The summer solstice on June 21 ushered in the sentimental Cancer season. Over the upcoming weeks, Cancer's sensitivity and nurturing nature will become more present, setting a warm welcome for the rising temperatures outside.
As a Water sign, Cancer shares traits with dreamy Pisces and mysterious Scorpios. Emotion is the key word for all three, however Cancer is particularly known for their mood-swings, hypersensibility, and clinging to comforts. Like its representative animal — the crab — this sign has a hard shell yet weak insides, and often adopts a self-preserving posture up until they feel safe enough to reveal their true selves.
That’s why Cancer wants to create a cozy residence wherever it goes — nourishing relationships, feasting on the most delectable meals, and usually making each person feel loved. Yet beware, as this urge to please and indulge can rapidly become smothering, or turn into codependency.
With that in mind, Cancer season is the time to evaluate our relationships and what we define as our house. And to support you dive majestically into this sign’s weak waters, here's a K-pop playlist:
Seohyun, “Don’t Mention No”
In 2017, Ladies Generation's maknae (youngest member) and resident Cancer made her solo debut with “Don’t Mention No.” The track is a classic pop diva anthem with Ariana Grande influences (who, by the way, is also a Cancer). A tidy, sparkly instrumental lets Seohyun’s soulful vocals shine, and while her tone is sweet, the lyrics reveal a declined woman who wants her lover back. The natives of this sign can get stuck with heartbreakers, nevertheless they also know how to create good use of these sharp claws. In the music video, Seohyun lures mentioned lover into her domestic kingdom, only to murder him in the most brilliant crab trap: a lavish, nevertheless inedible, dinner of chains and screws.
Biggest mood: “Don’t mention no oh oh / I’m so sad, you know you also / Please come back, am I bad? / Baby don’t mention no, I’ll routinely believe / That I was everything for you.”
Taemin, “Want”
Like Seohyun, Taemin is SHINee’s Cancerian maknae who has completely embraced his sensuality since debuting solo in 2014. And while Fire signs are usually connected with burning desires, he is proof that Cancer males are strong contenders also. Taemin’s latest single, “Want,” is a dark, entrancing spell with pulsing disco influences. The intoxicating atmosphere is translated in the music video through smoke, masks, and snakes that insinuate a sinful temptation — Taemin himself. As a sign ruled by the Moon, Cancer is also representative of feminine energy, and the singer’s willingness to embrace that fluid side through his androgynous appearance only make his work even more outstanding.
Biggest mood: “A abnormal feeling reaches your fingers and rises up / Randomly spreading while in your carnal desires / You’ll be a prisoner to this heat, you’ll want me even more / You’ll burn up even more.”
Super Junior, “Mr. Simple”
Don’t be fooled by this track’s infectious energy. As much as it could seem like just another dance floor hit with an earworm of a hook, “Mr. Simple” offers surprising suggestions in its lyrics. In 2011, long before the wave of self-love anthems hit K-pop, Super Junior was doling out wisdom like "you are excellent the way you are." With two Cancerians in the lineup (Leeteuk and Heechul) the legendary order gave us track that also serves as a useful reminder for those moody Cancer days: As a substitute opposed to engaging in potential drama, remember that it will pass and that being simple often goes a long way.
Biggest mood: “There must be times as soon as my efficiency goes up then down / Some days it’s okay to just chill and take a break / ‘Cause there’s habitually the correct time for everything.”
Minx, "Why Did You Come to My Home?"
Before morphing into goth demon slayers, Dreamcatcher was a peppy quintet referred to as Minx. Their debut track “Why Did You Come to My Home?” Is a fizzy electro and hip-hop mix with a mischievous swag. While the music video keeps things light and only shows the women playing games and having fun with a pizza delivery guy, the lyrics reveal a deeper message. What usually be an invitation to an one-night stand is, case in point, a metaphor for beginning their hearts to a new passion. Cancer takes a long time letting people in, and their hearts are precious, safe realms that they protect closely. So, if they ever invite you in, remember that it’s because they trust you.
