Song Meaning
The lyrics of "Love Affair" paint a vivid picture of an inescapable, forbidden affection. The speaker is consumed by thoughts of someone, describing them as "선명해지는" (becoming clear) even with eyes closed, an image that immediately establishes the relentless nature of this fixation. This isn't a fleeting crush; it's a powerful, persistent presence that the speaker "거부할 수가 없는" (cannot refuse).
The central tension lies in the stark contrast between the heart's undeniable pull and the mind's awareness of danger. The repeated chorus hammers this home: it's "가져서는 안되는 그런 마음" (such a heart that shouldn't be held), a love that will inevitably lead to a "다치는 마음" (heart that gets hurt). Yet, despite this clear understanding of the risks, the speaker confesses, "그것만큼은 어쩔 수 없어요" (that much, I can't help it), signaling a profound resignation to an uncontrollable emotion.
The imagery shifts from internal struggle to a shared past, recalling "얼어붙은 날들을" (frozen days) when the other person "발을 맞추고 있었죠" (was matching my steps). This brief moment of warmth and companionship makes the current predicament even more poignant, suggesting a comfort that now carries a heavy cost. The final chorus introduces a striking, almost violent metaphor: "서로를 겨눈 이 화살들도" (even these arrows aimed at each other), implying that the relationship itself is inherently conflict-ridden or brings mutual harm. The speaker wishes they could have simply "못 본 척 지나갔더라면" (pretended not to see and passed by).
Ultimately, the lyrics escalate to a desperate, almost apocalyptic plea. The speaker longs for a moment, even "이 세상의 끝에서" (at the end of this world), to embrace the beloved "부서지도록 서로를 안고서" (until we break). This powerful, self-destructive imagery underscores the depth of their longing, suggesting that even a brief, intense, and ultimately shattering union would be worth the cost. It's a raw, unflinching look at the overwhelming power of a love that defies reason and invites pain.
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