BTS’ V Drops Holiday Duet ‘Winter Ahead’ with Park Hyo Shin

V of BTS is embracing the holiday season with his latest single, “Winter Ahead,” a heartfelt duet with one of Korea’s beloved ballad singers, Park Hyo Shin. Released on November 29, the jazzy, pop-infused track marks yet another addition to V’s cherished tradition of gifting his fans year-end music that resonates with the warmth of the holidays.

Known for his ability to create tracks that evoke cozy nostalgia, V’s previous festive hits like “Snow Flower,” “Winter Bear,” and “Christmas Tree” have established him as an artist who truly understands the spirit of the season. His latest offering continues this tradition, but with an exciting new collaboration. V teams up with Park Hyo Shin, whose emotive, powerful voice perfectly complements V’s smooth and rich tones. The result is a song that embodies the comfort of a crackling fireplace on a cold winter’s night, a celebration of love that persists even in the harshest of conditions.

The creative process behind “Winter Ahead” involved V and Hyo Shin working together to craft and compose the song, enlisting the help of Grammy Award-winning songwriter Jesse Harris. Harris, widely known for his work with Norah Jones, especially on the hit “Don’t Know Why,” brings his unique touch to the collaboration, helping to shape the song’s lush jazz arrangement. The track features a delicate blend of saxophone, trumpet, and piano, which builds a warm, inviting atmosphere. The English lyrics convey a message of love as a refuge from the cold, a reminder that paradise can be found in the simple act of being with someone you cherish.

For fans of V, “Winter Ahead” is a perfect representation of his love for wistful jazz—a genre that has long been close to his heart. His debut solo album Layover, released last fall, further showcased his passion for the genre, and “Winter Ahead” picks up where that left off. The collaboration with Park Hyo Shin, known for his own ballads, is a harmonious blend of both artists’ vocal styles. Together, they offer listeners a track that brings a sense of peace and joy, capturing the essence of holiday music in a way only V can.

Accompanying the single is a visually captivating music video inspired by the Greek myth of Pygmalion. In the video, V portrays a sculptor who brings his ideal partner to life, breathing life into his creation in a surreal, artistic interpretation of love. The video explores themes of art, love, and chaos, as unexpected visitors disrupt the serene moments. This alternating between intimate, serene moments and extravagant party scenes highlights V’s ability to embrace both tenderness and command, showing his versatility as an artist. The video is set to be a visual feast, underscoring the deep emotional layers of the song.

For fans eagerly anticipating more, the “cinematic still version” of the video, featuring both V and Park Hyo Shin, will be unveiled at midnight ET on November 30. The collaboration continues to build anticipation, as the pair’s chemistry is evident not just in the audio but in the visual storytelling as well.

Looking ahead, V’s holiday musical journey is far from over. “Winter Ahead” serves as a prelude to another highly anticipated project: a duet with one of the greatest icons in entertainment, Bing Crosby. Set to release on December 6, this collaboration is a monumental moment for both V and his fans. The legendary “White Christmas” gets a fresh spin with V’s velvety vocals, an infusion of modern charm that bridges generations. Crosby’s estate has already expressed excitement over V’s renditions of classic jazz songs, which have gained attention from social media and music lovers worldwide. V’s heartfelt covers of songs by jazz legends such as Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, as well as Crosby’s own “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” have garnered praise for his interpretation of jazz standards, and his upcoming collaboration with Crosby promises to take it to the next level.

In a statement, V shared his gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with one of his musical idols. “I’m so grateful to have had the chance to be featured in a song with my all-time favorite jazz artist,” he said. “I grew up listening to his song ‘It’s Been a Long, Long Time’ countless times a day, and I feel incredibly fortunate and honored to have sung along on ‘White Christmas’ with the voice of someone I consider an idol. Being a huge fan of his, I sang with the utmost sincerity and admiration for him, and I hope many people enjoy it as much as I enjoyed singing it. Lastly, I wish a lovely holiday season to everyone listening to the song.”

The Crosby family has expressed their shared excitement for this collaboration. Mary Crosby, Bing’s youngest daughter, shared, “As a family, we are thrilled to have V and Dad singing together on this ultimate Christmas song. Their voices blend beautifully, capturing the holiday spirit in the best possible way.” Bing’s son Harry Crosby, who is also part of the family legacy, added, “We are incredibly excited about V joining Dad for the duet of ‘White Christmas.’ We are happy that V will help share the joy of this timeless Christmas song.”

For V’s fans and lovers of holiday music alike, “Winter Ahead” is another shining addition to his growing collection of seasonal hits. It serves as a perfect precursor to his next venture into the world of timeless holiday classics with “White Christmas.” With each release, V continues to carve out his place in the world of music, offering not just festive cheer, but deeply heartfelt performances that resonate with listeners year after year.

As we look forward to the new year, V’s fans can be certain that his musical journey, particularly his seasonal contributions, will continue to surprise and delight. “Winter Ahead” and his upcoming duet with Bing Crosby are just a glimpse into what promises to be an unforgettable holiday season for BTS’ V and his ever-growing global fanbase.