TAEMIN Opens Up in “Under My Skin”

It’s less than 100 days until the “King of Dance,” TAEMIN, finally finishes his mandatory military service. It feels like forever since TAEMIN’s last comeback, so to tide us over until his anticipated return, let’s remember one of his most calming and reflective releases, “Under My Skin.” Notably lacking choreography, “Under My Skin” is the fifth track on TAEMIN’s 2018 self-titled Japanese album. Though the record’s lead single was the incomparable song “ECLIPSE,” which features absolutely stunning choreography, TAEMIN and his team chose not to release an official video for the song, instead doing so for “Under My Skin.” 

It is a breath-takingly beautiful video, and when you watch it, you need not understand the song’s lyrics to sense the intense sincerity and emotional depth of the comeback. The video features jaw-dropping cinematography, carefully planned artistic design, and immaculate beach backdrops. TAEMIN shines as a strong yet sensitive vocalist. He sings: 

Here it goes again

The worst side of me

I’ve kept under my skin

Makes me feel uneasy deep inside

I couldn’t love myself properly

There was a part in me that was

Unnecessary and far from my ideal self

And I broke it myself by force

These lyrics beautifully summarize feelings that most of us know all too well. The behind-the-scenes footage for “Under My Skin” is nearly as engaging as the music video itself. It is intriguing to see TAEMIN and his team in action, and it is especially exciting to see TAEMIN impressively using his fluent Japanese to communicate with crew members! 

It still feels like ages until TAEMIN gets back, but thankfully we not only have beautiful songs like “Under My Skin” to listen to in the meantime, but we also have the meaning and beauty they offer us. Let’s look forward to the unprecedented projects TAEMIN will surely release in the future!

Edited by Rashelle B.