5 K-Pop Music Videos Inspired By Greek Myth You Must Watch

Greek myth for its timeless tales of Gods, Heroes, and epic adventures, has long been a wellspring of inspiration for artists of various fields and across the globe. When it is in the realm of K-Pop, Greek mythology is a niche with its stunning new expressions by blending ancient narratives and modern artistry.  From the alluring story of Hades and Persephone to the heroic trials of Icarus, Greek myths have served as the foundation for some of K-Pop’s most captivating music videos. Through breathtaking visuals, intricate storytelling, and symbolic imagery, these videos reimagine classical myths in a way that resonates with today’s audience while paying homage to their ancient roots.

This article gives you five iconic K-Pop music videos that channel the essence of Greek mythology, in its unique stories of love, ambition, and transcendence.

1. ‘INVU’ by TaeYeon

‘INVU’ is the title track of Girls’ Generation’s TaeYeon‘s third studio album, released on February 14, 2022. The name of the song is a play on words, sounding like “I envy you” while exploring the themes of unrequited love and longing. The song is one of the distinctive releases of all times featuring the artist’s ethereal vocals and visuals. The song portrays a love where the protagonist gives their all, only to face indifference from the other person. The lyrics also explore the struggle to let go, and the bittersweet irony of being drawn to someone who causes heartbreak. The music video accompanied with a song is a blend of rich celestial and mythological imagery narrating the love story between the Greek goddess Artemis and giant hunter Orion. As per the mythical story, Orion dies in the end as a the result of their love for eachother. TaeYeon herself is portrayed as a goddess-like figure, emphasizing divine beauty and unattainable love, echoing the archetypes of Artemis often found in myths. These mythological influences enrich the narrative by connecting the personal struggles of love with timeless, universal stories of longing and strength.

2. ‘Enough’ by SF9

‘Enough’ by SF9 is the title track from their sixth mini-album “Narcissus”, released in 2019. The single is one of a kind from the group’s discographies that has distinctive and genre-blending charm. The track kicks off with a haunting electronic melody and a smooth trap beat that immediately sets a moody yet captivating tone. As the song progresses, it seamlessly incorporates elements of EDM, giving it an intense, dramatic build-up in the pre-chorus and an explosive drop in the chorus. Its lyrics convey a message of self-acceptance, urging someone not to change themselves to meet societal beauty standards—hence the title, which translates to “Don’t Become Prettier.” The video is a visually striking reinterpretation of the Narcissus myth from Greek mythology. The concept revolves around themes of self-love and rejecting societal beauty standards, which aligns with the mythological tale of Narcissus—a figure who fell in love with his own reflection. Using mirror and water images, the video symbolizes introspection and self-perception struggles, nodding to Narcissus’ myth. 

3. ‘Dumb Litty’ by KARD

Released in 2019, KARD’s ‘Dumb Litty’ is an electrifying single that showcases the group’s signature co-ed dynamic and bold energy. Co-produced by BM, the song is a powerful anthem blending EDM, hip-hop, and trap influences. The song encourages listeners to break free from societal expectations and embrace their individuality. With lines that emphasize partying without worrying about drama and living life on their own terms, the lyrics exude a rebellious and carefree energy. The video of the song is equally pompous and striking with rich visuals featuring the members embodying various mythological deities. The members, BM channels Zeus, JiWoo portrays Hera, SoMin takes on Aphrodite, and J.Seph embodies Ares. This mythological theme adds a layer of grandeur and intensity to the visuals, aligning with the song’s confident and rebellious tone. Overall, ‘Dumb Litty’ is a celebration of self-confidence and breaking free from societal norms, making it a standout in KARD’s discography.

4. ‘TO BE OR NOT TO BE’ by ONEUS

‘TO BE OR NOT TO BE’ by ONEUS is a dramatic and emotionally charged track from their 2020 mini-album “LIVED”. The music is a striking fusion of dramatic orchestral elements with modern electronic and rock influences. The song explores themes of heartbreak, inner conflict, and the struggle to move on after a painful breakup. Its title, inspired by Shakespeare’s famous soliloquy, reflects the existential dilemma of choosing between holding on or letting go. The chorus delivers a powerful impact, with hard-hitting beats, layered vocals, and a dramatic shift in energy that captures the inner conflict reflected in the lyrics. The powerful imagery, evocative language and strong instrumentation make the emotions palpable. With cinematic visuals in rich settings, the music video is nothing but a visual treat with a hooking story line. The visuals, such as elaborate set designs and symbolic imagery, evoke a timeless quality, similar to the grandeur of ancient Greek myths. Concepts like betrayal and revenge, central to the video’s narrative, mirror the moral struggles often explored in Greek mythology.

5. ‘Midas Touch’ by KISS OF LIFE

Released in 2024, ‘Midas Touch’ is the title track from the quartet’s first single album. With captivating elements of R&B and early 2000s dance music, the song gives a nostalgia while showcasing the members’ versatility and charm. The lyrics of “Midas Touch” by KISS OF LIFE draw heavily from the mythological tale of King Midas, where everything he touched turned to gold. In Greek mythology, King Midas was granted a wish by the god Dionysus to turn everything he touched into gold. They explore themes of allure, confidence, and transformation, portraying the power to captivate and change everything. The song reflects the irresistible effect of one’s presence, with metaphors emphasizing elegance and opulence. The narrative subtly nods to the dual nature of Midas’s gift—highlighting not just its beauty but also its potential for isolation and unintended consequences. With a sleek and dynamic choreography complimenting the track, the video grabs the attention of the viewers. The set designs, featuring regal and celestial elements, create a dreamlike atmosphere that ties in beautifully with the mythological concept. 

The world of K-Pop is rich with songs inspired by Greek mythology, making it quite a challenge to narrow down just five.

Share with us your favorite K-Pop tracks that incorporate Greek myths into their lyrics and music videos—we’d love to know!