Kim Heechul and Lee Mijoo spoke openly about their real‑life breakup experiences during an episode of KBS Joy’s 20th Century Hit Song that aired on January 16, themed “How Far Have You Gone in Breakups? All Kinds of Breakup Hit Songs.”
In the show’s countdown of breakup songs, Eugene’s “Cha Cha” ranked 10th—a house dance track from her solo album with fast lyrics about a “boredom stage breakup,” where one partner waits until feelings fade, striking a chord with viewers.
At No. 9 was COOL’s “Before Sadness Comes,” a delicate synth‑driven song about a “mutual breakup,” where both partners part ways for each other’s benefit. In 8th place was Hareem’s “Departure,” a cinematic ballad capturing the sadness of a “long‑distance breakup.”
Coming in at No. 7 was Kim Min Woo’s “On the Military Train,” often called a classic for couples affected by military enlistment. Discussing this, Kim Heechul asked with disbelief, “Is it really true that people break up after discharge if you wait for them?” Producers explained it’s about the pressure to repay that patience. Heechul reacted strongly, calling it “crazy,” and Lee Mijoo empathized, joking, “Where can you find such a great woman?”
Ranked 6th was Park Mi Kyung’s “Obsession,” a Latin samba track about an “obsessive breakup,” and Kim Heechul admitted he’d experienced something similar, sharing that he even once asked to be dumped due to a lover’s obsession.
In 5th place was Chae Jung Ahn’s “Heartless,” a techno‑rhythm song dealing with a “cheating breakup.” Lee Mijoo revealed she once learned of her boyfriend’s infidelity from a friend and, despite his apology, chose to end the relationship—an experience that left a bittersweet memory.
At No. 4 was Space A’s “Season of Betrayal,” which centers on a “betrayal breakup” with a friend. The show also highlighted a dating site survey naming sudden breakup messages and affairs with acquaintances as the most shocking breakup triggers.
Third place went to Lim Jae Beom’s “For You,” a grand orchestral piece about a “nonsense breakup”—ending a relationship with “because I love you”—evoking bittersweet laughter. Second was Kim Don Gyu’s “My Own Sorrow,” a haunting song about a “time‑limited breakup,” where one hides the truth to protect the other. Lee Mijoo reflected, “Wanting to protect someone is understandable, but it’s sad when the other person can’t say goodbye.”
Taking the top spot was Jo Sung Mo’s “For Your Soul,” a classic ballad about losing a loved one in a “bereavement‑type breakup.” Having sold over two million copies, it resonated deeply as a universal heartbreak experience.
Throughout the episode, Kim Heechul and Lee Mijoo’s candid stories added heartfelt context to the music, making the familiar breakup hits feel even more personal and real to viewers.
Sources: Koreaboo
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