The Kulture Study: ONEW 'Circle' MV

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Watch the original video here: • ONEW 온유 'O (Circle)' MV
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#ONEW #O #Circle #온유

[@onewsfalsetto9439]

this album was named billboard's kpop album of the year last year for good reason.

[@893LeeLees]

I like how voice, Dice, circle and flow are so different from each other but still so Onew

[@ellamaeplayvods]

The thought I was, myself, having. They are, all three, an absolute pleasure to get lost in. I want to live in Jinki's magical world. 🌸

[@Lintletse]

He has found his groove and stays honest to his aura, pace and being. It comes thru without trying to resemble or copy anyone else. He is authentic to himself, where he is in his journey and he allows us to travel with him emotionally.

[@kww10]

Deserved billboard's #1 album in 2023

[@m.di.c.]

He asked Kim Eana to write the lyrics for this and she did ^^ And he used Heritage Gospel Choir, that is the same choir that Jonghyun used on Hallelujah (and even collabed a song on, used to be on SM Station, called Your Voice: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmbCnXWaitKpgJosi=o9rZNo_XEFD_afvQ )

[@toledo_campos]

This song makes you feel the weight of the time passing by, the experiences that we cannot grasp, and also the universality of the human struggle. This is a song with weight, emotional and in the composition, so you feel it in your bones. Also, the MV is so intelligent because even if tragedy lures close, like a threat, you can cope with that and keep going. Such a powerful song and MV. Glad to see you feeling emotional across this piece of ART (on all caps).

[@alzbetakrejcova4749]

Wow😮 I love your insight! I felt same way about Onews Circle MV but couldnt put it into words sadly 😅 I guess I was so emotional that words wouldnt come out haha

[@preciosatt]

The entire Circle album is a masterpiece. Onew has a gift that just makes you FEEL.

[@denize2953]

I’m not even a Shinee or Onew fan but i saw this album being #1 at somewhere i don’t remember (it was Billboard Korea i saw it in the comments lol) and i checked it out, it really is a masterpiece. This song and Rain On Me are my favorites.

[@Keke88]

This is such a moving, beautiful song -- Onew's vocals are a gift to the world.

[@sunshineinthesky2532]

(Sorry for the long comment in advance, but here is my interpretation of the storytelling of the MV) Let’s say there are four characters in total : -Reality Onew (turtleneck in an abandoned building), -Inner Self Onew (white shirt in “whale stomach” vinyl tunnel), -Happy Memories Onew (child in a TV set), -Dark Memories (dark coat on stage in attic) 1. Reality Onew: He is the real person. He is the only character who has shown a more complex mixture of emotions (happy, gloomy, worried, carefree, etc.) also the only one can be seen wandering around, indoor, outdoor, not confined in one space, so I think he represents the ‘real’ person, the physical being of the human. 2.Inner Self Onew: In the MV making video, he said that the vinyl tunnel represents a whale’s belly. It’s supposed to be his safe place, a place he can rest and be at ease, where he can be true to himself, is also in connection to the song he has written on his previous album called In The Whale. This Onew’s emotions are shown mostly calm and at peace. These two characters, Reality and Inner Self, are connected. They are seen communicating with the walkie-talkie. Reality Onew can be seen pacing around as if he has a lot of thoughts, hesitating whether or not he should talk to his Inner Self (when he plays around with the walkie-talkie in his hands). Meanwhile Inner Self Onew, without being asked, will talk to him anyway through their walkie-talkie, in a comforting manner, helping Reality Onew to feel at peace. 3.Happy Memories Onew: In the MV making video, Onew said that this MV set represents a child’s heart, a lost innocence, and inner child humans have. This Onew can be seen mostly happy and curious. But he is confined to just one small TV show set because he is just a memory, a happy one that keeps replaying. He is in front of the camera because humans see their past memories like a movie. It might look fabricated and brighter than reality, but it is what it is, a happy memory. 4.Dark Memories Onew: For this one Onew said it represents the abyss in one’s heart, radiating such dark and gloomy emotions. This Onew is also confined to a small stage in an attic. Instead of sad, he looks more haunting, because dark memories don’t just make you sad, it haunts you. He also makes some dramatic moves under the spotlight, because humans tend to highlight their bad memories. Instead of remembering dark memories like a movie, we tend to overdramatize it, it can easily make people feel overwhelmed. A lot of timea dark memories are as hard to forget as good ones. Whether we like it or not, it will always be there, on the stage under the spotlight. We just need to find a way to deal with it. These two characters, Good Memories and Bad Memories are also connected, by the stairs and floating door from the TV set (I personally think it leads to the attic). The cat only exists in these two sets, so I assume that the cat represents the loved ones who are always there for you, through your happiness and darkness. That’s why it’s the only side character interacting with him while others are just figurines. There’s a lot of still characters in the TV sets, meanwhile in the attic it’s almost empty, so it can show how lonely it can get when you’re in the dark. And these four main characters combined are what build a human. Humans are complex, we are build by individuality (Reality+Inner Self) and their environment (Good Memories+Bad Memories), we are both fragile and strong, same but different, all just cycling through the bad and the good in life. I think that is what he wanted to express overall, just like the lyrics of the song. That’s how Circle as a song and an MV are connected.

