Han of Stray Kids released a new song titled “13” and it is based on an “EXchange” 3 (also known as “Transit Love”) breakup story. The song was dropped on March 8 on Stray Kids’ YouTube channel via “SKZ-Record.”
“SKZ-Record” is a collection of songs that the members covered or composed outside their albums. These songs are exclusively available on YouTube until they released it under an album.
The self-producing idol is credited for its lyrics and composition. Vendors’ Helixx and Zenur are also credited for the composition, while Helixx arranged the song. Vendors is a music production team.
Fans theorized that “13” was inspired by the relationship of Song Da-hye and Seo Dong-jin when the song came out. The ex-couple went viral after their “EXchange” 3 confessions. Song Da-hye was a former member of Kpop act BESTie.
The lyrics “To do what’s best for you, I denied myself/ To me it was so perfectly right, but why/What are you sorry for, it was my own will and desire/ I could give you my all and it still wouldn’t be enough” are reminiscent of the confessions Seo Dong-jin made in the show.
‘EXchange’ couple
The ex-couple met as trainees of an entertainment agency. They secretly dated since Dec. 18, 2010. They ended things between them on June 19, last year. It was six months short of 13 years, but the couple themselves say that their relationship lasted 13 years.
The agency they were in at that time found out that they were dating. Both were given the ultimatum of leaving if they wanted the other to stay as trainee. It turned out that both volunteered to leave, but it was Seo Dong-jin who eventually sacrificed his dream.
“That dream meant so much to me. However, her dream was just as meaningful to me. So I said I’d leave,” Seo Dong-jin said.
South Korea’s entertainment agencies are known for their strict dating bans. The bans are usually reserved for trainees and rookies. It lasts between three to five years after debuting. But revealing to the public that they’re involved romantically with someone is another story.
Song Da-hye, or Dahye, debuted in 2013 as part of BESTie. She left the group in 2017, a year before it disbanded. She debuted again soon after as a solo artist.
“EXchange” was an opportunity for them to finally reveal that they had been together all these years, all the while Dahye was active. Seo Dong-jin said that he previously wanted to declare to the world that he was dating Dahye. He had a “thirst” for it. Yet, he held back for a very long time for the sake of Dahye’s career.
Dahye described their 13 years together as “amazing” and that their relationship was unique. She added that admitting their relationship was a good way to wrap things up. The idol said that Dong-jin was her first boyfriend, first date, and first love.
“EXchange” is streamed in VIU.
Another Han masterpiece
It was revealed in “SKZ Talker” Ep. 62 that Han enjoys watching “EXchange”. The show’s premise is making ex-lovers live under one roof together with other ex-lovers, giving them a chance to rekindle their romance or find a new person.
Han was so invested in the popular show that he would watch it every other week so he could binge on two episodes at once. He even revealed his favorite couples and they were Lee Yu-jung with Lee Ju-won and (gasp!) Seo Dong-jin with Lee Hye-won.
Fans deduced that “13” was inspired by this show. In a YouTube live, Han admitted that indeed the story of Dahye and Dong-jin led him to write the song. He chose to tell it from the point of view of Dong-jin.
The K-pop ace even said that he wore a denim jacket for the song cover because it’s what Seo Dong-jin wears in the show. He wrote the song on Jan. 13.
Nostalgia
Han’s “13” acknowledges the heart-wrenching end to a beautiful love story. He writes, “This happiness doesn’t seem to be mine/ I must let it go, send it far away/Nostalgic memories that last deep inside/ They give me a headache.”
Whenever Han sings “aah” in between verses of the rock ballad, it feels like a release of pain of a love that’s ending. It’s a breakup song devoid of anger and accusations. Instead, the song focuses on appreciating the beautiful memories made.
The song shows the maturity of Han as a songwriter. The way he highlights a moment without judgment speaks of his empathy and respect to the emotion at hand.
His vocals are a source of pride for his fans. In this song, they will appreciate how he used it to soothe the listener. Yes, the song is heart-breaking, but Han’s right there with you in that journey.
Listen to Stray Kids Han’s “13” right here:
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