In the world of K-pop, pets have evolved beyond simple companionship to become powerful symbols in music, representing comfort, loyalty, and complex emotional dynamics in relationships. K-pop artists increasingly use animals as vivid metaphors and heartfelt inspirations to explore a wide range of emotions, from finding solace to expressing unwavering devotion. These seven outstanding tracks demonstrate how pets have entered the K-pop conversation in remarkably creative ways.
10cm's "Pet" offers a unique perspective by stepping into the quiet world of a pet waiting at home for its owner. This gentle indie-pop track paints intimate, everyday scenes of a dog perched by the door, ears twitching at each sound, and tail wagging at the faintest hope of its owner's return. Lines like "I'm waiting for you, all day long" capture a devotion so constant it feels almost invisible. Free of melodrama, the song focuses on repetition, small joys, and longing, inviting listeners to experience the stillness of a pet's routine and recognize how much its life revolves around human companionship.
Colde's "Your Dog Loves You," featuring Crush, was written entirely from the perspective of the artist's own dog named Samna. The concept of a dog singing to its human creates an instantly disarming effect, with lyrics overflowing with unconditional loyalty and warmth: "Even if you're tired, even if you're sad, I'm always here for you." Rather than dramatizing the bond, Colde frames it as steady and judgment-free—a rare kind of love in a world full of conditions. By shifting the perspective to the pet's point of view, the song becomes a quiet act of comfort, mirroring the feeling of coming home to a wagging tail after a long, difficult day.
Taeyeon's "To the Moon" serves as a dedication to her beloved dog Zero, though on the surface it appears to be a dreamy escape anthem. The lyrics describe a desire to fly to the moon when life feels overwhelming, metaphorically representing taking a mental break with the one companion who never judges. Lines such as "Let's leave everything behind, just you and me" suggest that Zero isn't merely a pet but a confidant who gives Taeyeon courage to reset emotionally. The airy beats mirror the sense of weightlessness she longs for, while her detached yet tender vocal delivery evokes the quiet comfort of curling up next to a pet after a hard day.
Sunwoo Jung-a's "Cat," featuring IU, embodies a feline's point of view with a jazzy, bouncy rhythm that instantly conjures images of a cat tiptoeing across a windowsill. Lyrics like "I only come when I want to / Don't try to hold me" capture the quintessential cat personality—independent, mysterious, yet irresistibly charming. Even the melody mirrors a cat's unpredictable movements, alternating between soft, purr-like verses and springy, claw-sharp hooks. Instead of simply chasing cuteness, the song celebrates the unapologetic individuality of cats, offering a perspective rarely heard in K-pop music.
SEVENTEEN's synth-driven track "To You" from their 2021 album "Attacca" has remained a fan favorite, with many supporters hoping the group will keep it in concert setlists permanently. In an interview with music magazine Consequence, Woozi, the group's producer, revealed the sentimental meaning behind one of the lyrics. The line "To you who always will welcome me when I open the door" was inspired by his own pet. "You can be your family, pets, or whoever that can be your strength," Woozi shared. The question of whether Woozi owned pets had long been a mystery within the group's fandom, as he was very keen on keeping his private life out of the spotlight. Only recently did Woozi admit that he was the owner of two cats, fondly calling them family members, and he also revealed a tattoo dedicated to one of them who unfortunately passed away.
BTS member Jin's "Tonight" marked his first official self-composed release when he dropped it on SoundCloud in 2019, immediately breaking records by earning one million streams in just 30 minutes. The global superstar penned this heartfelt ballad in honor of his pets: Janggu, a longtime family Maltese, and Eomuk and Odeng, a pair of sugar gliders, who had passed away years before. "When I close my eyes / I feel like I will think of only the happy memories again," Jin sings over a somber guitar, recalling precious moments with his beloved pets. Jin's pets were well-known to many fans as part of the extended BTS family, as he regularly posted about and introduced his animal companions on social media platforms. As a bonus connection, fellow BTS member V used his own beloved Pomeranian, Yeontan, who has also sadly passed away, as the album art for his first solo album "Layover" in 2023, and there's even merchandise inspired by the beloved dog.
Stray Kids' Hyunjin released his self-written song "Little Star" in 2020, dedicating it to one of his pet dogs. "I wrote the lyrics with the hope that my letter would reach one of those beautiful stars," Hyunjin explained in a note accompanying the song's release, recalling memories of his beloved pet Komi, who had unfortunately passed away. The song begins as a sentimental letter, with Hyunjin becoming vulnerable and honest about what he wished he could tell Komi: "I hope my voice reaches to that star / No matter how much I scream / You have no idea how beautiful you were." Throughout the years, Hyunjin has introduced his pet Kkami, Komi's sibling, to fans, even including him in his holiday vlog series. As a group, Stray Kids has earned the nickname "PetRacha," with many members owning different pets and sharing their love for animals with their global fanbase.
