On Sundays we take a look back at K-pop history, and today it’s time for second-gen queens T-ARA. Their 2013 hit “Number 9” is still remembered for its intensity — a pulsing dance track mixed with heartbreaking lyrics. It’s about desperate longing, begging for love not to leave.

Let’s focus on these two lines:

“네가 필요해 나를 떠나지 말아요

나 그대 없는 나 밤에 잠도 못 자요”

“I need you, don’t leave me.

Me without you—I can’t even sleep at night.”

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📝 Key Grammar & Vocabulary

1️⃣ 네가 필요해 – I need you

• 네가 = you (subject, casual form)

• 필요하다 = to need, to be necessary

→ Literally: “You are necessary.”

2️⃣ 나를 떠나지 말아요 – Don’t leave me

• 나를 = me (object)

• 떠나다 = to leave

• -지 말다 = don’t (negative imperative)

• -아요 = polite ending

→ “Please don’t leave me.”

3️⃣ 나 그대 없는 나 – Me, the me without you

• 그대 = you (formal, poetic — often used in lyrics)

• 없는 = without (from 없다, modifying noun)

→ “The me without you.”

4️⃣ 밤에 잠도 못 자요 – I can’t even sleep at night

• 밤에 = at night

• 잠 = sleep

• -도 = even

• 못 자요 = cannot sleep (자다 = to sleep)

→ “I can’t even sleep at night.”

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💡 Language Tip:

In Korean lyrics, 그대 is a poetic and emotional “you.” It’s less common in daily conversation (where you’d say 너, 당신, or 이름), but in songs it adds romance and gravity.

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💬 Why It Matters:

“Number 9” is more than just a catchy dance song — it’s an anthem of love’s desperation. The repetition of 나 (me) emphasizes identity tied to another person: “The me without you” isn’t complete. T-ARA gave us a song that blends vulnerability with unforgettable beats.

💔 Do you remember when “Number 9” dropped and took over the charts? Drop a 9️⃣ if this one still hits you in the heart!