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On November 29, 2024, Kim Taehyung, aka V, of BTS dropped his latest duet, Winter Ahead, with South Korean ballad singer Park Hyo-shin. The official X account of BTS Island: In the SEOM, @INTHESEOM_BTS, declared that they withdrew their support from Team Tiger and have joined Team Winter Bear.
The official account hilariously added that any "attack" on Team Winter Bear will be considered an attack on BTS Island: In the SEOM. As per the accurate translation provided by @mhereonlyforbts, the game's official account wrote:
"As of today, I withdraw my support for Taehyung Tiger team. From today, I will break away from the Tiger team and become integrated into the Winter Ahead Winter Bear Team. An attack on Taehyung Winter faction is considered an attack on In the Seom. But the tiger is cute, too."
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For the unversed, BTS Island: In the SEOM is an online mobile game centered around the seven members of the K-pop group. The game is filled with real-life dialogues and anecdotes of each member, adding a realistic touch to the game, as they get stranded on an island.
Additionally, Taehyung released his mixtape, Winter Bear, in 2019. His grandmother, who also raised him, gave him the moniker "Winter Bear" when he was a child, which served as the inspiration for the song's title. The BTS fandom also gave him the nickname "Tiger Cub," which later divided the fandom into two teams: Team Winter Bear and Team Tiger.
On November 29, 2024, after BTS Island: In the SEOM declared itself as a supporter of Team Winter Bear, the fandom hilariously joined the online bickering. Some fans vouched their allegiance to Team Tiger while others rejoiced in the victory of Team Winter Bear. However, a few stayed neutral, still failing to pick a side.
"The struggle is real brotha," a fan wrote on X.
Team Winter Bear supporters rallied behind the victory, emphasizing that the official account chose the "right team."
"They're jointing the right team," one fan said.
"This is why in the seom is the best bts game," another fan stated.
"OH MY DAYS, EVEN THE GAME (which has called him a Bear a few times already) is sticking to BEAR!!!" another fan added.
In humorous defiance, Team Tiger asserted that they would remain faithful to their faction until the BTS member asked them to join Team Winter Bear.
"The interns can write whatever tf they want. I will never concede to team [bear], until the day Taehyung himself tells me to," one fan wrote.
"No matter what, I'll forever be in team tiger. He's a majestic and charming tiger in my eyes and it won't change even if calls himself a bear. Sorry taehyungieeee," another fan wrote.
"Watch us get post-mil buffed out tiger Tae in a new MV or contents. Watch. #TeamTiger," another fan joked.
BTS' Kim Taehyung (V) delivers a cold tale in Winter Ahead music video
Winter Ahead unfolds as a poignant tale of love, introspection, and the passage of time. Set against various backdrops, including the historic Château de Saudreville in Villeconin, France, the music video juxtaposes cozy interiors with expansive wintry landscapes, symbolizing both warmth and solitude.
Collaborating with Park Hyo-shin—a close friend and equally celebrated artist—has added depth to Winter Ahead, showcasing their combined vocal power and emotional resonance.
BTS' V plays the lead role, supported by the female protagonist, Aida Atarssa, whose chemistry with him has left fans enthralled. Their gentle moments—slow dancing, quiet exchanges, and reflective walks—add emotional depth to the storyline.
The video is directed by Lee Hangyeol (HANBAGO). With its dreamlike sequences, muted color palette, and careful framing, the cinematography reflects themes of nostalgia and renewal, complementing the song's mellow, heartfelt melody.
Before the full release, the teaser for Winter Ahead broke records, becoming the most-viewed and most-liked teaser by a Korean soloist in 2024, amassing over 2 million views within 24 hours.
In other news, BTS' Kim Taehyung enlisted in the South Korean military on December 11, 2023, and was deployed to the Special Duty Team (SDT-Special Forces) on January 18, 2024. He will return to the entertainment industry in June 2025.
