Song for the Wanderers, “Hidden Path”

January 8, 2024 982 Views

Yoo Jae-ha, a singer-songwriter, is hailed as the pioneer of Korean pop ballads. Despite leaving the world at the young age of 25, having left behind only one album, his contributions to the history of Korean popular music are highly regarded.

His debut and masterpiece, “Because I Love You,” had a significant impact on the direction of the Korean music industry. The song, with its sophisticated and graceful ambiance, feels so timeless that one might question if it was indeed written in the 1980s. Yoo’s vocals, simultaneously delicate and honest, combined with restrained instrumentation and simple yet profound lyrics, leave a lasting impression.

Yoo Jae-ha, “Hidden Path”

While “Because I Love You,” his debut, is considered a classic, many tracks from his first album are of high quality, constituting a collection of timeless masterpieces. Among them, “Hidden Path” continues to be popular, with several artists remaking it over the years.

Released on December 5, 1986, as part of Kim Hyun-sik III’s album, this song was composed by Yoo Jae-ha during his collaboration with the session band for “Kim Hyun-sik’s Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter.” Later, it was included in Yoo Jae-ha’s album “Because I Love You,” released on August 20, 1987, with Yoo himself providing the vocals.

A Song with a Feel Dedicated to Wandering Youth

“Hidden Path” emits a feeling dedicated to wandering youth. It serves as a source of strength for those lost in the uncertainties of life, not knowing where to go or seeing the path clearly.

The simplicity and restraint in the lyrics led to its use as an OST in the drama “Misaeng,” depicting the struggles of intern Jang Geu-rae. A remake by Bolbbalgan4 heightened the drama’s melancholic atmosphere, amplifying its emotional impact.

Furthermore, the song has been remade by various artists and used in different contexts: