Learn English Through Music: 'Your Idol' by Saja Boys

The animated movie KPop Demon Hunters became a hit shortly after it was released on Netflix in June 2025. It's a story about a group of singers who fight against an evil threat to their world.

However, one of the movie's biggest songs is by the film's villains — a group called the Saja Boys. Although they look normal at first, the Saja Boys eventually reveal their true identities while performing a song called "Your Idol."

This time, we'll look at some of the English expressions and idioms you can find in the lyrics to this popular song.

What's an Idol?

Fans holding smartphones surrounding a performer

First, let's explain what an "idol" is. Although it's common when talking about entertainers, especially from places like Korea and Japan, an idol is anyone (or anything) that is greatly loved and admired.

My dad was my idol growing up.

You can also say "idolize," which is the verb form.

My little sister idolizes Naomi Osaka.

But this word originally had a more negative meaning: "false god," or something that is worshipped or praised that shouldn't be.

This meaning often referred to things like statues or other objects that people believed to have supernatural power. Which meaning do you think fits for this song?

What Do the Lyrics Mean?

Let's take a look at some lyrics that contain useful English for learners. Note that we're only looking at the English lyrics, not the words in Korean!

Keeping you in check

Keeping you obsessed

If you have someone or something "in check," you have control over them or it.

Sarah was having trouble keeping her energetic kids in check.
I'm on a tight budget, so I'm keeping my spending in check.

Someone who is "obsessed" is interested in something so much that it's unusual — and often unhealthy. Although it's often used casually, the original meaning has a serious nuance.

Since my last doctor's visit, I've been obsessed with only eating healthy foods.
Jake is obsessed with visiting France; he talks about it all the time.

We've written about "obsessed" before here.

Anytime it hurts

Play another verse

I can be your sanctuary

A "sanctuary" is a safe place. Sometimes it refers to religious places like churches, but you might also hear "animal sanctuary," where animals can be protected.

And in the US, there are "sanctuary cities," places where people who are in the country illegally can be safe from punishment. However, in 2025, these cities have been threatened by the policies of President Donald Trump.

Sanctuaries aren't always physical places, though. In the song, the Saja Boys say that they are sanctuaries for their fans. Here are some more examples of it being used figuratively:

Music is my sanctuary. No matter what's happening in my life, listening to my favorite songs relaxes me.
Her childhood was difficult, but writing was her sanctuary. That's why she became an author.

Know I'm the only one right now

I will love you more when it all burns down

"All burns down" is a casual idiom that refers to losing everything, like a house destroyed by fire.

That one major mistake is what caused everything to burn down.

More than power

More than gold

Yeah, you gave me your heart

Now I'm here for your soul

When you "give someone your heart," you're giving them your love, attention and admiration. This phrase often appears in love songs, but it's not common in daily conversations.

Since the Saja Boys are a popular K-pop group, they have many fans who've given them their hearts. But as the singer says, he also wants their souls — and this is a clue into the group's true nature.

I'm the only one who'll love your sins

Feel the way my voice gets underneath your skin

Something that "gets under your skin" has a big effect on you, either positively or negatively.

When used positively, it means you develop an appreciation for — or obsession with — something.

We've only just met, but Jane has really gotten under my skin. I'm going to ask her out.
I didn't like it at first, but that song has gotten under my skin. I hum it all the time now.

When used negatively, it means something annoys you or makes you feel uncomfortable.

Her high-pitched voice really gets under my skin. I hate it!

Listen 'cause I'm

Preaching to the choir

Can I get the mic a little higher?

"Preaching" is giving a religious speech, usually in order to change people's thinking or convince them to do something.

A choir is a group of people who sing, often at religious events in support of a preacher.

So if you're "preaching to the choir," you're trying to convince someone who already believes what you have to say.

Chicago-style pizza is the best kind of pizza!

You're preaching to the choir!

[= I already think so too!]

Since the Saja Boys are singing to their biggest fans (people who know and love them) they're "preaching to the choir."

Now we running wild

Yeah, I'm all you need

I'mma be your idol

"Running wild" means acting uncontrollably or without restrictions.

I let my kids run wild in the big park.
You can do whatever you want, so let your imagination run wild.

"I'mma" is simply a shorter, very casual way to say "I'm gonna" or "I'm going to."

I'm your idol

Thank you for the pain

'Cause it got me going viral

Something "goes viral" when it spreads or becomes popular very quickly, especially on social media.

In 2024, a baby hippo from Thailand named Moo Deng went viral.

Wrap-up

As you can see, music can introduce you to lots of useful English you may not have learned in class or in your textbooks.

If you'd like to learn more English used in popular music, read our post on 10 great summer songs for English learners. When you're finished, book a lesson with a private tutor on Engoo and talk about your favorite tunes!