[@RoPlay]

A beautiful and thorough explanation!

[@isumisakuraba1819]

ohhh that makes so much sense, thank you for explaining the MV. I always personally viewed it as that all Onews are him from different time periods in his life. I thought it is his younger self, his adult self and in the tunnel that is him after death going through the tunnel to see what awaits for him in the afterlife but before that he is remembering all the moments he lived through, all the goods and bads. I may have misunderstood the song then :D I thought it is a cycle of when you get born, you grow up and then die. Cycle that everyone has to go through.

[@SheenaFernan]

Thank you!

[@avotia]

18:15 Yes! Sea of Hope is such an incredibly cozy, lovely and comfortable show. There is simply nothing to compare it with.

[@kaiGBR_]

Circle is not just a song, it's a life experience, it takes you to another world, the way he sings softly, with the instrumental playing strong in the background, they are two opposites that complement each other perfectly, suddenly the choir enters as he sings in high notes, this song is Onew in its main essence

[@zogia.m]

The rest of his album is just as artful, cannot wait to see your reaction. But yeah, to this day this song and this music video speak so incredibly deeply to me. It serves as such a beautiful reminder of the interconnectedness in the world we all live in , and I need that sometimes. Thank you for your reaction

[@itsmeleenie]

This song has the ability to make you genuinely believe that you are not walking alone on this earth. It has the ability to make you feel loved and not alone. The MV was so beautiful as well. I don't think anyone else could have sung this like Onew did. His voice is so lovely and warm, and yet so vulnerable and painful.

[@Vinicius-rj6kd]

This album is perfect

[@Kirei-wl2mc]

Love ONEW, thanks for this amazing reaction!

[@I_LOVE_NMIXX.ITZY.Red_Velvet_2]

I love ONEW.

[@sandman3384]

Simply YES!

[@skzanarchist]

So real !

[@rudzellebarrientos7007]

I watched and listened to this LIVE when Onew performed this in his fan meeting here in Manila, Philippines this year, July 2024. The fact that he sounded exactly the same, if not better, performing this live and the emotions when he was singing this song made me appreciate him even more as an artist.

[@niyetz228]

GOsh I was there too. It's overwhelming.. Still not over that night❤

[@nerdmaki3038]

I was there too!! I had goosebumps the whole time, and remembering it now still gives me goosebumps. He sounds so good and hearing it in person is a different experience

[@abeecadabra]

This song is actually one of my faves. It's gold.

[@sunshineinthesky2532]

Also this MV director is amazing, I became a fan right away after Circle and they do make a lot of amazing MV. They’re also a very nice person, they became a fan of Onew too and genuinely support him too. They also shared how Onew comforted them when they are having a hard time during filming of The Feeling MV (yes it is directed by the same director). I hope SHINee will always be supported by such good people. Wish all of them good health and happiness! 💕

[@DarkHarlequin]

Imma be a little more vulnerable than you maybe should in YT comments... This song and this album may have genuinely saved part of my sanity. Last Christmas my family was going through some dark stuff and I was carrying a lot of that with me. And one night I was taking a walk listening to the album (O Circle) and on this song it just all crashed out of me and I walked through the night just crying feeling sadness and joy and relief and despair all kind of at once. I like Onew in general but this song and this album will I suspect stay very special to me for a long time 😌💕

[@MKSHINee525]

@@DarkHarlequin I hope things are better now.

[@DarkHarlequin]

@@MKSHINee525 I`m working on being ok even when the world isn`t. It`s a learning journey but I do feel better. Thank you for asking 💕

[@skzanarchist]

I stumbled upon this song in early 2023 and clicked on it because I had started listening to taemin's music just that month. so onew being his groupmate i really took my time watching the mv. I was unbelievably blown away by the impact of the song. Onew's gospel-esque song with the lyrics, the choir at the end really left a lasting mark on me

[@skzanarchist]

not only this song but the entire Circle album is a real masterpiece

[@I_LOVE_NMIXX.ITZY.Red_Velvet_2]

I like ONEW. His vocals are phenomenal.

