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On November 24, 2024, HYBE LABELS unveiled the first teaser for BTS' Taehyung's upcoming single Winter Ahead, a collaboration with Park Hyo-shin. The teaser, approximately 1 minute and 23 seconds, impressed fans with its visuals, symbolism, and apparent references to Greek mythology. It sparked a series of theories online.
One of the major interpretations linked to the teaser was the myth of Pygmalion, a sculptor from Greek mythology who created a statue so perfect that he fell in love with it. Fans drew parallels between Pygmalion's tale and scenes from the teaser where Taehyung interacts with a sculpture.
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The narrative suggests a blurred line between reality and imagination, leaving viewers questioning whether the BTS member represents the artist, the statue, or both.
The teaser begins with Taehyung waking up in an empty room, appearing disoriented. The scenes transition between serene, introspective moments and lively, chaotic settings. In one sequence, Taehyung caresses his face in a manner mirroring his touch on the statue, raising speculation about identity, humanity, and self-reflection.
Fans took to social media to discuss whether he embodies the sculptor bringing life to his creation or the statue itself discovering life. An X user, @weare_bts7, wrote,
"This is unbelievably genius! I want more theories!!"
The teaser's storytelling, with its haunting soundtrack and fluid transitions, has fans eagerly awaiting further revelations. They flocked to social media to express their anticipation for the song to be released.
"just as the artist caressed the sculpture under its eye, taehyung caresses himself too. to check if he's human? is he the sculpture come to life? or is he the artist unsure of his own humanity? the framing is great because it also looks like it's someone else's finger!" A fan remarked.
"Kim Taehyung a trueeee genius," an X user mentioned.
"He is Just AMAZING!!!!What A MAN!!!!" Another person wrote.
"I'm obsessed and this is filled with tons of Easter eggs!!! I did catch this - a male sculpture with a female finger. Thoughts??? I can't wait for the whole thing!!!! He's a genius!!!!" A user commented.
Other theories extend beyond Pygmalion, suggesting influences from Persephone's myth, where winter symbolizes separation and longing, or exploring psychological concepts like the "stigma effect," representing personal transformation.
"My head is spinning. The Winter Ahead teaser depicts a sculptor who seems to have fallen in love with his creation, reminds me of Pygmalion and Galatea from greek mythology. Ahhhh. I already love it. I can't wait," a fan mentioned.
"winter ahead is a warm holiday song, are you sure?? why is the teaser scary??" Another X user commented.
"In conclusion / Winter ahead mv is connected to mythology, psychology, friends, blood sweat and tears, rainy days and hyyh," a person wrote on X.
All we know about BTS' Taehyung and Park Hyo-shin's upcoming track Winter Ahead and more
The music video for Winter Ahead will premiere on November 29, 2024, on HYBE LABELS' YouTube channel and at Shinsegae Square, with a cinematic version set to follow on November 30.
While Park Hyo-shin did not appear in the first teaser, fans speculate that his role may be unveiled in the second teaser, scheduled for release on November 27.
The duet, described by BIGHIT MUSIC as a jazz-pop collaboration, aims to evoke warmth and joy during the winter season. The label noted that the song highlights the vocal harmonies of Taehyung and Park Hyo-shin, delivering a message about finding happiness in companionship. The announcement by the label read,
"Winter Ahead (with PARK HYO SHIN) is a jazz-pop song with a heavy vibe that showcases the peaceful voice colors of the two artists. The song sings that happiness can be found in being with someone on your side. As you listen to the song by V, we hope you wrap up the year warmly with your loved ones."
Despite being on military duty, Taehyung completed the recording and filming for Winter Ahead before his enlistment. The singer will be discharged in June 2025 after completing his service term.
