"Promise" (그러니까) by Jung Seung Hwan is a heartfelt ballad that expresses the emotions of a person who is trying to let go of their loved one. The song portrays the narrator's struggle to move on and their desire for their loved one to also find happiness in their absence. The lyrics start with the narrator questioning why they are crying when they are actually trying to laugh. Even though they received everything just by looking at their loved one, they express their innocence and vulnerability in that moment. They make a promise to themselves to stop trying so hard, acknowledging that feelings are not something that can be controlled. The chorus highlights the narrator's plea for their loved one to not shed tears. They admit that they are not the person who can wipe away those tears anymore. However, they now feel that their loved one understands their true feelings, even though they were unable to express them before. The narrator emphasizes that it's time to say goodbye and move on. In the second verse, the narrator apologizes for not being sorry anymore, knowing that it's not anyone's fault. They affirm that love was real and that it was the essence of their relationship. They assure their loved one that they were not the problem, and it's better to consider it fortunate because they will be the one to suffer more. The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the request to not shed tears. The narrator expresses their belief that their loved one will find someone who can comfort them in the way they cannot. They finally admit their true feelings and state that they will live through memories and try to forget their loved one. In the bridge, the narrator pleads to be let go, as holding on feels like being shaken again. They bid farewell to their loved one, assuring them that their love will be cherished secretly. They urge their loved one to let them go so that they can also release their grip. The song concludes with the repetition of the chorus, emphasizing that it is now time to say a true goodbye. "Promise" is a poignant and emotional song that beautifully captures the feelings of longing, acceptance, and the struggle to let go.
