Watch Seventeen’s The8 Face Heartbreak in ‘Side By Side’

Caught in the loop of one-sided love, K-pop group Seventeen’s vocalist and dancer The8 perseveres as he tries to twist faith in his favor throughout his latest video, “Side By Side.”

Strikingly different from his 2020 single “Falling Down,” this track takes an alt-pop approach with an amalgamation of softly plucked guitar chords and minimal drum sounds. With contributions by The8 as a composer and lyricist, “Side By Side” follows the journey of a man head over heels in love. Despite his repeated attempts, The8 continues to face rejection from his love interest.

The music video reflects the essence of the song with various scenes capturing The8’s attempts at wooing his love interest. Be it at a bar or library, The8 powers through umpteen dismissals as he sings, “I want to hold hands/ But I don’t know what to do what to do oh baby / I want to give all my heart to you / But I’m lost for words when I’m before you.” As the video unravels, The8 leans on his fellow Seventeen members Jun, DK and Dino for a much-needed morale boost. They encourage the singer to make a final attempt at getting the girl of his dreams.

Dejected by his many failed attempts, the video wraps up with The8 sulking at the bar counter as he sings “I want to give you all my heart/ But you still don’t know what’s in my heart.” In a surprising twist, his love interest reciprocates the gestures as she hands him a giant bouquet of roses, giving the storyline a satisfactory ending.

Available in both Korean and Chinese, “Side By Side” is The8’s third solo single, following last year’s “Falling Down” and “Dreams Come True” from 2019.