Some (feat. Lil Boi)

The central theme of "Some" revolves around the modern dating phenomenon known as the "talking stage" or a "situationship." In Korean culture, this phase is referred to as "썸" (Some), derived from the English word "something"—implying that there is "something" going on between two people, even if it remains undefined. The lyrics delve into the sweet, yet highly frustrating, emotional limbo of this stage.

Both protagonists in the song are mutually attracted and act like a couple, yet neither has crossed the line to make the relationship official. The song explores the psychological game of "push and pull" (밀당), where both individuals send mixed signals to protect their feelings and gauge the other's interest. Ultimately, the song is an honest, relatable plea to end the ambiguity, stop playing games, and bravely embrace a committed romantic relationship.

The narrative unfolds as a delicate and frustrating dance between two individuals trapped in an undefined relationship—an ambiguous space where mutual affection exists but formal commitment is absent. Both the man and the woman express deep confusion and a sweet, yet agonizing, impatience over their current status. They constantly question the boundaries of their connection, noting how they act as though they belong to one another, yet technically remain just friends. The woman laments the mixed signals, observing that on some days he acts like a devoted boyfriend, while on others, he maintains a polite, frustrating distance. She wants him to stop playing games, to cross the line, and to finally claim her as his own.

From the male perspective, the uncertainty is equally maddening. He wakes up to her texts and feels a rush of excitement, only to go to sleep feeling empty when her responses become cold or non-committal. He hates the emotional tug-of-war, the constant "pushing and pulling" that leaves him questioning his place in her life. He desperately wishes she would drop her guard, stop hiding behind a facade of casual friendship, and honestly confess her feelings. He wants to end this agonizing phase of merely "having some" (something) and transition into a real, tangible romance where they can comfortably hold hands and walk together without overthinking every interaction.

The rap verse introduces a sharper, more direct burst of frustration. It details how her ambiguous smile and elusive behavior drive him absolutely crazy. He feels like a fool, constantly trying to decipher her cryptic actions and waiting for a clear, undeniable green light. He acknowledges that they both know what is happening between them, but the fear of ruining their current dynamic keeps them paralyzed. Ultimately, the story is a heartfelt plea from both sides for clarity and courage. They are exhausted by the "some" stage—the endless overthinking, the subtle jealousy, and the unspoken rules—and are deeply yearning for the moment they can finally abandon their fears, bridge the final gap, and confidently declare their love for one another.

"Some" was released on February 7, 2014, by Starship Entertainment as part of their Starship X collaboration project. Following the massive success of Soyou's previous duet "Stupid in Love" with Mad Clown, the label aimed to showcase a softer, more R&B-focused side of Soyou's vocals while introducing the talented underground R&B singer Junggigo to a mainstream audience.

The track was produced by the renowned hitmaker Kim Do-hoon, with a collaborative songwriting effort by Min Yeon-jae, Xepy, eSNa, Lil Boi, and Junggigo themselves. The creators specifically designed the song to resonate with the modern dating landscape, shifting away from traditional, dramatic heartbreak ballads to capture the subtle, everyday nuances of modern romance. The inclusion of Geeks' Lil Boi for the rap verse added a sharper, dynamic edge to the smooth R&B pop track.

The song's most prominent metaphor is the concept of "pushing and pulling" (밀당, mildang), which represents the psychological tug-of-war and emotional maneuvering that occurs before a relationship becomes official. It symbolizes the fear of vulnerability and the desire to maintain the upper hand in romance.

Another key symbol is the phrase "Mine, but not mine", which perfectly encapsulates the paradox of a "Some" relationship—possessing the emotional intimacy of a partner without any of the actual commitment or titles. The lyrics also subtly reference the idea of a "green light", a common cultural metaphor for receiving a clear, undeniable signal that it is safe to proceed and make a romantic confession.

The predominant emotional tone of "Some" is a delightful mix of romantic excitement, sweet tension, and lighthearted frustration. The breezy, acoustic-driven melody and the warm vocal performances create a cozy, uplifting atmosphere.

