I deeply apologise for how long (1.5 years, if you are curious) it has taken me to review what is BOYNEXTDOOR’s biggest hit to date. In my sad excuse of a defence, I was on holiday when it was released and came back to a massive backlog of reviews – one of which was this track, which ultimately got lost in my unsuccessful attempt to catch up. Released back in January 2025, IF I SAY, I LOVE YOU ended up becoming a big hit, particularly for a male KPOP group in 2025. IF I SAY, I LOVE YOU also featured as part of BOYNEXTDOOR’s NO GENRE mini-album that was released in May 2025 (led by the single I FEEL GOOD). This review also flags the incoming album review for NO GENRE, which will be released later this month.

ICYMI – BOYNEXTDOOR most recently returned with the single VIRAL and the pre-release track ddok ddok ddok from their 1st studio album, HOME.

While IF I SAY, I LOVE YOU is an upbeat dance pop song, the song lyrics focus on the bittersweet events following a breakup and the desire to confess even though it might be too late. BOYNEXTDOOR’s tone and take on such a sensitive and vulnerable time in the song is rather playful, which is why the song is so intriguing. Even without the context of the lyrics, that playfulness and brightness from the song still transcend to the audience. Another charming point of IF I SAY, I LOVE YOU is its simple and straightforward melodies and hooks. Both elements were easy on the ears and catchy, especially the chorus. But for me, after an entire year of hearing the song, the most appealing and memorable aspect of IF I SAY, I LOVE YOU is the funky electric guitars that follow the chorus. This section alone consolidates everything I have described about the song thus far and adds a touch of vibrancy to emphasise its light-heartedness. And the members’ delivery of IF I SAY, I LOVE YOU has really cemented BOYNEXTDOOR’s sound.

My theory about the music video is that TAESAN get a second chance at confessing his love to his crush. But only after he mistakes another person for his crush and gets knocked out by a snowball. In between being knocked out and waking up from the incident, we see what life looks like without his partner, aligning with the lyrics. He becomes secluded from the world, staying at home and trying to keep himself busy. Throughout the video, he (and the members, who aren’t physically there with him – they appear to be part of his personality) is reminded of the love and memories with this crush. From there, he wakes back up in the snowfields and seizes the opportunity to confess to his crush (correctly) this time.

The performance was fittingly playful and bright to match the upbeat tone of the song. I liked the energy the members put behind both their live performance and choreography. It wasn’t enough to earn a nomination in the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards, but it was still a worthwhile watch.

Song – 8.5/10
Music Video – 9/10
Performance – 8.5/10
Overall Rating – 8.8/10