GGUM

⋆ Released: September 19th 2024

⋆ Genre [Source: Naver/BigHit]: Hip hop

⋆ Producing Credits: Teemu Brunila, Jurek

⋆ Writing/Composing Credits: Benji Bae, Jesse Thomas, Jurek Reunamäki, Ryan Curtis, Teemu Brunila, TIMMS, YEONJUN

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About: Yeonjun's first solo song "Ggum" (껌) cleverly uses the metaphor of chewing gum to symbolize resilience, persistence, and confidence. The "chewy" nature of gum reflects how he sticks to his goals, staying determined and flexible in the face of challenges. The song also addresses haters, suggesting that no matter how much they try to "chew him up," he continues to reach success. Even those who dislike him can't get him out of their heads, just like gum that sticks. At its core, the track is about self-assurance, ambition, and enjoying the moment, while encouraging listeners to embrace challenges and stay focused on their long-term dreams.

The word 'ggum' is spelled with two 'g's' to represent the correct pronunciation of the Korean word '껌' (ggum), which means 'gum.' In Korean, double consonants like 'ㄲ' (gg) are pronounced more forcefully than their single counterparts, so using 'gg' in the Romanized spelling helps convey the stronger, tense sound of the Korean consonant, distinguishing it from a softer 'g' sound. The fact that the title 'GGUM' is written in English and not Korean characters is significant, as it allows for a potential double meaning. The Korean word '꿈' (kkum), meaning 'dream,' has a phonetic overlap with '껌' (ggum). This connection suggests a deeper message behind the song, linking the resilience and flexibility of gum with the pursuit of dreams and ambitions.

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LYRIC VIDEO:❗For a breakdown and further explanation of the lyrics, beyond the translations in the lyric video, check out the written lyrics below.

LYRICS (nuances explained by @translatingTXT)

Let's go

YJ

Yeah, I make it chewy like gum chew, chew

The phrase 껌이다 (ggum-ida), meaning "it's gum," is casual Korean slang used to imply something is a "piece of cake" or very easy, as chewing gum is simple and effortless. It can also suggest that the song is catchy and sticks with you—just like gum.

Hop on this beat, no time to dawdle

No need to be humble when I'm on the floor

This line serves as a clever reference to gum often being found on the floor. This imagery emphasizes that he embraces confidence and self-assurance when performing on stage, leaving humility aside in that moment to fully showcase his talent and energy.

Even if my jaw locks, I'll keep it pop and blow

This line implies that despite what challenges might come his way, he will keep going.

Gum chew, chew

Gum chew, chew

The song's hook doesn’t have a direct English translation, but many listeners first hear it as "Gum, chew, gum," which pretty accurately conveys the vibe of the hook. In Korean, the phrase 껌 질겅 (ggeum jilgeong) specifically refers to the act of chewing gum: it combines the words 껌 (ggeum), which simply means "gum," and 질겅 (jilgeong), which is the Korean onomatopoeia for the sound and action of chewing. As mentioned in the 'About' section above, 껌 (ggeum) also means "dream" in Korean, which opens up a few additional interpretations of this hook. This dual meaning can imply that Yeonjun is not just "chewing" gum; he is also actively engaging with his dreams. This interpretation suggests that Yeonjun is savoring his aspirations, reflecting on them just as one would enjoy the flavor of gum. The playful sound of 질겅 emphasizes a rhythmic, lively approach to pursuing goals, encapsulating the joy and excitement of chasing one's dreams. Additionally, it can also connect to the Western phrase "ate it up," which implies excelling. In this context, Yeonjun might be suggesting that he is not only savoring his dreams but also excelling in his pursuit of them and fully immersing himself in the journey toward achieving his aspirations. By using 껌 질겅 (ggeum jilgeong), Yeonjun conveys that dreaming is not just a passive act but an active and engaging process. The repetition of this phrase throughout the song reinforces the message that dreaming is a continuous, lively endeavor, inviting listeners to share in this energetic celebration of ambition and creativity.

