Chen Brings the Fall Vibes in “안녕 (Hello)”
EXO’s Chen has teamed up with Kim Jaehwi again for the release of his first digital single, “안녕 (Hello).” Described as a “heartwarming fall song” and a “unique Brit Pop song” on the official EXO Twitter account, “안녕 (Hello)” takes the form of a letter as Chen wishes for the recipient’s health and happiness. The track is similar to songs that early ‘90s band Oasis would’ve released in the way that it builds from a soft and slow first verse with Chen’s voice being backed by violin, piano, and acoustic guitar before the tempo picks up around the chorus, where drum beats join the other instruments. But what makes this track unique is that there’s also a definite ballad element, making it easy to picture in a K-Drama.
The music video is just as beautiful as the song, with the fall vibes very prominent. Chen is seen in a fluffy sweater vest over a white collared shirt as he walks around a home and looks out at the ocean from the edge of a pier. There is a softness to the music video created by the warm color palette used for the furniture and walls of the home as well as the sunset during the ocean scene, but there’s also a darkness when the colors switch to black and white just after the halfway mark of the video and right at the end, where the lines are more self-loathing than sentimental.
The track closes with Chen singing, “My love, I may not ever know if this incomplete letter would reach you. Even if it doesn’t, I hope you’re fine. I desperately hope that you’ll be well. Hello. After only writing just this word, I stop.” With the lyrics being formatted as a letter, it almost feels like Chen is addressing the fans who left his side once it was announced he was getting married and having a baby. But with the recent news of Chen’s upcoming enlistment, “안녕 (Hello)” also feels like he’s saying hello one last time before he leaves. Whichever side of the fans he’s writing to, Chen wants them to know that he will always love them and regrets that he wasn’t able to say more in all of his hellos.
*Lyrics from music video’s English subtitles