So Ji Sub Releases New Rap Song Dedicated to His 18 Years in K-ent
There are various feelings that So Ji Sub‘s just released new rap single elicits from me. The track is called “18 Years” and is a So Ji Sub rap ode to his eighteen years in the entertainment industry. The lyrics were self-written to express thoughts and feelings he’s not able able to share during his long tenure as a K-actor and occasional rapper. I really am floored by a reminder of how long So Ji Sub has been in the limelight starting from his modeling days in the mid-90s. His rise to fame actually mirrors his real life BFF Song Seung Heon since both were models for Storm and did then the sitcom Three Guys and Three Girls. I wasn’t totally offended by So Ji Sub’s last rap and hip-hop album but that was likely the Yoo Seung Ho effect since So Ji Sub got his mini-me to star in the title track MV “6 pm” along with Park Shin Hye. His sing effort even prior to that is the one seared into my brain, the so-bad-so-so-bad “Pick Up Line”. Even the song title is bad.
With those two extremes lurking, “18 Years” actually falls somewhere in between. It’s not bad but still comes across as So Ji Sub’s vanity project, i.e. he really likes to rap so he released a rap song that isn’t memorable or necessary in the musical world. It would even merit a second glance but for it coming from popular actor So Ji Sub. The MV is equally inoffensive and unmemorable, part of me thinks he either needs to do something as headdesk worthy of “Pick Up Line” or tap into his acting friends to star in his MV and amp it up that way. Last year So Ji Sub had The Master’s Sun lined up around this time and he usually does one drama a year but this year there is nary a peep out of his agency on any acting project. He was in Taiwan this past weekend for two sold out fan meetings and during the Q&A session he stated that he would only date openly if he was seriously considering marrying the girl. He’s actually someone with very eclectic tastes and personality in real life so I’m not sure what kind of girl will eventually snag So Ji Sub’s heart but when the times comes it’ll definitely be huge news.
So Ji Sub “18 Years” featuring Saetbyul:
Oh dear… More of so ji sub’s rap…. ^o^
Picnic duet was beautifully done. We like it in the USA. Would like to hear it in English . It sit right next to the song Winter Sonata, in beauty and composition.
He really should stick to acting only and rap in the privacy of his home and not for public consumption.
What country are you from?
Wow, that was pretty bad rap….
What country are you from?
Oh so ji sub. I find it endearing tho that he’s still following his dreams in music, even if he’s not very good at it lol. Didn’t he first start modeling just so he could pose with a hip hop idol of his? Hah
Are you from that lovely country of Korea, where our US souldiers have been stationed for 70 yrs?
I am reminded of William Shatner, (Star Trek’s Captain Kirk, in the first iteration) who also dabbled in music with similar cringeworthy results.
As for a possible wife, I am sure there must be dozens of girls out there, who will love him as much as he loves himself.
Treky, Wm Shatner, is he still alive? What country did you see that old show?
Everyone needs to feel good about themselves otherwise you would end up becoming suicidal, drugging, drinking, beating your spouse, having illicit affairs, overall not a fun person to be around!! I hope you love yourself. He is a good person and I am sure; unfortunately, the Good Lord has not made many for you to kick around , Like you are kicking him around. You do not sound like a Godly person to me!!
I was wondered why he insisted on this hip-hop career but then I heard that after the death of his friend Park Yong-ha, he decided that he was just going to do whatever he wanted. And, you know, if it makes him happy than I don’t care haha.
Let them close their ears if they do not want to hear him. I think he is as good as anyone else. ESP the rapper from 8 mile mi
I didn’t think it was THAT bad…..i mean, it was unmemorable but the beat was nice, and the hook was decent. Compares favorably when I think of idol rapping.
There’s no presence when he’s rapping, and he mumbles a lot, and I feel NOTHING of what he’s trying to convey unless he’s trying to convey blahness….
Agree with you. His acting is the same as his rap, bad.He’s like a statue, you admire it because it’s beautifull, but other than that…
You must be from the USA, like I am. You seem like an expert. We have been rapping since the 70s and of course, you must know that. Good to hear from another American like you or perhaps I am wrong?
Do you even understand Korean.?I would sound unintelligible to you if you do not understand English. It goes to reason or have you not thought of that?
I agree that is it nice to see this side of him too. It isn’t about him being egoistic or loving himself too much. It is about being true to himself and doing something he enjoys. He knows he isn’t the best singer but still he continues to give it his best. I admire how he puts in 100% to whatever he does.
