By Ashley Cruz
“Winter Flower” is one of the tracks from Younha’s 5th EP, “Unstable Mindset,” that initially gained attention after the collaboration was announced.
RM is known to be a long-time fan of Younha, so this collaboration is more than just a project to him; it was a dream come true.
@younhaholic 님 앨범이 나왔습니다.
전곡이 다 정말 좋습니다. 진심입니다
???????? pic.twitter.com/KsX6kquVvo
— 방탄소년단 (@BTS_twt) July 4, 2019
Upon the release of the song at 5pm (local time) on Jan. 6 through all streaming platforms, hashtags #WinterFlower and #WinterFlowerftRM trended on Twitter worldwide as the BTS ARMY immediately had a streaming party in support of RM and Younha.
In a radio interview, Younha spoke about how she and RM were able make the collaboration happen despite their busy schedules.
“Actually, we talked about how we wanted to collaborate many years ago, but I thought it was impossible now,” she said. “We had talked several times about what kind of song we wanted to make, and a track I was a little confident about came out, so I formally asked.”
With RM being constantly out of the country, Younha mentioned that the whole process took place as a result of lengthy emails and without a face-to-face meeting. “And even though we worked via wires, it was still a meaningful and fun process.”
“Winter Flower” is in both Korean and English and RM was credited as a featured performer and as a lyricist along with Younha and EDEN.
The song is painful yet comforting to listen to, with the repetition of “Hold on” in the beginning and with the chorus that says that no matter how arduous the journey is, there is always someone to walk the path with.
[Chorus – Younha] I will take it awayBefore you stumble
I will stay by your side
Until you survive
That you’d bloom
Younha’s powerful vocals complement RM’s intense rap flow. His verse is excruciatingly beautiful as it tells one to stay and to hold on even if the pain is as cold as the winter, and that despite the biting agony, one is meant to bloom in time.
[RM] They say that life is full of paradoxAll you gotta do is
gettin’ used to this marathon
“Would this world only be harsh to you?
It’s difficult for anyone.”
These words cannot comfort you,
who has become an adult
#WINTERFLOWER (雪中梅) (Feat.RM of @BTS_twt) – 윤하 (@younhaholic)
Lyric Translation❄️???? pic.twitter.com/oaWJ8NFNyF
— 스튜디오❄️???? (@STUDIO_0613) January 6, 2020
“Winter Flower” is a perfect soundtrack of life with a lesson to embrace the pain along the journey of self-growth and forgiveness.
With the chart success of “Winter Flower,” RM becomes the youngest Korean soloist to top US iTunes.
Fans of BTS, the ARMY, expressed their full support for the collaboration, praising Younha and RM’s genius lyricism.
"They say life is full of paradox all you gotta do is gettin' used to this marathon."
man. the way namjoon throws his soul into everything works on, so much so we can just FEEL it in the song?? #WinterFlower #YounhaxRM#WinterFlowerOutNow#WinterFlowerftRM pic.twitter.com/hmdQe3URYh
— Joon's World (@kimparkdaily) January 6, 2020
The song can be used as an OST track. It is such a powerful song.#YOUNHAxRM #WinterFlower#WinterFlowerOutNow @BTS_twt
— Wandering Shadow (@shadow_twts) January 6, 2020
In Magic Shop, Namjoon says "Live".
In mono, he says "everything goes".
In Winter Flower he says "Hold On", "Stay".Joon. Our anchor. He's telling us to hold on, stay and live, everything will pass. @BTS_twt #WinterFlowerfeatRM#YounhaxRM#WinterFlowerOutNow#WinterFlower
— alice????????buttercup (@moonrainksj) January 6, 2020
I'm also so grateful for the message Younha and RM leave us with in #WinterFlower. The lyrics are such strong reminders that even in the harshest winters, there exist flowers that dare to bloom in their brightest hues.#YounhaxRM @BTS_twt pic.twitter.com/wUCboAcG8H
— Lilac's Winter Flower ???? (@LilacSeeker) January 6, 2020
Listen to “Winter Flower” here:
—
Translation credits via Twitter:
Radio interview: bora (@modooborahae)
Lyrics: 스튜디오 (@STUDIO_0613)