[@CatsNTunes]

If his voice doesn't get to you, the emotion that comes through will. Absolutely breathtaking and perfection!

[@niyetz228]

I can still remember how I jump like crazy child, When billboard korea ranked this 1st last year as kpop best album. I always admire your insights. Thank you❤

[@isalvim]

deserved! this album is truly a masterpiece

[@OscarEstiller]

Not only Billboard Korea but it was THE BILLBOARD’s Best Kpop Album.

[@Lintletse]

Please keep the promise of checking out Circle and more Onew and all the Members....

[@maschenny]

One of my favorite songs! It just sounds so grand and deep.

[@InnerAlice]

exactly my reaction - hit me in the heart

[@alimoyano8104]

Circle is so so good!!

[@MKSHINee525]

This is art. I cant wait for you to listen to the whole album. You're really in for a treat.

[@LollipopVirus20]

YES!!!! I was waiting for an Onew reaction. I know nothing about Korean language, but somehow Circle made en cry so much first time I heard it. I had your exact same reaction PD. Onew's voice has so much range and makes you feel every emotion intensely. Hopefully there will be a reaction for beatdrum. Can't wait.❤

[@yaso_pexy3737]

This album and comeback is one of my favorite albums of all time , it's moving, beautiful and healing. I am glad that you reached to circle .thank you pd I really enjoyed your reaction ❤

[@leooolive17]

the emotions this song evokes from me is unreal fr, like i’m being so serious when i say this song changed my life 😭 i have been a shinee fan for some years now and all i can say is their music will always have a special place in my heart 🤍 this song was definitely replayed a lot by me whenever it was first released, because it just made me feel so many emotions and i’m the type of person who cries easily so ofc this made me sob many, many times 💔 but yes, 10/10 song, would definitely recommend you reacting to more shinee songs, including their solos and full length albums! shinee has smth for everyone honestly so i’m sure you’ll enjoy it ! 🤍

[@kmwsweetnesss]

I heard a tiny clip of this song and had to listen to it immediately. The song kinda makes me float, I love this song it's been on all my playlists for the last month and a half .

[@Bi11lie_v]

ONEW 's voice 😌🥹

[@wobinwobinwobin]

I've been Onew's fan since SHINee debuted and to see someone so moved by this song makes me immensely proud and also joyful that another person gets to share in the experience of his music. Circle, both the song and the album, are extremely special to me. I love all of Onew's music but to me, this is his magnum opus. I've been thinking about getting the lyrics "different faces, differently shaped hearts, not lacking nor sufficient, they are beautiful as they are" (in Korean) tattooed for a while. Maybe I'll finally do it soon :)

[@ireneserrano4570]

I cried the 1st time i watched/listened to it, and years later i'm still crying ever single time

[@Ana-sx2lb]

There are song that really comes to you when you needed it the most and i'm glad you were able to hear this song. The thing with onew is that he is soooo sooo good at delivering a message / emotion through his voice. He really has the heart to sing and tell a story through his songs. Cant wait to see more of your Onew reactions.

[@hellotweety9174]

This album lives in the cd player in my kitchen and just gets played constantly. I’m never tired by it and I’m always looking forward to listening to it again from powerful beginning to powerful end with all the loveliness and fun in between! I’m always comforted by his voice. I know you are going to love the rest of the album too!

[@animekaraoke]

I'm so glad to see you react this way. So many reacted to it like it was a fun bop. But I felt about it the way you did. I've rarely heard a song that evokes such emotion. Absolutely stunning.

[@ellamaeplayvods]

Circle is definitely my favorite off of this album, but also the B-side is so good as well. He's an amazing singer. So glad you're getting to our Jinki's solo work! Dice, Circle, and Flow... let's listen to them all together, PD.🌸

[@michelleomealy1389]

His vocals are so superb and so unique..They stand out among all of the best in Kpop. It's almost ethereal, supernatural, and heavenly when he sings and interprets these types of songs. It makes me want to know so much more about him as a person and artist.

[@madeleinearcher999]

I LOVE this song. It's so weighty, so pleasant on the ears, so emotional. Something about it tickles mind perfectly

[@danielleoliveira8416]

Onew tem uma das melhores vozes do K-pop, tão preciosa e suave. Muito emocionante 💎

[@pearlaquarose8140]

Thank you PD for articulating all the emotion I feel whenever I listen to this song. I'm tearing up with you. Onew's artistry in this song reminds us we're not alone, we're all beautiful as we are. As always your reactions help me appreciate the music and artistic choices even more. So glad you reacted to this song.

[@onewnoona]

It was considered by Billboard the best kpop album last year!

