In a strange twist, the sweet, ultra-melodic girl group sound I came to love (think: Lovelyz, GFriend, April) has found a new home with fifth-gen boy groups. TWS are the most popular act tackling a bright, bubbly style but prior to their debut The Wind offered their take on the genre. Their Our: YouthTeen album remains one of my 2024 favorites and now they’ve returned with the nostalgic Hello, My First Love (반가워, 나의 첫사랑).
Member Chanwon re-joins the group for this comeback and the song was composed by their Avengers team of KZ, Nthonius, Meisobo, DINT and 1984. This is the first time The Wind has fully tackled young love as a concept and the music echoes this transformation. It feels more openly emotional than usual, taking time to move through distinct segments. The nearly-acapella opening and bridge work extremely well, while the effusive finale has major Plot Twist energy.
What I find most interesting about Hello, My First Love is its melody. While many current K-pop tracks feel like they’re reaching for international audiences, this is a song that could have only come from Korea. The refrains echo classic melodic structures popular in the 90’s and early 2000’s — themselves built upon the inexorably linked influence of trot music. This deep well of sentiment feels unique and specific — two factors I always seek out in pop music. I’m delighted The Wind have continued to pursue this musical lane.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.75 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Loved loved loved this song, the rest of the EP was really good too. I mostly stan girl groups, but this might become my token boy group 🤭
LikeLike
The Wind released another amazing EP, quick, everyone act surprised!
Now seriously, the whole EP is just so good.
LikeLiked by 2 people
i absolutely love how this whole song’s melody sounds like tfboys’s iconic manual of youth all down to the similar chord progression, i could almost sing the chorus over the song
LikeLike
Jokes aside the first 3 notes into chorus did sound the same. I could definitely lead this to this song as well hahahaha.
LikeLike
Songs like these are of a genre that I equate to a really high quality chocolate: it is amazing, but I can’ t have too much because it is simply so rich. That said, this really is wonderful. Chocolate made by an authentic Swiss chocolatier. It brings such a smile to my face. It’s just so very good.
LikeLike
I generally find this kind of sound too saccharine, but sometimes that’s exactly what I need. Finally gave this song a full listen and was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. I do think TWS’ more funky approach to this style has acclimated me to it, so will definitely take another look at The Wind’s works.
LikeLike