Singer Wonwoo of the K-pop group Seventeen celebrates his birthday by penning and performing an original song for the occasion.
Last week, Wonwoo of the popular K-pop group Seventeen surprised his fans with a touching self-written ballad titled "Gogae." The song, which means "small hill" in Korean, was released on his birthday, July 17, 2025, and serves as a metaphor for life's everyday struggles.
The gentle piano and lush string arrangements create a calming atmosphere, emphasizing hope and encouragement for listeners to keep pushing forward despite difficulties. The lyrics act as a heartfelt message to Seventeen's fandom, known as CARATs, reflecting on the obstacles they've overcome together and expressing a promise to keep moving forward hand in hand.
Wonwoo not only performed but also wrote and composed "Gogae," diving into new vocal styles while embracing his distinct husky voice. The song's themes revolve around life's challenges as hills to climb and the importance of facing future challenges with hope.
Despite his military duties as a social service worker, which he began in April 2025 and is expected to complete by January 2, 2027, Wonwoo has managed to stay connected to his fans. He recently attended the concert of Hoshi and Woozi's band's subunit and visited an arboretum with I.M of Monsta X and Woodz during his military service.
The music video for "Gogae" features an animation of a cat and a butterfly journeying over a hill together. The cat in the animation represents Wonwoo, while the butterfly symbolizes his fans. The animation beautifully illustrates Wonwoo's willingness to tackle the next hills with hope, symbolizing his dedication to his music and fandom even while serving.
This release highlights Wonwoo's artistic growth and his commitment to his music and fans, offering comfort and solidarity to his listeners during his military service. "Gogae" is a testament to Wonwoo's resilience and his ability to turn life's challenges into opportunities for growth and connection.
The calming atmosphere of "Gogae's" gentle piano and lush string arrangements is reminiscent of a serene and hopeful entertainment environment. The song's themes revolving around life's challenges align perfectly with the poignant messages embedded in music.
