South Korean rapper, singer-songwriter, and producer BIG Naughty (Seo Dong-hyeon) is known for his genre-blending approach to making music, and “Nostalgia” is yet another entry into his distinctive discography.
BIG Naughty first received public attention in 2019 as a finalist on Show Me the Money 8, a rap competition on the South Korean television music channel, Mnet. Since then, he has established himself as one of Korea’s most versatile emerging artists.
“Nostalgia” begins with optimistic synth instrumentals that juxtapose the crux of the song’s lyrics. The track details BIG Naughty’s personal journey to becoming an artist, reminiscing on the many complexities of growing up and the wanting to relive moments that could have been.
“I wanted it to feel hopeful,” the artist told The Knockturnal, when describing the sonic aesthetic of the track, “like finding the courage to face a past you can’t go back to.”
The song is accompanied by a cinematic music video that manages to capture the multifaceted coming-of-age experience. “Nostalgia” was originally created as a birthday gift to BIG Naughty’s mother, who also appears in the music video. The release of the single also came around the announcement of his alternative mandatory civil service, marking the end of one chapter for the artist, and the start of another.
BIG Naughty reflected on what “Nostalgia” means to him and what the road ahead looks like in an exclusive interview with The Knockturnal. Read our full conversation below.
Photo Credit: H1GHR MUSIC RECORDS
I’d love to know what this song was born out of, in your words. Was there a particular inspiration behind wanting to make it right now?
I actually wrote “Nostalgia” a while ago. I wanted to give it to my mom as a birthday present, so I revisited it after five years and finished it.
The vocals and instrumentals meshed so well together with this. Before you went into it, what did you have in mind for how you wanted the song to sound like?
I wanted it to feel hopeful, like finding the courage to face a past you can’t go back to.
The narrative for “Nostalgia” is quite breathtaking because you essentially manage to share your entire life story through this one song—from being in middle school, to blowing up on television, to becoming an established artist. Is there anything that you’re particularly nostalgic about when it comes to your own memories of the past? Something that you maybe missed when you were younger or busying yourself in the music industry?
I think the moment you make a choice in life, the life you could’ve lived if you’d chosen differently disappears. But we are who we are today because of the choices we’ve made, so I don’t have any regrets. I’d say I let things go rather than missed out on them. Still, I’d love to see the world through the eyes of an elementary school kid again.
In general, the lyrics also discuss the importance of taking things day by day and living in the moment. Do you feel like that’s something society struggles with these days?
Yeah, I think so. Probably because everything moves so much faster now.
I believe you also get to be in a scene with your mother at the very end of the “Nostalgia” MV, which just adds to the emotional crux of this track. What was it like getting to share that moment with her?
I pleaded with my mom to be in the music video. Our time together was just as precious as I’d hoped it would be. Getting to share a scene with her meant a lot to me, and I’m really proud of that.
I feel like this is such a good song to cover as well, and a lot of people have been participating in that on social media. What has the response been like for you, seeing how people have tried all these creative variations of it and added a bit of their own individuality?
It’s such a blessing to have fellow artists I respect sing my song. I’m just grateful, and I feel like their versions give the song more depth.
Earlier this month, you announced on social media that you would be enlisting for mandatory social service. With the release of a song like “Nostalgia” around this time, does it sort of mark a new chapter for you? What does the road ahead look like for you, both inside and outside of music?
Yeah, it does. I think that’s part of why I released this song. I’ll do my best during my service and come back with an even more honest album. Thank you!
“Nostalgia” is now available for listening on all streaming platforms. Watch the full music video on YouTube.
