When asked who’s the best K-Pop group, I am always prompted to say INFINITE. Admittedly, they were never my favorite, but they are unapologetically K-Pop. When it comes to perfect harmonies, undisputed synchronicity, and charm, they’re the crème de la crème of K-Pop and I attribute it to the members. While the group is perfect, every project and every solo career to have spawned from INFINITE has also been unquestionably flawless. The group’s leader himself, Kim Sunggyu, is no stranger to an abundance of talent. This year, winter has started a week earlier with Sunggyu’s “I’m Cold.”

Long-term fans of K-Pop have come to expect melodic ballads of broken hearts when it comes to solo winter projects from vocalists, but Sunggyu flips the stigma on its head with “I’m Cold.” The song leans towards R&B with a bass-heavy melody accompanying the singer’s soothing vocals. But it doesn’t stop there; the bridge introduces guitars as the melody picks up prior to the chorus. The listener can still feel loneliness and heartbreak in the more contemporary sound, a refreshing take on the K-Pop winter comeback. The song is worth at least one listen for the brief interruption on the instruments while Sunggyu hits notes unknown to untrained ears alone.

The music video gives off major Twilight vibes as the viewer finds Sunggyu in a misty forest—think Paramore’s “Decode” music video. The fashion is jaw-dropping. Staying within the dark winter scheme, the vocalist sports leather pants, a beautifully-fitting jacket, a winter coat, a homey sweater look, satin shirts, and even a trendy leather blazer in what appears to be variations of blacks and greys. It’s slightly difficult to pick up colors given the music video’s dark blue hue, but it’s enough to appreciate its trendiness while not being tacky.

I always get excited for seasonal comebacks, an unfortunate trend we see less and less of as K-Pop becomes bigger. One of the main reasons why I still love solo projects so much is we get to see a lot more seasonal-themed work from veteran K-Pop stars, especially those working beyond their groups. Sunggyu’s “I’m Cold” is a wonderful return to this K-Pop classic while remaining fresh and innovative. A must-add to any winter playlist.