The release of Close to You on January 26, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in BTS’ Jin’s post-military solo career, blending his signature vocal elegance with a narrative of cosmic romance. This hauntingly beautiful ballad serves as the third original soundtrack (OST) for tvN’s sci-fi romance drama When the Stars Gossip, starring Lee Min-ho and Gong Hyo-jin. The drama, set against the backdrop of a space station, explores the serendipitous love story between an astronaut, Gong Ryong (Lee Min-ho), and a space tourist, Eve Kim (Gong Hyo-jin), whose connection defies the vastness of the universe. Jin’s Close to You amplifies the emotional gravity of their journey, weaving themes of destiny, perseverance, and vulnerability into a soundscape that mirrors the infinite expanse of space.
Lyric [진 "Close to You" 가사]
[Verse 1]
Under the stars, closing my eyes
Hearing your voice, in silence
I just can't deny it
Think I'm drawn to you
수없이 많은
별들 그 뒤로
까마득한
낮선하늘
어린날에 만났던
[Pre-Chorus]
어느 동화 속의
이야기 같아
[Chorus]
또 난, 깊은 시간속을 헤엄쳐
끝 없이 펼쳐진 이곳
Just to get close to you
The brightest one in my universe
부서지는 시간속에
단 하나의 빛나는 기억
Just to get close to you
I'm still here
[Verse 2]
Asking the stars, every night
To take me where you are
No matter how long it takes
No matter how far you are
별거없었던
의미들마저
달라져 난
하루종일
네가 궁금해져
[Pre-Chorus]
나를 모두 던져 버튼을 누르면
그 시간속의 널 볼 수 있을까
[Chorus]
또 난, 깊은 시간속을 헤엄쳐
끝 없이 펼쳐진 이곳
Just to get close to you
The brightest one in my universe
부서지는 시간속에
단 하나의 빛나는 기억
Just to get close to you
I'm still
[Outro]
(Just to get closе to you, just wanna see your eyes)
Just want to step into your own fairy talе
(Just to get close to you, to you)
You'll always be the one I dream, I dream of
(Just to get close to you, just wanna see your eyes)
I'll tell you when you sleep my heart is full
(Just to get close to you)
Of you, of you, of you
(Just to get close to you)
끝을 알수 없어 잠시 헤메이던
(Just wanna see your eyes)
네 머무는곳 어딘가
(Just to get close to you, to you)
힘껏 차올라 날아 갈 수 있다면
(Just to get close to you)
저만치 잡을수 없던 마음들도
(Just wanna see your eyes)
이 우주를 돌고돌아 결국
(Just to get close to you)
Just to get close to you
I'm still here
A Cosmic Narrative: Love Across Time and Space
Close to You is not merely a song but a lyrical voyage through the cosmos. The lyrics, steeped in celestial imagery, depict a protagonist’s relentless pursuit of a loved one across time and space. Phrases like “swim through deep time” and “endless expanse” evoke the boundless nature of the universe, paralleling the emotional and physical distances faced by the drama’s protagonists. The song’s title itself is a double entendre: it speaks to closing physical gaps while emphasizing the emotional intimacy that persists despite separation.
The drama’s plot, directed by Park Shin-woo (It’s Okay to Not Be Okay) and written by Seo Sook-hyang (Don’t Dare to Dream), thrives on this tension between isolation and connection. In Episode 7, Close to You debuted during a pivotal confession scene, where Gong Ryong’s quiet admission of love to Eve is underscored by Jin’s ethereal vocals. The synergy between the visuals of starry skies and the song’s dreamlike instrumentation—piano, strings, and synths that mimic the weightlessness of space—creates an immersive experience, as if listeners are floating alongside the characters.
Lyrical Depth: Vulnerability and Hope
The song’s lyrics, a blend of poetic abstraction and raw emotion, reveal layers of meaning upon closer inspection. Lines like “Under the stars / Hearing your voice / In silence / I just can’t deny it” juxtapose the vastness of the cosmos with the intimacy of whispered confessions. This duality reflects the drama’s central theme: love as a force that transcends both time and physical boundaries.
