An Open Letter from Jinyoung

Following the release of his first independent single, “DIVE,” back in 2021, Jinyoung returns for his 10-year debut anniversary with an open letter to his fans through his debut solo album Chapter 0: WITH. The 28-year-old GOT7 member participated in all five songs, with the record boasting two title tracks: “Cotton Candy” and “편지 (Letter).”

With 10 years of experience under his belt, Jinyoung is no stranger to exploring different genres in his work. In his earliest songs alongside fellow member JAY B as JJ Project, their 2012 track “Bounce” was an exciting electro-pop track with elements of heavy rock influences. The duo returned in 2017 with their lighter, coming-of-age adult song “Tomorrow, Today.” As GOT7 gained more creative control later in their careers, Jinyoung’s color became more prominent, finding his voice in soft rock melodies paired with guitars and the authentic sounds of a drum kit. Jinyoung’s solo debut album encapsulates this color and shows his maturity with reminiscences of his youth and sincerity throughout the record. 

Rather than the six strings of a guitar, Chapter 0: WITH begins with the ambient keys of a piano, as “Animal” opens up the album. The added reverb to his voice makes the track feel more spacious, as if he’s the only person taking up space inside this empty room. With no other instruments to distract listeners, apart from the orchestral strings, Jinyoung can detail that he is at fault for his loneliness, leaving him with only this song to fill up this empty space. The track feels like an exhale, as if he had to let these emotions out before introducing the rest of the album to us.

One could guess how Jinyoung’s role in the group could influence his solo music, whether you think he’d follow along the same path as the rich piano melody of “Animal” or switch it up and show a separate charm. The introduction of the second track, “Cotton Candy,” definitely leads you down the piano route before its bass kicks in and takes you by surprise. The piano is quickly swapped out for electric synths and a wah pedal to make the guitar sound more airy, making you feel like you’re walking with a pep in your step.

As one of the title tracks, “Cotton Candy” portrays a lighthearted, bubbly side of Jinyoung where he doesn’t have any explanations for this feeling of captivation, just that he’s not complaining and, “feels like he’s flying in the sky.” In the music video, a certain scene that sticks out the most is when everyone is sitting in a circle, all entranced by the cotton candy high up on the ceiling. The lyrics go on to question just how the person may be able to make them have these old innocent feelings: “Why do you make me smile / make me dream like a child / I have so many questions.” Anytime Jinyoung feels like he’s alone in his feelings, the space immediately gets filled with others who are also feeling these same emotions.

My favorite track on this album follows the title. “너를 만남이란 기적 (Our Miracle)” reminds me of Jinyoung’s “My Youth” on GOT7’s Present: You, with “너를 만남이란 기적 (Our Miracle)” being the comforting older brother to it. Despite this release being five years later, this feels familiar and what we’d expect from Jinyoung. The lyrics detail meeting someone walking parallel with you in life and how meeting them must be fated with how a genuine and natural bond between the two was formed. This sort of track suits the depths of Jinyoung’s voice, and he utilizes his range to hit falsettos, making this a fun song to listen to. 

As you get to the last two tracks, you realize how personal this album is to Jinyoung, the open letter beginning with “잘자 (Sleep Well).” Jinyoung shared that this one was written with fans in mind, which only makes the track more emotional. There are no complications or hidden anecdotes in this track; Jinyoung is just straightforward and shows sincerity when telling fans they did well in their day-to-day struggles. As Jinyoung temporarily stepped away from music to focus on his acting career, fans patiently waited for this release. He is aware that people have their own lives and that although they might be on different paths at the moment, singer Jinyoung is still there to provide some sort of comfort. He highlights this in the bridge when he sings: “I want to write lyrics for you coolly, prettily / You can't always be happy / but I’ll be standing at the place where happiness comes.” This is the perfect song for fans to listen to at the end of a hard day,and a nice reminder that although he may not be their first priority, he is willing to provide the only form of comfort he knows—through his music.

The final song of the album, and the second title track, “편지 (Letter)” ends the project with his feelings of uncertainty about his future. It was confirmed by BH Entertainment that Jinyoung will enlist in the military this year, making Chapter 0: WITH the last solo work we’ll hear from him for a while. Despite the uncertainties, his hope that fans will be there by his side stays strong. He has made many memories throughout his career that he keeps close to him, and his sincerity translates through this album.

Chapter 0: WITH is available now on Spotify and all streaming platforms. 

“Cotton Candy” + “편지 (Letter)” Title Score: 9/10

“Cotton Candy” Music Video Score: 8/10

Chapter 0: WITH Album Score: 9.5/10

Total Score: 8.8/10

Edited by Erin Rupprecht