As winter makes its reliable return each year, what's the first thing you pull out from the depths of your heart? Some may reach for their thick outerwear, scarves, and gloves among various winter gear, while others might bring out winter-only treats like fish-shaped buns and hotteok. And then there are many who dust off their favorite winter songs to play. For these listeners, K-pop is once again painting the season with winter songs.

 

In this edition of the K-Trend Report, we explore the winter songs set to melt away the 2024 cold.

 

☃️V ‘Winter Ahead (with PARK HYO SHIN)’

 

When you think of winter, jazz might just be the perfect soundtrack as if it should be listened to by a fireplace. The duet song 'Winter Ahead' by BTS's V and Park Hyo Shin has made its debut. 'Winter Ahead' has sparked a buzz simply with the pairing of V and Park Hyo Shin, piquing the curiosity of many listeners.

 

After its release, the song has received more love than anticipated. The harmonious blend of V and Park Hyo Shin's voices along with the cozy jazz genre delivers enough warmth to melt the winter chill.

 

Especially, V has enhanced the winter atmosphere by releasing a cinematic still version of the music video on the official HYBE Labels YouTube channel. The cinematic still version captures a one-take scene of V and Park Hyo Shin enjoying dinner together, gifting viewers with the romance and fantastical ambiance of a black-and-white movie.
 


☃️THE BOYZ ‘Last Kiss’

 

Celebrating their December debut anniversary, THE BOYZ have prepared a special surprise for their fans again this year with the special single 'Last Kiss'. This special single is a seasonal album planned in gratitude for the love received from their fandom, 'THE B'.

 

The title track 'Last Kiss' merges 90s old-school K-pop sensibilities with the coziness of winter, invoking nostalgia. Moreover, it contains a poignant confession that the first love and also the last love will ultimately be you, perfectly melting into a hopeful yet nostalgic winter sentiment.

 

Particularly, THE BOYZ have incorporated behind-the-scenes footage from their debut to the present into the music video, sharing those memories with their fans. Through 'Last Kiss', THE BOYZ are concluding the chapter they have run so far, conveying their gratitude and passion for the new chapter they are about to write.
 


☃️CHUNG HA ‘Christmas Promises’

 

This winter, Chung Ha is preparing an unforgettable Christmas song that will gift warm memories. Unlike her previous powerful and stylish concepts, Chung Ha has shown a winter sentiment filled with love, excitement, and warm emotions.

 

The title track 'Sleigh' is an R&B pop song encapsulating the love and excitement of Christmas, where Chung Ha's sweet vocals and delicate emotional expressions can be felt. Not only is her warm voice a great match for Christmas songs, but there's also a growing wish for her to release winter songs every year.

 

The music video, depicting Chung Ha preparing for Christmas, expresses the anticipation and excitement of many awaiting the holiday. Chung Ha's successful concept transformation into a winter song has garnered focused attention.

 

As winter songs return each year in K-pop, they always carry different voices and sentiments. Let's see which warm voices will melt our hearts this year and which songs will become our go-to winter songs annually. 👀