1. A Song That Reminds Koreans of October 31
In South Korea, October 31 is remembered for more than Halloween. For many people, it is also the day associated with a beautiful and nostalgic Korean song called
“Forgotten Season” (잊혀진 계절), sung by Lee Yong (이용).
The song opens with a memorable reference to the last night of October. Even people who do not listen to old Korean music may recognize its famous opening.
Every year, as October comes to an end, Korean radio stations, music programs, and online communities bring this song back. It has become almost a musical tradition.
Why does one song remain so popular for more than four decades?
2. The Story Behind “Forgotten Season”
“Forgotten Season” was released in 1982 and quickly became one of the most beloved Korean ballads of its generation.
Interestingly, the song was reportedly considered for another singer, Jo Young-nam (조영남), before Lee Yong eventually recorded it.
There is also an interesting story about the lyrics. According to Lee Yong, the original version referred to the last night of September. However, the release schedule was delayed, and the month was changed to October.
That small change helped create one of the most recognizable seasonal songs in Korea.
3. Who Is Lee Yong?
Lee Yong became popular in the early 1980s, when Korean popular music was developing a distinctive style of emotional ballads.
Before “Forgotten Season,” he attracted attention with another song, “I Am the Wind” (바람이려오), and received recognition at the 1981 Gukpung 81 music festival.
His gentle voice and emotional delivery made him especially popular with listeners.
After the success of “Forgotten Season,” he became one of the well-known singers of the 1980s. The song also contributed to major recognition at Korean music award events, including the MBC 10 Singers Festival.
Unlike some performers whose popularity is closely associated with a particular generation, Lee Yong continues to be remembered by listeners of different ages.
4. What Does the Song Mean?
The song tells an emotional story about memories, separation, and the passage of time.
It captures the feeling of remembering someone who is no longer beside you. The last night of October becomes a symbolic moment when old memories return.
You do not need to understand every Korean word to appreciate the song. Its melody and Lee Yong’s expressive voice communicate a sense of loneliness and nostalgia.
This is one reason why many Koreans enjoy listening to it on a cool autumn evening.
5. Why Is October 31 So Important?
Many songs mention seasons, months, or special dates. However, “Forgotten Season” connects its emotional story to a very specific calendar date: October 31.
This makes the song easy to remember and gives it a special place in Korean culture.
Every year, people share the song on social media, play it on the radio, and recommend it to friends.
For some listeners, it brings back memories of their youth, first love, school days, or someone they once loved.
It is not simply an old song. It has become part of Korea's autumn atmosphere.
6. A Romantic Story from the Singer's Life
There is also a lovely personal story connected to Lee Yong.
According to a Korean media interview published on October 31, 2024, Lee Yong met his future wife, Lee Mi-sook (이미숙), through a memorable encounter at one of his concerts in the United States.
She was a fan who came to see him perform. Their meeting eventually developed into a relationship.
It is an interesting coincidence that a song about memories and love is also connected to a romantic story in the singer's own life.
7. Many Singers Have Performed Their Own Versions
Over the years, several Korean singers have performed or covered “Forgotten Season.”
Artists such as IU, Kim Bum-soo, Na Hoon-a, and TVXQ have helped introduce the song to different audiences through their own interpretations and performances.
Each version offers a slightly different feeling. Some emphasize the sadness of the melody, while others give it a more modern sound.
For younger Korean listeners, these performances are an opportunity to discover a classic song from an earlier generation.
8. How to Enjoy This Song as a Foreign Listener
If you are interested in Korean music or culture, try listening to “Forgotten Season” on October 31.
Here are a few ways to enjoy it:
Listen to Lee Yong's original recording from 1982.
Compare it with a modern cover version.
Read an English translation or summary of the song's meaning.
Listen to it in the evening, when the autumn air becomes cool.
Ask a Korean friend what October 31 means to them in connection with this song.
You may discover that music can tell you something about a country's memories and emotions that ordinary history books cannot.
9. Final Thoughts: More Than Just an Old Korean Ballad
Music has a special ability to preserve memories.
For Koreans, “Forgotten Season” is not just a hit song from 1982. It is a reminder of autumn, lost love, youth, and moments that cannot return.
More than 40 years after its release, the song still finds new listeners every October.
If you want to experience a piece of Korean emotional culture, add Lee Yong's “Forgotten Season” to your playlist.
And when October 31 arrives, you will understand why this particular night has such a special meaning for so many Koreans.
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