#TWBvol5 ; "first love: the heartbreak anthem we didn’t know we needed (until haechan sang it)"

https://youtu.be/0yzxJz-hHcc?si=ZidgZUvekzruM0-y

you know that gut-wrenching feeling of listening to a song that hits too close to home? yeah, that’s exactly what happens when you listen to “first love” by hikaru utada, especially when it’s covered by haechan from nct. like, as if the original wasn’t already a whole emotional rollercoaster, haechan’s version just decided to twist the knife. his voice? pure heartbreak. the emotions? unmatched.


so what’s the deal with “first love”?

this 1999 classic isn’t just a love song; it’s the love song. it’s about the bittersweetness of your first love—the excitement, the vulnerability, and ultimately, the pain when it doesn’t last. let’s be real: who doesn’t remember their first love and the emotional chaos it brought? this song captures all that in a way that feels personal, no matter where you’re at in life.


and those lyrics? they’re not playing around. here’s a breakdown of some of the lines that make you want to curl up into a ball and cry:

“you’re always gonna be my love, even if i fall in love with someone else someday.”

this one? oof. it’s like saying, “hey, i’ll move on, but you’ll always have that special place in my heart.” bittersweet doesn’t even begin to cover it. it’s that lingering feeling of someone leaving an imprint on your soul, no matter how much time passes.

“i’ll remember to love, you taught me how.”

this hits differently. it’s a quiet thank-you to the person who showed you what love feels like, even if they’re not in the picture anymore. it’s grateful and heart-wrenching at the same time.

“the last kiss was the taste of tobacco, a bitter and sad smell.”

the imagery here is insane. it’s so specific yet universally relatable. like, the memory of a goodbye kiss that’s stained with emotions you didn’t even know how to process at the time. the bitterness? yeah, it’s real.


haechan’s version: why does it hurt more?

when haechan covers this, it’s not just a cover—it’s a whole experience. his vocals are so raw, so delicate, and so packed with emotion that it feels like he’s lived every word of the song. he takes those heartbreaking lyrics and amplifies the ache, making you feel like you’re in the middle of your own k-drama love story.

his tone? soft but powerful. it’s like he’s cradling your feelings while simultaneously breaking your heart. the way he draws out the notes, the slight breaks in his voice—it’s the kind of pain that feels oddly comforting.


why “first love” will always hit different.

this song isn’t just about heartbreak; it’s about growth. it’s about cherishing the love you had, even if it didn’t last. it’s about carrying those memories with you as you move forward, knowing they shaped you into who you are.

and when you listen to it, whether it’s hikaru utada’s original or haechan’s cover, it’s impossible not to feel a little nostalgic. it makes you think about your first love, your first heartbreak, and the lessons you learned along the way.


so, if you haven’t already, go stream haechan’s cover. but fair warning: don’t do it if you’re not ready to spiral. because this? this isn’t just a song—it’s a whole emotional cleanse.

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