In the song “고엽,” or known by international fans as “Autumn Leaves,” BTS poignantly describes a breakup. Produced BTS member SUGA and in-house producer Slow rabbit, analogizes the separation of two lovers in the form of autumn leaves falling down.

Though being translated as “Autumn Leaves,” which paints an image of colorful autumn leaves, “고엽” literally means dry, withering leaves. The word itself is a rarely used word as it sounds very formal and reminisces the gloomy brown dead leaves at the end of fall season.

BTS possibly pays homage to Yves Montand’s “Les Feuilles Mortes,” which also translates to “Dead Leaves” and is also famously known as “고엽” in Korea.