Kim Taehyung, our adored V from BTS, has unveiled his latest single, Winter Ahead, a heartwarming track perfectly suited for the holiday season and to bring warmth to chilly winter days. Collaborating with the renowned vocalist Park Hyo Shin, V blends his signature artistry with rich jazz influences — a genre he has long expressed deep admiration for.
Accompanying the song is a cinematic music video that draws inspiration from the Greek myth of Pygmalion. In the myth, Pygmalion, a gifted sculptor, falls in love with a statue he has crafted, and through divine intervention, the statue comes to life. This allegory of love, transformation, and devotion is mirrored in the video’s stunning visuals and emotional depth, further highlighting V’s creative vision.
Still tied to the Pygmalion myth, the story in the music video left ARMYs intrigued, with mysteries intertwined into every scene. To help us piece the puzzle together, a movie video shoot sketch was released, offering behind-the-scenes insights into the creative process behind the video. Beyond the director’s vision, the sketch highlights how much of V’s own creativity and talent were infused into the storytelling, showcasing once again his remarkable aptitude for acting and narrative expression.
In addition to the original video released alongside the song, a second version was unveiled, allowing fans to focus on the heartfelt lyrics. This rendition brings an added layer of warmth, as it evokes a sense of comfort and reassurance from the one proclaiming such beautiful emotions. As the lyrics themselves suggest, you realize where your paradise lies—even when there’s a storm outside.
It’s no surprise that V is a true romantic at heart, and his solo music — especially from his Layover album — is a testament to this. His collaboration with Park Hyo Shin further solidifies how deeply rooted these romantic influences are in his artistry.
And let’s be honest, ARMY — would it really be the holiday season without a Kim Taehyung song?
Winter Ahead brings to mind a quote I once saw from an ARMY on Twitter that perfectly captures who V is: “You were born in the winter because the universe saved a year’s worth of warmth and put it all into you.”
So, let’s all say it together: “Thank you, Taehyung, for this masterpiece!”