On July 17, Seventeen member Wonwoo surprised fans by releasing his self-composed song “Gogae” (which means “hill” or “ridge”) in celebration of his birthday.
“Gogae” is a ballad that blends gentle piano and string sounds, with a growing chorus that builds as the emotions intensify. The lyrics compare the act of climbing a hill to the journey of life, conveying a message of hope to keep moving forward toward tomorrow without giving in to despair, even when the path gets tough.
Wonwoo personally took part in writing and composing the song, sincerely expressing his deep affection for fans. His heartfelt determination to treasure the hills he has already crossed with CARAT (Seventeen’s fandom) and to face future hills with joy shines through in the track. He also experimented with a new vocal style to suit the song’s mood, showcasing his broad musical range with a clear and husky voice.
The music video, released simultaneously with the track, is a beautifully animated short film. It follows a lonely cat who meets a butterfly and crosses a hill together, serving as a touching metaphor for the journey shared between Wonwoo and his fans. The lyrical storytelling leaves a lasting impression.
Wonwoo has continuously broadened his musical spectrum through group, unit, and solo tracks. In Seventeen’s 5th full-length album 'HAPPY BURSTDAY,' his solo track “99.9% (WONWOO Solo)” conveyed a refreshing and lovely vibe with band sounds. In the unit JxW (Jeonghan X Wonwoo)'s 1st Single Album 'This Man,' his other solo track “Leftover” showcased his emotional and expressive vocals.
Pledis Entertainment stated, “‘Gogae’ is a song that reflects Wonwoo’s mature and warm sensibility,” and added, “We hope this song provides quiet comfort to those currently climbing their own hills in life.”
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