“So Cynical (Badum)” features a trendy Jersey House sound, with the repeated use of the English word “ba-dum,” representing a racing heartbeat, adding to its addictive appeal. LE SSERAFIM’s Kim Chaewon, Huh Yunjin, and Hong Eunchae participated in the songwriting process.
Song Credits
- Artist: LE SSERAFIM
- Album: HOT
- Released: March 14, 2025
- Recorded: 2024
- Length: 2:35
- Label: Source Music
- Writer: EJAE, VITALS, Anthony Watts, Huh Yunjin, “hitman” Bang, Hong Eunchae, Kim Chaewon
- Producer: VITALS
LE SSERAFIM “So Cynical (Badum)” Official Audio
LE SSERAFIM “So Cynical (Badum)” Lyrics
Hangul
모른 척해 유난이야 넌 왜
우린 어느새
심장이 뛰는데
That L-O-V-E 말로만 들었지
사랑은 Fictional
이럴 줄은 몰랐어
한 손으론 Tapping on it twice
표정은 왜 Try to hide
좋아요 그 세글자의 말
말로 하면 So uncool
서둘러 다 놓치기 전에
때론 과감한 게 나아
의심하지 마
You and I, right this moment
I want your lo-lo-lo-loving
아닌 척 좀 그만하자
Wa-wa-wa-want it 서로가 원하잖아
That ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-dum
Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-dum
심장은 Kno-no-no-nocking
네게도 들리잖아
너 Lo-lo-lo-loving
그만 두려워하자
Like ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-dum
Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-dum
Replay old days 그땐 나도 So afraid
다칠까 봐 닫힌 내 심장은 So blue
너도 Time to make a choice
결정 앞에 Don’t avoid
딴청 피우지 말고
What you waiting for?
Cool한 사이를 좋아하지만
너랑은 아니란 말야
좋아요 그 세글자의 말
말로 하면 So uncool
서둘러 다 놓치기 전에
때론 과감한 게 나아
의심하지 마 You and I
Right this moment
I want your lo-lo-lo-loving
아닌 척 좀 그만하자
Wa-wa-wa-want it 서로가 원하잖아
That ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-dum
Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-dum
심장은 Kno-no-no-nocking
네게도 들리잖아 너
Lo-lo-lo-loving
그만 두려워하자
Like ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-dum
Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-dum
So cynical
이젠 그만할래 두려워 마
If your heart is beating
So cynical 망설이면 Too late
너 너와 Glowing
Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-dum
Romanized
Moreun cheokae yunaniya neon wae
Urin eoneusae
Simjangi ttwineunde
That L-O-V-E malloman deureotji
Sarangeun Fictional
Ireol jureun mollasseo
Han soneuron Tapping on it twice
Pyojeongeun wae Try to hide
Joayo geu segeuljaui mal
Mallo hamyeon So uncool
Seodulleo da nochigi jeone
Ttaeron gwagamhan ge naa
Uisimhaji ma
You and I, right this moment
I want your lo-lo-lo-loving
Anin cheok jom geumanhaja
Wa-wa-wa-want it seoroga wonhajana
That ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-dum
Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-dum
Simjangeun Kno-no-no-nocking
Negedo deullijana
Neo Lo-lo-lo-loving
Geuman duryeowohaja
Like ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-dum
Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-dum
Replay old days geuttaen nado So afraid
Dachilkka bwa datin nae simjangeun So blue
Neodo Time to make a choice
Gyeoljeong ape Don’t avoid
Ttancheong piuji malgo
What you waiting for?
Coolhan saireul joahajiman
Neorangeun aniran mallya
Joayo geu segeuljaui mal
Mallo hamyeon So uncool
Seodulleo da nochigi jeone
Ttaeron gwagamhan ge naa
Uisimhaji ma You and I
Right this moment
I want your lo-lo-lo-loving
Anin cheok jom geumanhaja
Wa-wa-wa-want it seoroga wonhajana
That ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-dum
Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-dum
Simjangeun Kno-no-no-nocking
Negedo deullijana neo
Lo-lo-lo-loving
Geuman duryeowohaja
Like ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-dum
Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-dum
So cynical
Ijen geumanhallae duryeowo ma
If your heart is beating
So cynical mangseorimyeon Too late
Neo neowa Glowing
Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-dum
Translation
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LE SSERAFIM “So Cynical (Badum)” Meaning
“So Cynical (Badum)” explores the emotional exhaustion and skepticism that often accompany modern relationships. The lyrics portray a narrator caught between a desire for genuine connection and a protective cynicism that prevents them from fully opening up. The phrase ‘badum’ serves as both a rhythmic anchor and a symbolic heartbeat, reinforcing the song’s themes of hesitation and emotional detachment.
Despite its upbeat production, the track carries darker undertones, using playful yet sharp language to highlight the contrast between appearances and authenticity. In the bridge, the narrator reflects on their own beliefs and societal pressures that contribute to their guarded nature, inviting listeners to examine their own experiences with love and trust. By the end, the song acknowledges the cyclical nature of these emotions, emphasizing how cynicism, while offering protection, can also hinder deeper connections.
Additionally, “So Cynical (Badum)” was featured in Blizzard Entertainment’s game Overwatch 2 before its official release, drawing attention from both K-pop fans and gamers alike.