A special gift for MOAs from TXT’s Soobin

TXT’s Soobin, the charismatic leader of the fourth-generation K-pop group, gave fans a special Valentine’s Day gift. On February 14, he released a cover of the song “Forest” on the group’s official YouTube channel. The song, originally by singer-songwriter Choi Yu-ree, is known for its captivating piano melody and poetic lyrics. Soobin put his own spin on the song by replacing the piano with an acoustic guitar, giving his rendition a soothing and warm feel that complements his calm delivery perfectly.

Soobin said he chose this song because it’s special to him and he wanted to share it with MOAs, the fandom name of TXT. In a Weverse live broadcast hours after releasing the song, he opened up about his journey with “Forest,” sharing the personal connection he has with it.

“I decided that I wanted to cover this song and when I made up my mind that I wanted it as my first cover, I told the company. They advised me to think about it because they didn’t want me to regret it and suggested I might find something that suits me better,” he said. “However, this song is special to me because it gave me a lot of strength in the past year. So I told them that this is something I really want to cover as my first cover, and they agreed, and then we recorded it.”

A song that resonates with him

Soobin’s admiration for the song extends beyond its melody to the lyrics, which he found himself listening to often while on tour. The indie track’s open-ended lyrics allowed Soobin to find his own story within its verses. Before heading into the studio to record his cover, he reached out to Choi Yu-ree herself and asked her for advice. Luckily, the singer-songwriter was happy to oblige.

“I wanted to really understand the song, so I contacted the original singer and asked what her interpretation was. I was like, ‘What does this mean? What does that mean?’ It could’ve been tiresome, but she explained it to me in detail until ‘Forest’ felt like my story,” he said.

The song’s lyrics describe a person who is lost in a forest of their own thoughts and emotions, longing for someone who can understand them and guide them out. Soobin said he related to the song’s message, especially during the difficult times of the pandemic.

“I think everyone has their own forest. For me, it’s a place where I can be myself, where I can express my feelings honestly. But sometimes, it can also be a place where I feel lonely and trapped. I think that’s why I was drawn to this song. It’s like a friend who understands me and comforts me,” he said.

A piece of his heart

The creative process behind the accompanying video was also influenced by Soobin’s vision. He chose to film it at a beach in Incheon instead of an actual forest. He said he wanted to show a contrast between the dark and cold forest and the bright and warm sea. He also wanted to convey a sense of hope and freedom through the scenery.

Addressing fans’ concerns about the melancholic tone of his cover, Soobin revealed that his smile at the end of the video was made to convey that all is well.

“I also saw people saying that listening to the cover made them sad, but I’m alright,” Soobin reassured MOAs. “That’s why there’s a scene of me smiling at the end. I suggested that they put it in so you don’t have to worry about me at all. I really hope you listen to it peacefully with a light heart.”

While waiting for TXT’s ‘2024 TXT FANLIVE PRESENT X TOGETHER’ event in Seoul, MOAs everywhere can listen to Soobin’s rendition of “Forest.” It’s a piece of the idol’s heart dressed up in music and lyrics.