[@letthemeatkpop]

Yup, totally overwhelming song and video. Onew is such a great artist and this is his masterpiece song and album.

[@cherrysakura16]

Onew can really compose masterpieces. I'm so happy you were able to experience this mv and Onew's themes in his mvs! Thank you for giving him a chance!

[@appleraspberry]

I don't understand korean and when i first heard the song, i cried without knowing the meaning. Then i watched the mv and cried somemore. It was such an emotional release.

[@misshobbs13]

The stage for Circle is pure art and complements the song so well. Definitely make sure you check that out!

[@roseannecarmona5949]

Onew's album is a no skip album. It is art.

[@mariposasabia]

This album is such a masterpiece and it's the best album he ever has done I don't think he could ever make an album that would top how phenomenal this was

[@sandman3384]

I was going to recommend Seda of Hope cause there you see his true brilliance shine. Onew's voice just wraps around me and keeps me warm.

[@kaiGBR_]

This is my favorite album of all the members' solo careers, the songs are all SO GOOD, he gave his all to this album, and was duly rewarded, it was considered by Billboard as the best Kpop album of the year (2023), and I completely agree

[@onewnoona]

I just can’t wait to see your reaction with this entire album. I had lost hope that you would make this react. I really appreciate that you did because I knew you could understand it.

[@ltkaarina]

I so vividly remember the first time I heard and saw Circle, so I have been looking forward to this!

[@Maya-xoxoxo]

Every time I watch this music video and read the lyrics again, I cry (including now watching your video LOL). I believe this song and the music video are genuine masterpieces, they’re stunningly beautiful and touching. The messaging and the sonic value are so amazing and poignant. My story with this song is that I came across it, and Onew as an artist, during a walk on a random day, having only JUST gotten into Shinee and K-Pop as a whole. And it blew me away - especially at the end with the gospel choir sound that you mention. And when I finally saw the video and read the lyrics, it rounded out the experience and touched me to my core honestly. This song came to me during a hard time in my life and left an indelible mark - it’s something I’ve probably never experienced with a song of any genre, and it still comforts me to this day.

[@Goldsyq47]

This MV is such a mixed bag of emotions.. Made me feel happy, sombre, hopeful, worry, etc.

[@nyquil45]

PD, I love listening to your perspective, your observations and your appreciation of things!!!! You're incredible!!!! Thank you for doing what you do!!!!!

[@leonepriince]

this song is so meaningful to me, I'm so glad you reacted to it

[@ninas8210]

honestly having heard this song as the first of any of the Shinee solos(and even Shinee songs besides maybe ring ding dong unknowingly because it is in a lot of memes/ videos) was definitely an experience. idk if it was because I was just starting to get into kpop around the time this musc video came out, but I really remember it and the song having a huge impact on me for a bit

[@SilverSword6]

I can’t express how much I love this entire album, it’s just so so good for my soul. I’m so glad you’ve been getting into SHINee PD, their group work & their solo work just are so varied & good.

[@healthfirstfreelancer]

I love a good bop or a banger but Onew came back to heal our souls with this song. Not something you get every day, or even in a single career. I love this song, and the Circle album.

[@naylavaz832]

I cry so much everytime i watch this mv help 😪 this just touch my heart so bad

[@I_LOVE_NMIXX.ITZY.Red_Velvet_2]

ONEW's 1st Album 'Circle' is phenomenal.

[@redfoxakame]

Ooh finally! Really love Circle and the full album was amazing! Glad you watched this!

[@bluaaahhhh]

Omg I have had lost my hopes you reacting to this song, it is so deep and grand, so happy you checking more SHINee Lee jinki is the man

[@aespaaesthetics]

Wow. Indeed.

[@baalparaq1403]

He deserves more attention! ❤

[@jessieguo0088]

Such a masterpiece, musically and visually. Thank you for reacting to it❤❤❤

[@camt3945]

Thank you for reacting to Onew's O Circle MV! It's so powerful and beautiful, and I'm glad you enjoyed it and were so moved by it as well. Can't wait to see the listening party for the Circle album--will that be available on KZbin as well? I hope so! 🤞

[@bettyreads222]

Onew is such a talent. Circle and this whole album is just a blessing like it highlights his vocals in the most beautiful way. I feel like I need to delve back into his latest album bc I haven't appreciated as much as i did his previous.

[@faiza98.]

