Snow, memories, and music: fromis_9’s heartfelt year-end gift

Snow, memories, and winter warmth. With White Longing, fromis_9 doesn’t just cover a classic—they transport us to that soft, fleeting moment where winter nostalgia settles in, and every falling snowflake seems to awaken a memory we thought we’d forgotten. Released on December 2, 2025, at 6 PM KST, this special digital single marks the group’s first return since their mini-album From Our 20’s in June, acting as a heartfelt year-end gift for their fandom, the flover. After a year of major transitions—new five-member lineup, change of agency, a summer comeback, and their first world tour—White Longing symbolizes a shift toward calmer, more introspective emotions, perfectly closing out 2025 with warmth and tenderness.

Chosen as a remake of Kim Min-jong’s iconic 2001 track, White Longing keeps the nostalgic soul of the original while infusing it with fromis_9’s bright, modern sensibility. The musical arrangement, a medium-tempo pop composition, blends clean guitars, soft synths, and gentle layers to create an enveloping, cozy atmosphere. Every sound element is carefully designed to evoke winter: the crispness of the first snow, the comfort of a quiet evening by the fire, and the magic of the holiday season. According to their agency ASND, the single was intended as a “winter carol,” a seasonal song revisiting the 2001 classic through fromis_9’s unique vocal color. The official music video, released alongside the track, translates this vision into imagery, combining wintery visuals, festive vibes, and even an appearance by Kim Min-jong himself—a touching bridge between generations of Korean music fans.

The visual promotion for White Longing is as meticulously crafted as its sound, unfolding in three phases that form a complete winter narrative. The first, “White Snow,” captures winter purity and softness. The members wear white dresses amidst falling snow, creating a fairy-tale-like scene reminiscent of the first snowfall and childhood memories. Accessories like canes, transparent spheres, and red ribbons add a magical, delicate touch, emphasizing the storybook charm of this initial phase. The second phase, “Pastel Santa,” presents a cozier, warmer interpretation of the holidays: members wear Santa-inspired outfits in soft pastel shades—from pale pink to light blue—with expressions and poses exuding warmth and intimacy. This stage bridges the ethereal winter of “White Snow” and the more mature, festive atmosphere of the final phase. The third phase, “Holiday / Chic Santa,” features elegant red outfits, evoking traditional Christmas festivities and a glamorous year-end spirit. Together, these three phases tell a full seasonal story: from winter’s purity, through cozy holiday warmth, to festive elegance, offering fans a visually cohesive and emotionally rich experience.

Musically, White Longing shines in balancing respect for the original with modern touches. fromis_9’s bright, expressive vocals bring a youthful energy while preserving the song’s warm melody. The use of clean guitar and soft synths creates a contemporary yet serene sound, and the medium-pop tempo keeps the track accessible and emotionally resonant—perfect for winter playlists and cozy, reflective moments. The arrangement highlights each member’s voice, showcasing their growth in vocal maturity and artistry since becoming a five-member group.

The music video enhances this seasonal and emotional approach. The group performs in a wintery, festive setting with snow, soft lighting, and holiday props, while Kim Min-jong’s cameo reinforces the intergenerational connection—linking those familiar with the original to a new generation of listeners. The visuals complement the music perfectly: the visual chill of snow contrasts with the warmth of the production and vocals, creating a fully immersive winter experience for fans and viewers alike.

In the broader context of 2025, this release demonstrates fromis_9’s ability to reinvent themselves while honoring their roots. After three members departed in late 2024 and the group signed with ASND Label, fromis_9 began a new chapter as a five-member unit, exploring a more mature, sophisticated, and polished identity. Their mini-album From Our 20’s and the 2025 fromis_9 WORLD TOUR NOW TOMORROW already displayed their ambition and desire to reconnect with international fans. With White Longing, they reveal another facet of their artistry—gentle, reflective, and seasonal—highlighting their flexibility and willingness to evoke diverse emotions.

For the flover, this single is more than just music: it’s a heartfelt year-end gift. The song invites listeners to revisit warm memories, enjoy the first snow, and experience a musical moment that spans generations. It demonstrates the group’s skill in merging heritage and modernity, nostalgia and freshness, while affirming their current artistic identity. Between meticulously planned visuals, sensitive vocal performance, and contemporary production, White Longing becomes a must-add to any winter playlist—a track to play repeatedly while soaking in the season’s magic and warmth.

With this release, fromis_9 proves they can continue evolving, surprising, and connecting with their audience while staying true to themselves. White Longing is not just a remake—it’s an immersive experience that celebrates winter, nostalgia, and holiday joy, securing the group’s position as a standout act in contemporary K-pop, capable of bridging generations and turning each release into a uniquely emotional and memorable moment.