Jin and Shin Se-kyung in a still from ‘Don’t Say You Love Me.’ Photo: courtesy of Big Hit Music.
BTS’ Jin has released “Don’t Say You Love Me,” the lead single from his second mini album, Echo.
The song is about the uncertainties in a relationship, where two people struggle to let go despite the cracks that have begun to surface. A melancholic pop track that it is, it conveys the inner conflicts that come with such a situation, with the lyrics poignantly expressing the anguish: “Faking’ a smile while we’re breaking’ apart/Oh, I never, never, never meant to take it this far/Too late to save me, so don’t even start/Oh, you never meant to hurt me, but you’re making’ it hard.”
The song comes with a K-drama-like music video directed by Choi Yongseok featuring Jin and popular Korean actor Shin Sae-kyung. We see Jin watching Shin drive away, stoic yet camouflaging his inner turmoil.
With the narrative unfolding, Jin is shown in monochrome reality juxtaposed with colorful flashbacks surrounding his relationship with Shin. Memories flood again as they cross paths in an art gallery, their emotions still running high. With a dramatic finale, Jin tries to hold onto love, chasing after Shin’s departing car and eventually reuniting with her, despite lingering awkwardness.
Set against Singapore’s vibrant locations, the video takes you on a cinematic journey, with Jin’s expressive portrayal and singing and the narrative’s nuanced exploration of love’s complexities.
According to Korea JoongAng Daily, Jin insisted on feeling a certain way while working on the song. As for the music video, he said he was nervous and anxious because it was his first time working with Shin Sae-kyung. “But I’m very thankful for Shin’s great acting,” he added.
Alongside “Don’t Say You Love Me,” Jin’s album Echo has six other tracks: “Nothing Without Your Love,” “Loser (feat. Yena),” “Rope It,” “A Trip with the Clouds,” “Background,” and “To Me Today.” These songs explore relatable themes of love, loss, and life, showcasing Jin’s growth as a vocalist. As Big Hit Music notes, “You can meet Jin, a more mature vocalist, through the pop and rock genres based on a band sound,” highlighting the album’s musical depth.
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