K-Song Review: Where Is Dream by 10CM

Shraddha Gupta, Delhi

‘Where Is Dream’ is sung by 10CM and was used as the OST of the K-drama ‘Start-Up’. This drama revolves around ambitious young people who aspire to enter Sandbox (similar to Silicon Valley) and pursue their innovative ideas for a start-up. It was one of the popular K-dramas of 2020 and achieved great success both within and outside the country.

_{Picture Credits: Apple Music}

The drama had an excellent storyline, screenplay, character development, and a wonderful OST collection. One of the songs, “Where Is Dream,” talks about hoping for a brighter future and eventually finding one’s dream.

In the drama, this song was filmed for Kim Seon-ho’s character, Han Ji-pyeong. The soulful voice of 10CM was perfect for this character. The song has a different vibe than that of the character Han Ji-pyeong, who is always excellent in his role. He is a strict yet genuine mentor for Seo Dal-mi’s (Bae Suzy) team, especially for Nam Do-san (Nam Joo-hyuk). Han Ji-pyeong is an overall straightforward man who has an unrequited love for Seo Dal-mi.

_{Picture Credits: VICE}

This song gives you the same feel-good vibes as sitting by a window on a rainy day. It’s a simple, yet sweet song where each lyric blends perfectly with the melody. As the song progresses and lyrics like “궁금한 게 너무 많아, 미로 같은 세상 속, 길을 잃지 않는 방법이 뭘까?” (There are so many things I’m curious about, in this maze-like world, how do I not get lost?) are sung, it portrays the state of confusion one experiences when their curious mind gets lost and they are searching for a way out.

The song’s lyrics highlight the character’s struggle to catch up to a ray of hope, despite running as fast as he can. He feels lost and begins to question his slow pace. However, as the song progresses, the character begins to feel hopeful again. He realizes that he shares the same dream as his loved ones, and believes that a brighter future awaits them. The feeling is like walking under a starry night sky, with all the stars shining down on them. The lyrics continue in this uplifting tone.

_{Picture Credits: IMDb}

”너와 같은 꿈을 꾸는 건, 저 하늘을 걷는 것 (Dreaming the same dream as you,
is like walking in the sky)
별들이 무리 지어, 우릴 비춰줄 때 (When the stars gather,
and shine on us)
Fall in, I’m fall in

어제보다 밝은 미래가, 널 기다리고 있어 (A future that’s brighter than yesterday,
is waiting for you)
Oh Where Is Dream”

The protagonist, having found a glimmer of hope, yearns to hold his loved one’s hand and remain by their side through thick and thin, supporting and protecting them. He wants his beloved to know that he shares their dreams, and that the mere thought of them fills him with joy, as if they were walking together on a beach, feeling the rush of the waves and shouting out in elation for all to hear.

In the drama, Han Ji-pyeong is portrayed as a tough man who has a kind heart hidden beneath his hard exterior. He is confused about his feelings for Dal-mi but still continuously helps her and Do-san’s relationship. He pretends that he is repaying the granny of Dal-mi, but in reality, he too longs for company, a friend, and a companion. However, he is too scared to reveal his vulnerable side. This song perfectly captures his emotions and expresses them through the melody.

Conclusively, “Where Is Dream” is a simple yet beautiful track that invokes sweet emotions through its perfect use of poetic devices and melody. The track has a calming effect on the listeners and is as sweet as honey to the ears. It happens to be my favorite track and I highly recommend giving it a listen. Have you heard this song? What are your thoughts? Tell us in the comments!