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On November 29, 2024, BTS's Kim Taehyung (V) and veteran singer Park Hyo-shin released a rendition of Winter Ahead with South Korea's renowned jazz group, the Yun Seok-Cheol Trio. Led by pianist Yun Seok-Cheol, the trio is celebrated for their improvisational skill and emotive compositions, earning acclaim both locally and globally.
The original version of Winter Ahead was first released by Taehyung and Park Hyo-shin as part of his winter-themed discography on November 29, 2024. The music video teaser was screened on the massive LED display at Seoul's Shinsegae Square, attracting thousands of fans and curious tourists who flocked to catch a glimpse.
For this latest rendition, they reinterpreted the song with a jazz arrangement. The release on December 20, 2024, at 2 PM KST, met with widespread acclaim from fans. ARMY (BTS fans) praised the addition of the Yun Seok-Cheol Trio. Social media platforms were flooded with comments celebrating the collaboration as a perfect blend of talent and artistry.
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One fan wrote on X:
OMG THE HARMONIES ALONG WITH TAEHYUNG’S BARITONE VOICE??!!?!"
Fans lauded the BTS singer's vocals alongside Yun Seok-Cheol Trio's "jazz melodies."
"IM TRYING TO TELL YALL THE HARMONIES 10 OUTTA 10," one fan said.
"The way Tae slow dancing to the beautiful soothing jazz melodies & the mesmerizing visuals is just chef's kiss," another fan said.
"Manifesting another cover for winter ahead," another fan wrote.
Others underscored the sound of the piano which enhanced the latest rendtion of Winter Ahead.
"The piano made the whole song sound so much more whimsical all the whole highlighting the vocals even more... Absolutely in love with rendition! I can imagine myself floating away on clouds while listening to it..," one fan exclaimed.
"The Yun Seok-Cheol jazzy piano addition is so beautiful, and it makes this version so special. Just love it." another fan added.
"OMG I finally managed to listen. It's so beautiful," one other fan commented.
BTS' Kim Taehyung's Winter Ahead, military enlistment, and more
The music video for Winter Ahead, released on November 29, 2024, captivated viewers with its visuals, set at the historic Château de Saudreville in Villeconin. French actress Aida Atarssa starred as a figure born from Taehyung's imagination. Directed by Lee Hangyeol (HANBAGO), the video explores themes of nostalgia, longing, and time. Taehyung portrays a sculptor living a solitary life in a grand mansion.
However, his imagination and loneliness get the better of him as he seemingly starts to hallucinate leading a different life as an artist surrounded by people and a lover.
The song debuted at No. 99 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 86 on the Official Singles Chart. It marked Taehyung's third solo entry on the Billboard Hot 100, including his previous entries, Love Me Again and Rainy Days.
In other news, Taehyung began his mandatory military service on December 11, 2024. On January 18, 2024, where he was assigned to the Special Duty Team (SDT), known as the South Korean military's Special Forces unit. He will return in June 2025.
