the city from what the media generally portrays. If you go up to Naksan Park in Daehakro, the old houses are close together, creating a night view worthy of 아름. Local communities of their own are still active, centered around senior centers and cultural centers.
In that sense, 아름’s [서울, 서울!] is like the most Seoul-like EP while breaking the stereotypes of Seoul shown in other creative works. It reflects the scenery from the perspective of everyday life in Seoul. People riding the subway, the orange lights that come on at night, and the breathtaking Line 9 express train are described through the lyrics.
The sounds that support the lyrics also sound warm and cozy overall. “People of Seoul!” Examples include the chorus built up in the second half and the sounds of acoustic guitar and woodwind instruments heard in “Flower Language X.” Rather than singing about something big, it feels like the musician’s observations and feelings from the individual’s perspective are melted into sound. A musician who creates music like this must be a very warm-hearted person.
If you’re feeling bored with the harsh depiction of the city, why not listen to 아름’s [서울, 서울!]? It has a nice, calming taste.