I like So Ji Sub but I hated this song. His rapping hasn’t improve and this song was boring. Didn’t feel like he was rapping at all. More like he was talking w/ music in the background. And the mv didn’t help at all. :/
I’m no fan of Hip Hop, good or bad, everything is bad to me. But what I really like here is how uncompromising SJS does it his way. Be it his rapping, his tattoos, his fashion sense. He is very unique, got his own mind and he is not afraid to show it in a country that loves integration and doesn’t forgive any weakness easily.
The translated text is chilling. If these are his true feelings, he is a captured, frozen soul reduced to his outer beautiful shell. He is nearing 40, a turning point in many peoples’ lives. And to me it seems that he is preparing his fans for a marriage. Knowing about his inner world through this song they’ll ‘forgive’ him, when he dares to settle down. 😉
(For those doubting his acting skills. You might want to check out ‘Always’, he is brilliant in this movie. It is a standard love story, but he is perfect in it. Every flick of the eye, every breath or whimper is well timed. Wonderful movie for a rainy weekend on the couch.)
The “Always” starring w/ Han Hyo Joo? I actually didn’t like that movie. Predictable and cliche. And the connection between the two was really a WTF. If this movie was made back in the early of Hallyu wave where it was about first love and the dramatic separation, I would probably enjoy it. But, I’ve seen too much of that genre and it’s just cheesy and sappy.
Newbie’s point is if you want to see SJS’s good acting then try watching the movie.. 🙂
As for the story, it is a different issue..
His turning point was when Park yong ha died. It stole innocents and saw the ugly part of life. He probably sees life as pretty fragile , so you might as enjoy it while you can. If people don’t like it they can lump it. That death no doubt changed his thought processes forever
Well So ji sub is not Eminem, but He does it because he likes it.He needs express certain demons because So ji is a complex person and being exposed like a hallyu star for somebody so shy must be wild in many ocassions… Korea its a harsh country gossiping and making scandals doing parallel trials all the time.
God save him
Given that So Jisub chooses to put time, energy, money and obviously research into hiphop and its’ culture he most DEFINITELY is preparing his fans for a marriage at some point that really shouldn’t surprise anyone but initially may be very shocking. An entire album and a tour as well? That’s not just a “vanity project” that’s a Call out. I know he will find her whoever she is.
Boy, if they are your fans, I would hate to see your enemies. I have found the most critical people are the most jealous. I enjoyed it, so I don’t know their problem. I don’t know what country they are from but it sounds like the sniping USA group. I am ashamed to be apart of them, on many occasions and happy on other occasions. Do what makes you happy in this life. The world is yours!!! In the end you will be like Elvis, “I did it my way and I am as proud as hell about it!!!
Pd I hate Enimem,. The guy is a jerk and an immoral idiot. I did not want my dtr listening to him, at all, when she was young.
You should do something you enjoy on that anniversary and not set your self up for non constructive, unwarranted harsh criticism, by hopefully not your country, I pray.
I like the beats and sound to his songs. I just wish I can find the English translations to the lyrics of Pick Up Line. I just want to see what he is saying. It cannot be any worse the American rappers who raps about BJ or sex. Rap when I was younger was about the struggles one go through in life and trying to get ahead in life and now it is mostly about sex.
Most rappers tend to mumble at least part of the time. The important thing that So Ji Sub-ssi is trying to convey is how the movie/drama/music industry steals your soul, steals your privacy and the right to be who you want to be. It’s particularly bad in Asian culture, where the fans seem to own their stars, and, if someone wants to date, it’s a “scandal.” That’s why he has to protect himself, and why he stays in his shell, even though the same industry tries to crush that shell. I found SJS when I was in a very down time. His motto/tattoo about loving life and having fun really inspired me. I got my act together, dance every day, love meeting with friends, eating right, etc., all because of him. Thanks, and keep up the good work, SJS-ssi, and don’t let things get to you, no matter who tries to put you down or to control you! Do something good every day for yourself and someone else. Thanks for turning my life around.
there was an article on Soompi mentioning that SJS wrote a (rap) song for his ex girlfriend who meant the most to him.. as in that particular rs was the most heart wrenching breakup for him. any idea which song is that?? and was that lady Kim Hyun Joo?
i love korean music,any of it,so i came across so ji subs raps by accident.i thought the 18 years one was phenomenal.he shared much of what he does express otherwise in words.i did not even need the english to understand.great song,great video.