Singer Lim Hyunjung defines youth as a state of constant wandering

Singer Lim Hyunjung is returning after 11 years with her new song "Saudade," which features a 35-piece orchestra arrangement to convey her philosophy that youth is a state of passion characterized by questioning and wandering.

Youth is not a period of time spent within a specific age group, but a state of passion characterized by constant questioning and wandering. This is the message singer Lim Hyunjung delivers through her song "Saudade."

The music video for "Saudade," released by MUSIC&NEW, incorporates the musical agony and philosophy required to capture the song's theme. Lim Hyunjung has invested significant time into this work, having already completed the recording as she prepares for her return after 11 years.

Major-scale comfort for those who never stop wandering

Lim Hyunjung found the motif for "Saudade" 13 years ago while walking through Seolleung Park. Inspired by the sight of middle-aged office workers gathering in Samseong-dong around 4 to 5 p.m., the song poses questions to those who feel they have lost their youth. "There are no moments of happiness for those who do not wander, and those who do not ask questions cannot know the answers," she stated, defining the time of endless questioning and wandering passion itself as youth.

The lyric "I stare blankly at my feet, having lost my way and not knowing where to go" represents moments of wandering. Lim Hyunjung explains that such wandering actually provides the strength to start anew and returns time to a state of youth. Because she believes youth ends the moment one adapts to reality like a machine without asking anything, the song is composed in a major scale that provides a feeling that is both lonely and bright.

Musical perfection realized with a 35-piece orchestra

To best express the theme of the song, Lim Hyunjung underwent multiple reworks during the arrangement and recording processes. In particular, she collaborated with Japanese musician Kosuke Yamashita for the 35-piece orchestra arrangement, and individual musicians in Japan were recruited to conduct the recording for delicate performances. The track features a harmony of Na Won-ju's piano, Hong Jun-ho's jazz-style guitar, and string arrangements that feel like a large river flowing.

Lim Hyunjung describes youth as "a time of wearing a crown made of flowers and running to catch a light that seems reachable yet remains elusive," calling it "the most beautiful moment in life." Consequently, her aim is for youth to apply not only to those in their 20s but also to those in their 40s and 60s. This song carries a message that encompasses everyone from adolescent girls to the older generation.

Source: original video (YouTube)