BTS' Kim Taehyung, aka V, has once again demonstrated his significant influence as the teasers for his upcoming song Winter Ahead made waves at Shinsegae Square in Seoul. According to a November 27 report by Money Today via Naver, the teasers showcased on Shinsegae’s massive digital display led to a 15.5% spike in visitor numbers overnight compared to the same period last year. This surge in attendance highlights the strong pull of Taehyung’s popularity.
Shinsegae Square, already a rising cultural hotspot, benefited greatly from the teaser showcase. The department store’s director expressed optimism about Shinsegae becoming a central hub for K-content and is anticipating an even larger turnout when the full music video drops on November 29.
One fan wrote regarding this,
"That's called impact."
Fans celebrated this achievement as yet another testament to Taehyung’s global impact. They took to social media to praise his ability to captivate audiences and turn promotional campaigns into large-scale events.
“A real pioneer!” exclaimed a fan.
“I just love how everybody understand Kim Taehyung power,” said another fan.
“THE trendsetter,” said a user.
Fans also commented on the idol's popularity amongst brands with one calling him an icon.
“Taehyung’s impact is incalculable!” exclaimed another fan.
“This is why brands work blood sweat and tears to secure him,” commented another fan.
"So true he is an ICON," said a netizen.
Shinsegae's director credit's Taehyung and Winter Ahead for increase in profit
On November 29 at 2 PM, Shinsegae, in collaboration with BigHit Music, will simultaneously release the music video for BTS V and Park Hyo-shin’s digital single Winter Ahead on HYBE Labels’ channel and Shinsegae Square. They have already started off by broadcasting the two teasers of the song
Recently renovated into a massive digital signage space spanning 1,292 square meters (equivalent to three basketball courts), Shinsegae Square has already attracted over 200,000 visitors, both domestic and international, within ten days of its opening.
Shinsegae is set to offer a unique experience for visitors to Myeongdong by premiering BTS V’s new song, characterized by romantic lyrics and a warm melody, at the digital square. This aligns perfectly with the festive year-end atmosphere.
The first teaser for V and Park Hyo-shin’s duet music video Winter Ahead was unveiled on November 25, immediately sparking global fan excitement on social media. The official Shinsegae Department Store social media posts about the teaser surpassed millions of views within a day. On November 25 alone, foot traffic to Shinsegae Square increased by 15.5% compared to the previous year.
Lee Sung-hwan, the Managing Director of Sales Strategy at Shinsegae Department Store, stated,
"By premiering the new music video of BTS V, a '21st Century Pop Icon,' Shinsegae is becoming a new sanctuary for K-Culture. Based on competitive K-content, we aim to evolve into a globally recognized landmark."
Thus, the company itself attributed their success to be largely because of BTS' V and his new project, which prompted fans to comment upon his impact.
BTS' V is set to release his holiday single Winter Ahead, made in collaboration with South Korean ballad singer Park Hyo-shin, on November 29, 2024.