This review was long overdue. I always love and appreciate your SHINee reviews. Although I watched this MV last year, watching your analysis made me realize things I missed before. This album was sooo good, well rounded, and one of the best solo full albums ever. I fully understand why it was rated the #1 rated kpop album of 2023 by Billboard 🩵

[@rabya7974]

the entire circle album is an absolute masterpiece! onew really is an amazing singer

[@belanna000]

the live stages for this are beautiful, too

[@fabianr4761]

I also teared up thank you for your support for SHINee boys 🫶🏻

[@meeps0283]

Oh I’ve been waiting for this, the album has to be one of my favourite solo albums of all time :) hope you enjoy it!

[@ssthou1982]

Finally! I've been waiting for this reaction.

[@lilabausseron6476]

The cat could be a reference to the poet Baudelaire : in Le Spleen de Paris, in his poem named “L’horloge” there is a cat and his eyes shows Eternity : “Oui, je vois l’heure ; il est l’Éternié !” (I can see the hour, it is Eternity). I love this reference, it’s so beautiful.

[@skzanarchist]

that's so interesting

[@monicaamit3406]

Came across this review by chance and greatly enjoyed it. Thank you!

[@Meyra_]

I'm glad you didn't miss it.

[@1mamalama1]

Loved this reaction. This song, is special to me. When I have a hard time I listened to it & somehow it makes me feel better. It makes you realize everyone goes through good & hard times. Not always at the same time but we are all here experiencing the same thing. It somehow makes you feel you are not alone. It’s a very comforting song. Just love it. With, like you said Onew’s angelic voice it just makes it even more amazing. Would love for you to react to more of his songs. Loved the way you expressed yourself. ❤

[@isabellepalmer2289]

There are no words for how happy and excited I was to see that you had uploaded this - I've been waiting for it since Circle's release and had a feeling you'd be as moved by it as so many others have been. It's a release that is truly so deserving of all the love and recognition in the world

[@nad_isawon]

Watching you reacting to this just made my tears fall down too

[@architapermatasantynawan721]

I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS REACTION FOR SO LOOONG

[@I_LOVE_NMIXX.ITZY.Red_Velvet_2]

ONEW released '매력 (beat drum)' M/V.

[@I_LOVE_NMIXX.ITZY.Red_Velvet_2]

ONEW's 3rd EP 'FLOW' is great.

[@dyanrw]

I’m waiting for this, finally ❤

[@aniak86]

I'm so glad you reviewed Onew. His solo music is so healing. If you get around to looking at Flow I would love to know if you love the quality of his music. Circle and Flow are masterpieces that are great listens from start to finish. I usually don't shuffle those albums and listen to them as a whole.

[@SheenaFernan]

I cant count the number of times Ive actually cried with this song. T___T The lyrics and everything is just sooooooo gooood

[@DisintegratEdd]

Haha I cried watching you cry. There’s something incredibly special about this song. Onew already does a good job infusing his voice with emotion, and when you pair it with the lyrics and the music video it feels so vulnerable and raw but also comforting.

[@Casper745]

ONEW New Music is gonna have you're attention and recognition more than Circle because he's newest album Was definitely different from what he released previously

[@formoftherapy]

I filmed beat drum and it is AMAZING

[@Niick_Rochefort]

@@formoftherapy Could you also react to All day from his newest album? I think you'll like the message :)

[@lightningdoughnut4880]

Onew has a perfect voice for a song like circle. I perfectly find his vocal tone one of the most unique ones in kpop. It just has so much warmth in it, and feels so round and comforting. He also knows his voice so well and can use it for such a wide variety of effects. Shinee is truly a group with 5 complete artists.

[@fetidubu7996]

I cried too watching the MV for the first time. And I cried again today watching with you. Circle MV and song are truly incredible, such an amazing art 🥹🩵

[@suad137]

thank you so much for reacting to this!! i love the way you describe and explain what you see and feel. you’re so eloquent. this song means a lot to me personally and i really enjoyed seeing you share what it made you feel.

[@sjinkis1214]

subscribed to your patreon because of this video and found your great reaction to beat drum!! 😅

[@ElizabethAMS2015]

Circle is one of the greatest albums of all time for me, Kpop or otherwise.

[@DarkHarlequin]

I have barely heard any Kpop before late 2023 and I fully agree!

[@bhangela]

RIGHT!!!?!?!?!!!! my favorite piece of artwork from onew thus far

[@bee8491]

i NEVER THOUGHT THIS DAY WOULD COME AA

[@dalic07]

I was so worried that you passed on this song but I am glad you came back to it in your own time. I thought this song would be excellent to study for someone who can appreciate the musicality of the song and the visuals of this music video both separately and together. This is one of my favorite songs of all time (outside of just Shinee or KPop) and I find myself going back to it over and over again unprompted. I hope you enjoy listening to the rest of Circle!

[@gaeulcaptor]

not me crying like i haven’t hear this song a billion times