Living in Hawaii and listening to Korean songs can be quite fascinating at times.

When I was younger in Korea, I thought of this song as just a fun tune, but now when I hear it again, it sounds completely different.

Recently, while looking at the rankings of 'Koreans' Favorite Trot Songs' conducted by KBS and the Korea Broadcasting Culture Research Institute, I came across a song that brought back fond memories.

It's none other than Kim Soo-hee's 'Namhaengyeolcha.' Almost no Korean would be unfamiliar with this song.

However, upon reflection, I realized I had never truly considered why this song has been loved for so long.

To me, 'Namhaengyeolcha' has always been an exciting song since childhood.

I heard it during holiday events, and it was a song that someone would always sing at karaoke.

Especially when the introduction plays, the atmosphere completely changes.

Even those who were quietly sitting just moments ago start clapping, and even those who don't know the song join in the chorus.

However, this time, as I read the lyrics carefully, I was taken aback.

Is this really such a sad song?

On the rainy Honam Line, the southbound train
Through the shaking window
Raindrops flow and my tears flow too
My lost first love flows away

In the flickering, dim memories
The person I met, the silent person
Is gradually drifting away

Even if we can't meet, don't forget me
I loved you

On the rainy Honam Line, the last train
The sound of the whistle wails sadly

Raindrops flow and my tears flow too
My lost first love flows away

In the flickering, dim memories, the person I met, the silent person

Is gradually drifting away, even if we can't meet, don't forget me
I loved you

Even if we can't meet, don't forget me
I loved you.

This is a story of someone on a train on the rainy Honam Line, looking out the window and thinking of their lost first love.

The raindrops flowing down the window overlap with their own tears, and they cannot hold onto the person who is drifting away.

Particularly, the line that stays with me is "Even if we can't meet, don't forget me."

It's quite strange. It's not a plea to meet again or to come back.

It's simply a request not to forget them.

Even while accepting the fact that the love has ended, there is a feeling of not being able to let go of that last lingering attachment.

Yet, Kim Soo-hee sings this poignant story with astonishing vigor.

The lively rhythm and intense melody continue, and her unique refreshing voice carries the entire song.

Listening to it now, the harmony between the lyrics and melody is nearly perfect.

Living in Hawaii, I sometimes miss the scenery of trains in Korea. Here, being an island, there are no Honam Line trains, and no passenger trains running on rainy nights with their whistles blowing.

Perhaps that's why when I hear 'Namhaengyeolcha,' it evokes a clearer image of Korea than any train I have actually ridden.

The dark window, raindrops, faint lights, and even the long-gone time that cannot be returned.

They say good songs never age, even as time passes.

'Namhaengyeolcha' seems to be one of those songs.