On July 5th, SHINee’s Taemin released the music video for Sayonara Hitori, the title track from his first Japanese mini album. A Korean version of the track, titled Goodbye, followed about a month later on August 3rd.
Regardless of what language it’s in, Goodbye/Hitori is a dramatic ode to heartbreak and the isolation it causes. The track opens as a sparse piano ballad before it unravels into a jagged, almost aggressive dubstep breakdown after the chorus. It’s a sonic representation of the pain of losing someone you love and how disorienting it can be:
“As you face away and your back grows smaller
My hand starts to shake more
But you walk on, your eyes just looking straight ahead…
Goodbye, the scattering flowers
Smile as if living in regret
If someone will be sad alone
I will remain here, not touching you
Goodbye, so we can embrace each other again
Spread your flowers around the world
Goodbye, don’t be sad for being alone
In this the world, you’re a flower in full bloom”
Blue flowers are present throughout the music video for the original song, symbolizing grief and mourning. The choreography is expressive as every movement pulls between resistance and surrender. It’s as if Taemin is physically caught in the act of letting go before his heart can follow through.
To promote “Goodbye,” Taemin performed special stages on Music Bank, Show! Music Core, and Inkigayo the week of its release. He also delivered a stunning performance of the track on Mnet’s Hit the Stage alongside his choreographer Koharu Sugawara.
Whether you prefer the original Japanese or the Korean version, Goodbye/Sayonara Hitori isn’t just about parting ways. It’s about the pain of holding on, the grace of letting go, and everything that lingers in between. And once again, Taemin shows that he can embody that pain, no matter what language he’s singing in.
Changelog
- May 28, 2025: Rewrote the article to provide additional information.
- August 4, 2016: Date original article was posted.