Biggest mood: “Why did you come? Don’t you know nevertheless? / How much more do I have to open up for you to know? / Will you come to me more little by little? / How can you hesitate like that?"
Wonder Women, "2 Different Tears"
The Wonder Ladies crafted a retro sound while in their career, and “2 Different Tears” follows that brand with an infectious '80s groove. Apart from the upbeat melody, the lyrics are bittersweet, as they cry over a relationship — and crying is a very Cancer thing to do. The music video is a parody of Charlie’s Angels, where JYP himself wants the ladies to capture an alien at a party in his headquarters. Soon after falling prey to the Wonder Girl’s scheme, the alien is exposed along with a whole Cancer mood sets in with hugs and more tears. Turns out the alien was an innocent fan of the categorize, and the story ends on a happy note with a cheerful party in his spaceship.
Biggest mood: “Gave me two different tears, immediately considering that these years / Tears of joy, tears of pain, like sunshine and rain / So I hate you however the passion you gave me was so, so good / So I love you although the pain you gave me was so, so bad.”
NCT U, "Baby Don’t Stop"
In this synergetic duet, Ten (a Pisces) and Taeyong (a Cancer) prove once again that Water signs can bring the heat. “Baby Don’t Stop” is mysterious, hypnotic, and will drag you to its depths before you even notice. Ten’s dreamy vocals and fluid movements totally complement Taeyong’s raspy voice and calculated motions. It’s also worth noting Taeyong’s charisma, whether in an eas duet like this, or leading the 21-member ensemble that is NCT. Blessed with Cancer’s nurturing instincts, he's a strong and caring leader, the sort of magnetic presence that can both amaze and appease a room. And through daring fashion, fiery raps with artsy references, or elaborate choreographies, the crab’s creativity is a staple in everything he does. And thus, it’s safe to mention that, as soon as once a Cancer finds their element, they’re pretty much unstoppable.
Biggest mood: "Play play play play play / I’ll play in the Paris / Stay clay sketch dirt dough / I’m gonna knead your body / Rothko, Auguste Rodin, Claudel / I’m gonna make you with warm colors / All day holding, hold me tight."
Yerin Baek, “Maybe It’s Not Our Fault”
Another track overflowing with Cancer vibes. Yerin Baek, a native of this sign, lends her sweet and soulful voice to this dreamy ballad full of longing and nostalgia. The music video couldn’t be more fitting, with warm tones, a cozy sweater, and the romantic practice of scrapbooking. By making art with her memories, Yerin Baek gets in touch with her feelings and hopes to escape the instability of a relationship. By building something concrete like a journal or a song, she creates a safe space, a house that can bring her comfort through challenging times, and that’s precisely why “Maybe It’s Not Our Fault” is so poignant in its delicacy. This track is a true gem for those prepared to open their hearts and be weak in this emotional season.
Biggest mood: "I don’t really know either / Where this instability came from / and why it reached us / I didn’t know once it bloomed / And even if it becomes a big cut on our relationship / Maybe it’s not our fault."
VIXX, “On and On”
N and Hyuk are two Cancerians who bring their intensity to VIXX’s dark, moody concepts. “On and On” is an excellent sample of that interaction, with industrial synths that create suspense as well as a satisfying, soaring chorus. The music video portrays VIXX as some alien-werewolf hybrids, sent to outer space by military ladies categorize in attempt to save an imprisoned woman. Not much is shown on how they accomplish this mission, nevertheless powerful dance sequences in front of the Moon capture this track’s vivid emotions. Adding to that, the lyrics are drenched in obsession and masochism, a clear example of what can occur as soon as Cancer’s shadow side takes over.
Biggest mood: “Why are you doing this to me? / Why am I doing this to you? / The end of your words are vague / and my tears fall / I’m on my knees / and I’m prepared to get hurt.”
