V, a member of the globally recognized group BTS, celebrated his 29th birthday on December 30, 2024. Even while serving in the military, V’s musical journey, both as part of BTS and as a solo artist, is worth exploring. This article looks at his individual releases and contributions to BTS albums, highlighting his growth as a musician.
Early Solo Work and Group Contributions
V’s first official solo song, Stigma, appeared on BTS’s 2016 album, Wings. This song showcased his unique vocal style and sparked discussion among fans and music enthusiasts.
He collaborated with fellow BTS member Jin on It’s Definitely You for the drama Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth. This marked the beginning of V’s acting career and his friendship with the Wooga Squad. The song’s upbeat nature matched V’s character in the drama.
In 2018, Singularity, from BTS’s album Love Yourself: Tear, solidified V’s presence as a solo performer within the group. His stage presence and outfits for this song during BTS’s tour gained significant attention.
Expanding His Solo Career
V released his first self-written song, Scenery, on SoundCloud in 2019. It wasn’t officially available on major music platforms until his solo debut in 2023. This song highlighted his distinct low vocal register.
Winter Bear, also released in 2019, showcased V’s artistic side. He directed the music video, which featured him traveling and capturing moments, displaying his creative vision.
Inner Child, from BTS’s fourth Korean-language studio album, was V’s letter to his younger self, expressing his thoughts on being different and offering support to those struggling to accept their past.
V recorded Sweet Night for his friend Park Seo Joon’s drama, Itaewon Class. This all-English song provided a comforting backdrop to the drama’s scenes.
Snow Flower marked V’s first collaboration outside of BTS, featuring Peakboy, a fellow member of the Wooga Squad. This song was released as a special gift to fans.
Christmas Tree, released for Choi Woo Shik’s drama Our Beloved Summer, featured a mellow guitar melody and mostly English lyrics, with a notable Korean verse.
The Arrival of Layover and More Solo Releases
In September 2023, V released his first solo album, Layover, following solo releases from other BTS members. The album included previously released songs like Scenery, Winter Bear, and Snow Flower, along with new singles Love Me Again and Rainy Days. The title track, Slow Dancing, also had a piano remix on the album. The B-sides were Blue and For Us. The album highlighted V’s relaxed and unique style.
Later in 2023, after beginning his military service, V released wherever u r, a collaboration with Umi. This R&B and Soul-influenced song focused on the promise of enduring connection.
V then released FRI(END)S, a Pop Soul R&B song in English, further demonstrating his range as an artist.
He also collaborated with Park Hyo Shin on Winter Ahead, a holiday-themed jazz-pop song and music video.
V also teamed up with Bing Crosby’s estate for a new version of the holiday classic White Christmas, which achieved chart success.
Special Mentions and Other Works
V acted in the music video for IU’s song Love wins all. He also appeared in Peakboy’s music video for Gyopo Hairstyle alongside other Wooga Squad members.
Saikat Nandy is an entertainment news writer who covers the latest trends and stories from the world of showbiz, has a keen eye for spotting the most interesting and relevant topics, and delivers them to his audience with flair and humor. He is also a freelance blogger, content writer, and website designer who loves to explore new technologies and creative ideas.