Crank up that volume

Pop it off like bubble gum

Been dreaming for this moment

Started from my little room

Everybody run with me reach higher up

Not alone, got ma team by my side

Imma stay sweet forever

People often get tired of chewing gum once it loses its initial sweetness. However, by claiming he’s gum that never loses its flavor, Yeonjun asserts that he will always remain fresh and full of passion, just like that first moment of enjoyment. This idea reinforces his ambition and drive, signifying that he will continuously deliver excitement and energy in his performances. Ultimately, he implies that he aims to be the kind of gum that people never tire of, always keeping his audience engaged and wanting more.

I'm always on fire

Easy thing (Easy thing)

No fun now, up the ante in my game (In my game)

This line signifies Yeonjun's approach to his work. In the behind the scenes of his 2021 AOTM performance he said: "It’s actually more fun because it isn’t easy, it’d be boring if it was easy"

Go hit that gum chew, chew

Gum chew, chew (Ah, yeah, yeah, yeah)

Gum chew, chew

Gum chew, chew (Ah, yeah, yeah, yeah)

Gum chew, chew

Yeah, I make it chewy like gum chew, chew

Hop on this beat, no time to dawdle

No need to be humble when I'm on the floor

Even if my jaw locks, I'll keep it pop and blow

Gum chew, chew

Gum chew, chew

I'm not afraid anymore

I've hit it over and over down, down, down

I stick to this scene/floor

This line can be understood in two connected ways. ‘이 바닥’ can be translated as either “this floor/ground” (literally) or “this scene/industry” (figuratively, referring to the world or environment you're involved in). The use of “floor” cleverly references how gum often sticks to the ground, reinforcing a metaphor of resilience and determination. This wordplay highlights Yeonjun's connection to his performances and the industry he's in, suggesting that he remains committed to his craft despite challenges or people trying to push him down. The connection to the floor/ground also implies that he stays grounded.

I've endured and come this far, now go for the next, next, next

Every minute, second

Blow and spit out a banger

The verb 불다 (bulda), while traditionally meaning "to blow" (connecting to gum), is often used figuratively in artistic contexts to refer to singing or producing sound.

This song's now stuck in your ears

This lyric also serves as a clever reference to gum, as people used to stick their gum behind their ear if it still had some sweetness left. Additionally, it implies that the song will get stuck in your head, much like gum clinging to a surface. When considering both meanings, a third interpretation emerges: that this song will always stay fresh and appealing, reflecting Yeonjun's commitment to maintaining the energy and excitement of his music over time.

Like Venom, you can't get it off

At first glance, the mention of "venom" might suggest poison, but the capitalization indicates that this lyric actually refers to the Marvel character, Venom. Yeonjun is known for making references to movies and other media, and this lyric cleverly ties together multiple concepts.

1. “Can’t take it off” refers to the difficulty of removing gum from surfaces.

2. Gum represents Yeonjun himself and his music, suggesting they stick with you.

3. “Like Venom” highlights how the character takes over someone or something, making it impossible to remove him.

Together, these references emphasize that Yeonjun’s music, much like gum or the character Venom, has a lasting impact that lingers in the minds of listeners.

Every day (Every day)

Refresh your stale vibe with ma taste (With ma taste)

Go hit that gum chew, chew

Gum chew, chew (Ah, yeah, yeah, yeah)

Gum chew, chew

Gum chew, chew (Ah, yeah, yeah, yeah)

Gum chew, chew

Yeah, I make it chewy like gum chew, chew

Hop on this beat, no time to dawdle

No need to be humble when I'm on the floor

Even if my jaw locks, I'll keep it pop and blow

Gum chew, chew

Gum chew, chew

Yeah, I make it chewy like gum chew, chew

Hop on this beat, no time to dawdle

No need to be humble when I'm on the floor

Even if my jaw locks, I'll keep it pop and blow

Gum chew, chew

Gum chew, chew