In an industry where 3.5 minutes are considered too long for a song, RM takes a bold approach with his new single, Come Back to Me. The track runs for 6:29 and is complemented by a superb music video. True to his style, RM has collaborated with top talent from the film and television industry, turning the music video into what can be described as a short film.
Produced and directed by Lee Sung-jin (BEEF), the team behind this project also includes well-known production designer Ryu Seong-hie (The Handmaiden, Decision to Leave) and cinematographer Kim Woo-hyung (1987, The Little Drummer Girl). Adding to the star-studded lineup, the MV features Pachinko’s Kim Minha as well.
Collaborating with a talented creative team, RM ensured that the music video would become a work of art in its own right, rich with complex narratives open to interpretation about the various phases of human life. Despite the video being long, the song maintains a perfect balance.
It begins with a soft whistle that mixes with the guitar strings, gradually drawing the listener into his personal story. Despite being recognised for his rapping, he isn’t primarily a singer; he delivers the lines in hushed almost spoken word, and he knows how to make the best out of his vocals showing that sometimes less is more. The opening lines reflect on the contemplative nature of human connections and how we ultimately return to one another, “Come back to me/ Like you used to/ Be what you be/ I will roll you to the moon.”
The in-depth music video shows RM surrounded by present-day moments, exploring various points in his life. It tugs at the heartstrings, portraying a sense of being lost and barely existing. The scenes suggest he’s in the right place but with the wrong people; themes that may be prominent in his upcoming album, Right Place, Wrong Person.
In these key scenes, the cinematography enhances the artist’s storytelling, bringing everything together like a perfectly pieced jigsaw puzzle. From Ryu Seong-hie’s set design to the casting, everything is compelling to watch, and you soon forget you’re watching a music video.
RM’s songs, as always, invite self-analysis from both the listener and the artist thanks to how accurately he writes about the human experience. For someone of his fame, the art he produces is truly praiseworthy.. While he could keep this level of honesty to himself, his lyricism acts as a metaphor: “Come back to me/ Like you used to,” reflecting his internal search for what is making him dissatisfied.
You always sense a journey of self-discovery in his words – ones that are close to his heart, exposed, and present him bare. Despite this vulnerability, you can feel strength and courage in his lyrics, which have not only healed him but will also resonate with those who listen.
When the line “You don’t have to be / you don’t have to be anything you see” is sung, the song shifts tempo, and his voice takes on a lighter tone, almost as if he’s relieved. Similarly, the video opens up, becoming more spacious, possibly symbolising his newfound mental clarity. As the drums kick in, we see the arrival of the sun in the form of Kim Minha. Radiating a light that matches RM’s, she brings a brightness that eases the tension and sadness felt up to this point. This prompts us to think: is she a mirrored reflection of his true self? Meeting someone who sees you for who you truly are can reignite hope in dark times, serving as the light he’s been longing for, leading to self-acceptance and self-love
For the first time in the video, we see RM laugh and radiate joy. Time seems to have rewound, and compared to previous scenes, he is now content and has found his peace. The clever direction of the video aligns perfectly with the tone of the song and as a result, viewers are drawn into a narrative that many can relate to. There is no right or wrong way to perceive RM’s art; that’s the beauty of music and film. They engage both your heart and brain, prompting a battle to find the most meaningful connection that suits your life experiences.
When Kim Minha arrives again, it’s time to move to the next door. Although he’s hesitant, the important thing is that he’s healed and is moving on from his past, free from conflict, pain, and confusion. He can now begin the next chapter, whatever that may be, but this time he can do it purely for himself. He’s no longer limited by expectations, whether they be from his art or his own. Finally panning out overhead, we see a well-lit path of new doors among a maze lying ahead, facing the future head-on.
In addition to the five music videos set to be released in the coming weeks, the album Right Person, Wrong Place will be released on May 24th. Many of us cannot wait for the opportunity to dive into his upcoming artwork and see what it has in store for us.
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Written by Kirsty Bright
Featured image © Big Hit Music
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