K-Song Review: Start Over by Gaho

Riya Rawat, Noida, Uttar Pradesh

Start over is one of the main theme songs from the popular K-drama, Itaewon Class, starring famous south Korean actor Park Seo-joon. Written by Park Sung and performed by Kang Dae-ho, also known as Gaho, the song has won multiple awards and nominations including Best OST in 12th Melon Music Awards and others. One year after its release in 2020, this song still gives me goosebumps because of its relatable lyrics and beautifully conceptualised video. The song acts as a binding force for the viewers throughout the music video, as the storyline of the series unfolds.

The song starts with the early life of the main lead character, Park Sae Ro-yi, played by Park Seo-joon. The first verse of the song unfolds how a little boy chases his dreams even after gruesome obstacles in his early life and how his spirit to keep moving forward never dies. The first verse of the song compliments the video, as it dictates the fighting spirit of a little boy facing a lot of challenges, humility, and helplessness. The song gives the viewers a ray of hope that anyone and everyone can rise from the shackles of burden and misery if one has the will to do so. The entire song is in Korean language but one of the main chorus line is in English stating:

I can fly the sky, never gonna stay

This part of the chorus is sung so beautifully that one can even sense the passion of the singer Gaho, through his vocals. It depicts how for a person who never gives up, can reach the sky with flying colours and that his misery is never constant. The music video shows the lead character forgetting everything about his past and giving everything a new start. The main chorus re-ignites the message that one can overcome any obstacle in his life if that person has courage to change things as the song continues:

Whatever the reason, whatever the excuse

All I need now is courage

The second verse, with Gaho’s bold voice filled with sadness, hits deep as he makes the listener feel every single beat and lyrics of the song. The song constantly gives out the message that even if one is failing to achieve their dreams right now, they are still winning because eventually the dreams can be fulfilled. This verse shows the lead actor in despair as he and his family had to go through a lot of hardships because of the doings of someone else. The chorus also sees the introduction of the lead female character Jo Yi-seo, played by Kim Da-mi. In the latter part, the song compliments the efforts of the characters building their own little businesses from scratch and the hope that they will make big one day. The drama has been gorgeously conceptualised even more beautifully through this song. The characters outshine each other and make the viewers feel their misery, happiness, sadness, as well as passion.

Even though it doesn’t shine

I will support my dream

In the music video’s finale, the chorus repeats itself and the lead characters are seen making it big with their business, concluding the message which the song was trying to implode. Even after such a tragic childhood, the characters find themselves at ease with their life. This never giving up and never loosing hope spirit is imparted to the viewers in a very charismatic way by emphasising on the message of starting over and over until you make it. In the end, Gaho surprises the audience by singing with his exceptionally good vocals and high pitch tunes. You don’t want to miss that part. 

The music gives rise to hope, charisma and empathy. The message that the music video wanted to impart to the viewers is aesthetically done within the shots. The song gives justice to the series and encourages the viewers to always live with aspirations. Truly the series would have been incomplete without this magnificent song. Go chase this song, just like Gaho chased his dreams with this song. You can enjoy the OST here:

Have you heard this song? What do you think about it, tell us in the comments.