One of the most poignant moments in the song is the repeated refrain, “No matter how long it takes / No matter how far you are.” This mantra-like repetition underscores unwavering commitment, a sentiment echoed in the drama’s narrative as Gong Ryong and Eve navigate the challenges of their interstellar romance. The bridge, “If I press the button and throw myself away / Will I see you in that time?” alludes to the risks inherent in love—the willingness to sacrifice certainty for the chance of connection.
Jin’s vocal delivery amplifies these themes. His voice transitions seamlessly from delicate whispers to powerful crescendos, mirroring the emotional highs and lows of the characters. The breathy falsetto in the verses conveys vulnerability, while the full-throated belting in the chorus embodies resolve. This dynamic range is a testament to Jin’s growth as a vocalist, showcasing his ability to emote with nuance and precision.
Musical Composition: A Soundscape of the Cosmos
Produced by Nam Hye-seung (Goblin, Hotel del Luna) and composer Kim Kyung-hee, Close to You is a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling. The instrumental arrangement blends classical and modern elements: a minimalist piano melody anchors the track, while layered synths and strings create a sense of expansiveness. The production mimics the sensation of drifting through space, with crescendos that swell like cosmic waves and pauses that evoke the silence of the void.
The song’s structure mirrors the emotional arc of the drama. The opening verse, sparse and intimate, reflects the solitude of the protagonists. As the chorus builds, the instrumentation swells, symbolizing the overwhelming pull of love. The bridge introduces a subtle electronic pulse, hinting at the tension between risk and reward, before resolving into a final chorus that feels both triumphant and bittersweet.
Jin’s vocal performance is the linchpin of this composition. His natural tenor timbre—often described as “silky” and “pure”—shines in the mid-range, where he maintains remarkable control. The decision to avoid excessive vocal runs or riffs keeps the focus on the song’s emotional core, allowing the lyrics and melody to take center stage.
Jin’s Artistic Evolution: From Idol to Storyteller
Close to You arrives at a significant juncture in Jin’s career. Following his military discharge in June 2024, he released his debut solo album Happy in November 2024, a project that debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200. The album, featuring introspective tracks like Heart on the Window and Running Wild, revealed a more vulnerable side of Jin, one unafraid to explore themes of longing and self-discovery.
His participation in When the Stars Gossip OST extends this narrative. Unlike his earlier OSTs, such as Yours (2021) for Jirisan, which leaned into grand orchestration, Close to You embraces minimalism. This shift highlights Jin’s versatility as an artist, proving his ability to adapt his vocal style to diverse genres and storytelling formats.
Jin’s post-military endeavors also include Run Jin, a solo variety show that offers fans a glimpse into his daily life and creative process. This transparency has deepened his connection with audiences, transforming him from an idol into a relatable figure navigating the complexities of adulthood.
Cultural Impact and Global Resonance
The release of Close to You sparked an immediate global response. On social media, hashtags like #CloseToYouJin and #OSTKing trended worldwide, with fans praising the song’s emotional depth and Jin’s vocal prowess. YouTube views for the teaser surpassed 2 million within 24 hours, while the full track climbed to the top of Spotify and Apple Music charts in over 30 countries.
The song’s themes resonated beyond K-drama enthusiasts. In Latin America, listeners drew parallels between the cosmic narrative and the magical realism of authors like Gabriel García Márquez. In the Middle East, activists adopted the line “No matter how far you are” as an anthem for marginalized communities seeking connection. Even non-Korean speakers found solace in the track’s universal emotions, a testament to Jin’s ability to transcend linguistic barriers through tone and delivery.
The Legacy of Close to You
Close to You is more than an OST—it is a meditation on love’s power to endure despite insurmountable odds. By intertwining celestial imagery with intimate emotion, Jin has crafted a song that resonates on both personal and universal levels. The track’s success underscores his evolution from a K-pop idol to a global artist capable of bridging cultural divides through music.
As When the Stars Gossip continues to captivate audiences, Close to You stands as a timeless reminder of love’s resilience. Whether listeners are drawn to its lyrical poetry, ethereal soundscape, or Jin’s soul-stirring vocals, the song invites them to look skyward and believe in the possibility of connection, even across the farthest reaches of the universe.