However, the lyrics introduce an undercurrent of impatience and vulnerability. The listener can feel the "butterflies in the stomach" sensation, coupled with the exhausting uncertainty of waiting for someone to make a move. The song perfectly balances the joyful anticipation of new love with the agonizing suspense of an unconfirmed relationship, ultimately leaving the listener with a hopeful, positive sentiment.

The cultural impact of "Some" in South Korea cannot be overstated. Upon its release in 2014, it became a massive commercial phenomenon, dominating the Gaon charts and becoming the longest-running number-one hit on the Billboard K-Pop Hot 100 for that year. It swept the year-end music awards, winning "Song of the Year" at several major ceremonies.

More importantly, the song linguistically impacted Korean society. It popularized and codified the slang word "썸" (Some), cementing it as the standard term used to describe the ambiguous dating phase before a couple becomes official. The success of the track also sparked a massive industry trend of male-female acoustic R&B duets in K-pop, fundamentally altering the musical landscape of the mid-2010s.

The lyrical structure of "Some" relies heavily on a bouncing, repetitive rhyme scheme, particularly in the iconic chorus: "naekkeo in deut naekkeo anin naekkeo gateun neo" (You who seems like mine, but isn't mine, but feels like mine). This heavy use of internal rhyme and consonance creates a catchy, incredibly memorable hook.

The song is set in a standard 4/4 meter with a mid-tempo groove that mimics the steady, nervous heartbeat of someone in love. The rhythm of the vocal delivery often plays with syncopation, especially during the verses, reflecting the "push and pull" nature of the lyrics. The interplay between the smooth, lingering notes of the vocalists and the tight, rhythmic snap of the rap verse creates a highly engaging sonic texture.

The song employs a conversational duet format, effectively turning the track into a dialogue between the male and female perspectives. This narrative technique makes the listener feel as though they are eavesdropping on a private, intimate exchange. Musically, "Some" is built on a breezy, medium-tempo acoustic pop and R&B arrangement, driven by warm pianos and light percussion.

Soyou utilizes her signature airy, breathy vocal style, which contrasts beautifully with Junggigo's smooth, effortless R&B crooning. This vocal contrast highlights the dynamic between the two characters. Furthermore, Lil Boi's rap breaks up the melodic sweetness with a rhythmic, staccato flow, providing a burst of grounded, direct frustration that contrasts with the singers' more melodic yearning.

What does the Korean slang word 'Some' (썸) mean?

The term 'Some' (썸) comes from the English word 'something'. In Korean dating culture, it refers to the ambiguous 'talking stage' where two people have mutual feelings and act affectionately, but have not yet officially committed to a relationship. It signifies that there is 'something' between them.

What does 'mine, but not mine' mean in the song Some?

The iconic lyric 'mine, but not mine, but feels like mine' perfectly describes a 'situationship'. It means the other person provides the emotional intimacy, jealousy, and attention of a romantic partner, but without the actual commitment, leaving them feeling like they belong to you even though they technically don't.

Who wrote and produced Some by SOYOU and Junggigo?

The song was produced by the famous K-pop hitmaker Kim Do-hoon. The lyrics were a collaborative effort written by Min Yeon-jae, Xepy, eSNa, Lil Boi (who provided the rap verse), and Junggigo himself. It was released under Starship Entertainment.

What was the cultural impact of Some in South Korea?

The song was a massive cultural reset in South Korea. It dominated the charts in 2014, won multiple Song of the Year awards, and permanently cemented the word 'Some' (썸) into everyday Korean vocabulary. It also started a massive trend of acoustic R&B male-female duets in the K-pop industry.

When was Some by SOYOU and Junggigo released?

The song was released as a digital single on February 7, 2014. It quickly became one of the most successful and longest-running number-one hits of the year on both Korean domestic charts and the Billboard K-Pop Hot 100.