Continuing the string of side projects from SEVENTEEN, Wonwoo and Mingyu are the next members of the group to release a new single by the name of “Bittersweet.” In a shift that’s different from anything we’ve seen from the rappers before—yet perfectly suits both their artistic souls—the bossa nova cut puts both Mingyu and Wonwoo’s vocals at the forefront.

The announcement of “Bittersweet” earlier this month sent Carats into a frenzy, with Mingyu and Wonwoo teaming up for the first time in an official duet. As both the boys are members of SEVENTEEN’s hip-hop team, it was unexpected what the song would bring, but the notable inclusion of soloist LEE HI hinted at a jazzier tone. And indeed, the song is jazzier than SEVENTEEN’s hip-hop team’s usual tracks, pulling from bossa nova styles as Mingyu and Wonwoo sing of the bittersweet feelings of falling for a friend. The instrumentation keeps it simple, with one rhythm guitar, muted percussion, and very little build; instead, the emotions come from the vocalists. LEE HI carries the chorus, leaving Mingyu and Wonwoo to handle the rest of the song, and while fans have already heard impressive vocals from Mingyu (notably in his Ideal Cut ballad solo “Like the Beginning”), the song really proves Wonwoo’s growth as a vocalist. Together, it’s a little baffling to think these two singers are the same people that spit verses in SEVENTEEN songs like “Trauma” or “Un Haeng Il Chi.”

With film director Kim Jongkwan at the helm, the music video for “Bittersweet” shows the boys at a bar, sighing over the feelings they’ve developed for a mutual friend. As the story progresses, viewers are shown shots of the boys with their mutual love interest, feeling both joy and grief as they know that their developing feelings for the same person will only tear their friendship apart. Color-wise the video is dark, with over-saturated blue, red, purple, and green lighting to accentuate the forlorn feeling of the track. The use of different camera techniques definitely give the video an indie film feel, and both Wonwoo and Mingyu play their parts well; it’s refreshing to see the duo act in hopefully not the last roles fans will see them in. 

Check out the jazzy vibes of “Bittersweet” below.