Fiestar, “Apple Pie”
In this synth-driven, captivating bop, Fiestar embodies a Cancerian view of love, presenting it as a hot and sweet apple pie. As Cancer rules the belly, they are known to appreciate a good meal, making this a fitting metaphor for filling up hearts and stomachs. In music video, every one of the females relate to love so, an apple pie) in a different manner, whether it’s baking it from scratch, adding science to the mix, or simply consuming food organic apples as a substitute. Comical and beautiful, the different scenarios prove that there really is no right or wrong way to love, however it definitely assists the once Cancer is prepared to share all those warm feelings (and pies).
Biggest mood: “My heart that I’ve prepared for you / It’s almost done baking / so sweet like apple pie / It’s hot so be careful.”
Winner, “Ah Yeah”
Winner's latest single is a fresh, feel-good hit to lift up spirits this summer. It can may not be their most daring track, nevertheless it holds a certain comfort that keeps you returning, like the cozy house of a Cancer. Shedding light on another crab tendency in the lyrics, the quartet cannot accept the fact that a relationship is done. Mino takes it even further, comparing himself to a crab and holding a CGI claw in the music video, as he attempts to cut short the tangled lines of love. While the in general mood of this release is bright and fun, it contrasts with the mellow nature of the lyrics, revealing another representation of a Cancer: their “all is well” exterior and “silently melting” insides.
Biggest mood: "Even though I made up my mind to end things with you / I cling onto your sleeve / And freeze up because you're my only love."
Kim Donghan, “Sunset”
A fairly new addition to K-pop’s roster of seductive Cancerians is Kim Donghan. Right after his participation on the next edition of Produce 101 and subsequent activities with the categorize JBJ, the singer launched a promising solo career with “Sunset.” The track is an enchanting EDM song with finger snaps of summer nostalgia, and the lyrics long for a lover he can devote himself to, like only the crabs know how to do. One could mention Donghan mirrors a younger Taemin, and sharing the same Sun sign — besides their talented singing and dancing skills — definitely supports the assists to link those two intense, breathtaking artists.
Biggest mood: “See how I’m only looking at you / Before the sunrise / I waited for this moment now / I’ll never leave you alone.”
Nine Muses, “Sleepless Night”
With three Cancers in Nine Muses’ lineup at the time (Kyungri, Minha, and SungA), “Sleepless Night” is a track that taps into the sign’s penchant for drama. It’s a hypnotic, mid-tempo fantasy, with the same restless feeling that a night of insomnia brings. The suggestive music video has Minha because the main character, reminiscing about a damaged relationship through objects in her room. Meanwhile, the other members appear using those same objects, raising doubts about them representing Minha or actually being her previous partners. This is a narrative clouded by mystery and doubts, just like some crabs love to live by. Besides that, is there a more Cancerian line than “I can’t sleep, I’m famished, I’m thinking of you again”?
Biggest mood: “I can’t sleep, I’m starved / I am thinking of you again, I’m on the edge / What do I have to do? / I should let you go now.”
Everglow, “Moon”
Everglow’s debut with “Bon Bon Chocolat” was a swaggery, bold entrance to the industry. The rookie girl sort flaunts attitude and sass, yet their sensitive side comes to play on the B-side “Moon.” Ethereal synths and airy vocals build a hazy ambience, because the women yearn to know the concealed facets of a loved one. Because the title says, the Moon is the chosen metaphor to define the method of revealing one’s shadow side, with a Cancerian touch of intimacy and carefulness.
Biggest mood: “Show yourself, more honestly / Show yourself, more clearly / Show yourself, somewhere routinely half concealed / The other side of the moon.”
Seventeen, “Home”
As Cancer season drives us to think about our own roots and nests, Seventeen’s “Home” is a considerate companion. Described as “future urban R&B,” it holds the same spaciousness and quiet of feeling safe, shining in well-crafted minimalism. The lyrics mirror a fear of losing one’s house in someone else’s heart, and this process is translated in music video by means of the scattered members remembering objects and scenarios from their previous videos. Fortunately, they find their way and reunite at the end, reminding us that house is truly where the heart is.
Biggest mood: “I don’t wanna let you go like this / I don’t wish to be scared with a damaged heart / I’m the place you could come to / You’re the place I can go to.”