aespa – Licorice. Lyrics Meaning: An Addictive Taste You Can’t Resist
Ever met someone who just… messes with your head? You know the type. They’re not what you’d usually go for, they don’t check any of your usual boxes, and logically, you know you should probably just walk away. Yet, for some unexplainable reason, you can’t. You find your thoughts drifting back to them, replaying conversations, and getting a little bit annoyed at yourself for even caring. It’s confusing, it’s frustrating, and it’s absolutely magnetic.
That exact jumble of “what is happening?!” is the electrifying heart of a track that I can’t get out of my head: “Licorice” by aespa. This song isn’t just a catchy tune; it’s a perfect narrative of getting hooked on a feeling that is as weird as it is wonderful. Forget simple love songs, because we’re about to dive into the delightful chaos of an attraction that makes no sense at all. Let’s peel back the layers of this fascinating B-side and figure out what makes it so dangerously delicious.
Unpacking the Sweet and Sour Pull of “Licorice” by aespa
First off, the choice of “licorice” as the central metaphor is pure genius. Think about the candy itself. It’s not universally loved like chocolate or caramel. It has a very specific, almost medicinal, sweet-but-spicy flavor that some people adore and others can’t stand. That’s exactly the kind of person this song is about—not an easy, straightforward crush, but someone who is a complex, acquired taste. They’re an anomaly, a puzzle, and that’s what makes them so compelling.
The Initial Shock: “This Isn’t My Type!”
The song kicks off with a strong sense of denial and bewilderment. The girls aren’t singing about love at first sight in a romantic, dreamy way. Instead, it’s more like a car crash of emotions they never saw coming. They’re trying to rationalize it, but their own feelings are betraying them. Just look at how it begins:
- aespa – YOLO : Your Ultimate Anthem for Living Unapologetically
- aespa – Rum Pum Pum Pum : The Painfully Unforgettable Thrill of First Love
- aespa – Licorice : An Addictive Taste You Can’t Resist
- aespa – ICU : A Gentle Reminder That You Are Seen
- aespa – Savage : Unleashing Your Inner Warrior
- aespa – Melody : Finding Your Personal Anthem in the Quiet Moments
- Jacob Collier – Over You [ft. aespa & Chris Martin] : The Beautiful Trap of Unending Affection
- aespa – Illusion : A Delicious Trap of Captivation
- Red Velvet & aespa – Beautiful Christmas : A Joyful Ode to the Present Moment
- aespa – Pink Hoodie : Comfort is the New Confidence
geon mworalkka jeongmal natseon neukkim, yeah
What should I call this, a really unfamiliar feeling, yeah
neol bogo isseo tto silly (Silly)
I’m looking at you again, silly (Silly)
saenggagi na no kidding (Kidding)
I keep thinking of you, no kidding (Kidding)
daeche, what?
Seriously, what?
gwaenhi geunyang jjajeungna (Yeah, yeah)
I’m just getting annoyed for no reason (Yeah, yeah)
This is so relatable! It’s that moment of pure disbelief when you catch yourself thinking about someone you “shouldn’t” be. The feeling isn’t just love; it’s mixed with irritation. You’re annoyed at them for occupying your headspace and annoyed at yourself for letting them. It’s a “crush” in the most literal sense—an unexpected collision with someone who completely upends your expectations.
A Flavor Profile of Chaos
Then comes the chorus, which perfectly captures this wild rollercoaster. It’s not just sweet; there’s a kick to it, a sourness that makes it exciting. This isn’t a simple, comforting love. It’s an experience that pushes all your buttons.
It tastes so sweet but sour
Oh, sugar and spice
cheoeumiya ireon
This is the first time
nae gamjeongui pok
The breadth of my emotions
neon jeongmal licorice
The “sugar and spice” line says it all. This person brings both pleasure and a bit of pain or challenge. The feeling is so intense and new that it expands their whole emotional range. And when they sing “Scream and shout / 훅 끌리는 맘” (A heart that’s instantly drawn) / “위험해도 좋아” (I like it even if it’s dangerous), you get the sense that they’re giving in. They’re acknowledging the risk but are too captivated to care. They can’t let go.
When Logic Short-Circuits
As the song progresses, you can feel the internal battle between logic and emotion completely tipping in favor of emotion. The second verse describes the situation as “the bomb” and “sticky,” which paints a picture of an explosive and inescapable attraction. Once it goes off, you’re caught in the aftermath.
All shook nae meoritsogen, no
All shook, in my head it’s a, no
But say let’s go, let’s go, go
But I say let’s go, let’s go, go
Their head is screaming “no,” but their heart is yelling “go!” This internal conflict leads to a point where nothing else compares. Everything else becomes “시시해” (sisihae), or bland and uninteresting. This person has become the only source of thrill and excitement, making the rest of the world seem dull and gray. It’s an addiction in its purest form.
The bridge is where this breakdown of logic reaches its peak. It’s a moment of raw, honest confusion and surrender.
ireon nae moseup ireon nae mami
This side of me, this heart of mine
nado ihaega an doeji
I don’t understand it either
pihal su eopseo
I can’t avoid it
igeon gravity
This is gravity
eodinga eodinga
Somewhere, somewhere
gojang nasseo
It’s broken
That line, “Somewhere, it’s broken,” is so powerful. It’s the ultimate admission of losing control. It feels like a malfunction, a short-circuit in their brain because their feelings defy all reason. It’s not a choice anymore; it’s an irresistible force like gravity, pulling them in whether they like it or not.
Ultimately, “Licorice” is a fantastic celebration of embracing the chaotic, unpredictable, and thrilling parts of attraction. The song’s message is that sometimes, the most memorable connections aren’t the ones that make sense on paper. They are the ones that challenge us, confuse us, and make us feel alive in a way we never expected. It’s about finding the joy in that sweet and sour experience, even if it feels like your internal wiring has gone completely haywire.
But that’s just how I see it. When you listen to “Licorice,” what kind of story unfolds for you? Does it remind you of a specific feeling or person? I’d love to hear your take on this totally addictive track!
