"When you are a real vocalist"- Fans surprised as Park Hyo-shin reveals that his and BTS’ Taehyung’s Winter Ahead’s released song is a guide version

Singer Park Hyo-shin recently shared a surprising revelation about his and BTS’ Taehyung’s duet, "Winter Ahead." During his appearance on MBC’s radio show Kim Eana’s Starry Night on January 7, 2025, Park disclosed that the released version of the song is actually a guide recording and not the final studio version.

Guide versions are typically recorded to serve as a blueprint for how a song should sound. Often, they are performed by another artist to help the original artist prepare for the final recording. However, in this case, the guide itself was released as the final version.

This unexpected detail amazed fans, as many had already praised the song for its "perfect" execution. They expressed admiration for both Taehyung and Park Hyo-shin, noting their decision to release a guide version as the original demonstrates confidence in their vocal abilities. Fans referred to them as "true vocalists," showcasing their trust in the duo's artistic instincts.

The revelation only deepened fans' appreciation for Winter Ahead, with many applauding the duo’s ability to deliver such a performance even in its raw, unpolished form.

“I love that. sometimes the first run can be your best, with the honest emotions you first feel.” A fan said.

“The fact that it’s so perfect,” a fan remarked about the guide version.

Some fans wrote paragraphs expressing their appreciation,

“So the guide was so impeccable that they decided to release it. Okay...a whole new level of respect for Taehyung and his Hyoshin,” a fan expressed.

“Raw untouched, beautiful and filled with emotion vocals! so freaking proud,” a fan wrote.

“If they chose a guide track as original, it must be cus they loved the feeling that the song conveys and real tonality of their voices without artifice of autotune and so on. This song is a MASTERPIECE in all its creation. Greatest singers.” A fan affirmed in their words.

“This’s insane actually! The confidence they had to release a raw, unedited version, without the need to go through a lot of production to sound “perfect” cuz their vocals were “perfect” already!, that’s a master’s work, not anyone can do it. Just REAL singers!” A fan praised.

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Park Hyo-shin discusses his and Taehyung's collaboration on Winter Ahead

Korean lyricist Kim Eana is known to share a close acquaintance with both Park Hyo-shin and BTS’ Taehyung, who themselves have been good friends for quite some time. On January 7, 2025, Park Hyo-shin appeared as a guest on Kim Eana’s Starry Night radio show to discuss his and V's first official collaboration, Winter Ahead. However, this was not Park's first appearance on the show, he had previously been featured alongside Taehyung back in 2022.

Winter Ahead, released on November 29, 2024, quickly became the biggest jazz hit on Spotify, amassing huge streaming numbers. The collaboration highlighted the bond and artistic synergy between the two renowned artists. Accompanied by a deeply emotional six-minute music video, the song delivered a narrative, that blended its story with the duo's vocals.

During the radio show, Park Hyo-shin surprised fans by revealing that the version of Winter Ahead released to the public was actually a guide version and not the final studio recording. Typically, guide versions are raw drafts used to help artists refine their final performances. However, Park and Taehyung chose to release this version, preserving the raw emotions and authenticity of the track.

This revelation resonated with the fans, who praised the duo's decision to prioritize emotional depth over technical perfection. Their confidence in releasing the guide version as the official track showcased their belief in their project.

Fans now hold the collaboration in even higher regard, appreciating its rawness and the newfound perspective.