aespa – Regret Of The Times. Lyrics Meaning: A Fierce Call to Tear Down a Broken World
Ever get that nagging feeling that the world around you is just… a little off? Like you’re watching a play where all the actors are wearing masks, the rules don’t make sense, and the people in charge are just spouting nonsense with a confident smile? It’s that frustrating, simmering feeling that things are deeply unfair, but you can’t quite put your finger on how to fix it.
Well, if you’ve ever felt that, aespa has just dropped the perfect soundtrack for your inner rebel. Their 2024 remake of Seo Taiji’s legendary “Regret Of The Times” isn’t just a cover; it’s a full-blown sonic uprising. This track bottles up all that modern-day frustration and uncorks it in a blast of industrial synths and powerful vocals. So, let’s pull apart the layers of this incredible anthem and figure out what makes it hit so hard.
Decoding the Uprising in aespa’s “Regret Of The Times”
Right from the get-go, the song doesn’t pull any punches. It dives headfirst into a world filled with hypocrisy and decay, painting a vivid picture of a society that’s lost its way. It’s a direct confrontation with the powers that be.
The World They’re Fighting Against
The song opens with a direct, almost dismissive jab at the loud, arrogant people who think they know everything. It’s a critique of a system built on superficiality.
거짓된 너의 가식 때문에
- aespa – Rich Man : The Ultimate Anthem of Self-Made Worth
- 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
너의 얼굴 가죽은 꿈틀거리고
The skin on your face is twitching
This imagery is so potent, isn’t it? The “twitching” skin suggests a mask that’s about to slip, revealing the ugliness beneath a carefully constructed facade. The song then points to the older generation, the “wise old adults,” who are just as lost, clinging to meaningless things.
나이 든 유식한 어른들은
The old and wise adults
예쁜 인형을 들고 거릴 헤매 다니네
Wander the streets holding pretty dolls
Think about it: “pretty dolls.” It’s a perfect metaphor for outdated ideals, hollow traditions, or the pursuit of superficial beauty over real substance. They’re wandering, directionless, holding onto things that have no real value in this decaying world.
The Sound of Revolution
The pre-chorus is where the mood shifts from observation to anticipation. There’s a feeling that something is about to break. The “black-stained lips” symbolize words of truth that are considered ugly or taboo by society. It’s a declaration that the time for polite, honest discourse is over.
Black-stained lips
정직한 사람들의 시대는 갔어
The era of honest people is gone
And then comes the chilling, powerful chorus. It’s not a celebration, but a grim acceptance of what’s coming. The world has been pushed to its breaking point, and the fallout is inevitable.
왜 기다려 왔잖아?
Why, you’ve been waiting for it, haven’t you?
모든 삶을 포기하는 소리를
The sound of giving up on all life
이 세상이 모두 미쳐버릴
As if this whole world will go crazy
일이 벌어질 것 같네
Something’s about to happen
It’s the sound of desperation turning into rebellion. It’s the moment right before the explosion, when the tension is so thick you can feel it in the air.
From Despair to Defiance: aespa’s Unmistakable Power
What makes aespa’s version so special is the raw, defiant energy they inject into the track. It’s not just regret; it’s rage. They’re not just observing the chaos; they’re ready to become the agents of change.
The Symbolism of Broken Wings
One of the most powerful moments is when they turn the tables on their oppressors. They look at these powerful figures and see nothing but fragility.
부러져버린 너의 그런 날개로
With those broken wings of yours
너는 얼마나 날아갈 수 있다 생각하나
How far do you think you can fly?
This is such a cutting line. It’s aespa basically saying, “Your power is an illusion. You’re already broken, and your downfall is coming.” It’s a promise that a “new world” is on its way, one that will be born from the ashes of the old one.
Giselle and Karina’s Hard-Hitting New Verse
The 2024 remake adds a brand-new rap section that feels quintessentially aespa. Karina’s lines are a declaration of war against the constraints placed upon her.
Now that time’s the end, 벌어진 네 틈에 가시를 꽂아놔
Now that time’s the end, I’ll stick a thorn in the gap you’ve opened
나도 모르게 묶인 내가 날 수 있게 다 풀어줘 멀리 더 불어줘 날
Untie me so I can fly, who was tied up without knowing, blow me further away
She’s not just waiting for freedom; she’s actively fighting back, turning their weaknesses against them and demanding to be set free. Then, Giselle’s verse brings in that cosmic, almost mystical aespa vibe.
At night, the sun shines on the moon and me at the same time
If you hide me, I won’t stay calm in my playground
This idea of the sun and moon shining at once is impossible, a paradox. It represents the dawning of a new, unnatural age—an era where the old rules of reality no longer apply. She’s making it clear that she can’t be contained or hidden away.
The Prophecy: When Two Moons Rise
The climax of the song brings forth its most striking and memorable image. It’s the prophecy of what’s to come, the sign that the revolution has truly begun.
바로 오늘이 두 개의 달이
Today is the day two moons
떠오르는 밤이야
Will rise in the night
네 가슴에 맺힌
The resentment pent up in your heart
한을 풀 수 있기를
May it be released
The rising of two moons is a supernatural event, a complete break from the natural order. This is the moment of catharsis. It’s the night when all the pent-up frustration, the deep-seated cultural resentment known as ‘han’ (한), is finally unleashed. It’s a cosmic signal that everything is about to change, forever.
Ultimately, “Regret Of The Times” is more than just a song about being angry at the world. It’s an empowering anthem for anyone who has ever felt voiceless. It’s a reminder that recognizing the corruption and hypocrisy around you is the first step toward demanding something better. The song gives you permission to be dissatisfied and encourages you to believe in the possibility of a new dawn, even if it has to come through a storm.
But that’s just my take after diving into the lyrics. The beauty of a song this dense is that it can mean different things to different people. What do you think? How does this song make you feel? What does the image of the “two moons” mean to you? Let’s talk about it!
