Decoding WINNER's QR Code Treasure Hunt—Here's The Message They Hid And Why It's So Impactful

WINNER has finally returned to the music scene after two years of hiatus. The four member boy group released their fourth mini album, HOLIDAY, to positive reviews.

From Left to Right: HOONY, JINU, YOON, and MINO | YG Entertainment

It was spearheaded by the title track “I LOVE U,” an upbeat song that expresses their love for their fans.

One thing they did to show this was by hiding a gift for Inner Circles in teaser images. Prior to the release of the music video, YOON mystified fans with a poster of one fourth of a clover filled with a QR code.

Once scanned, they were led to the audio version of “AIR,” a B-side track from their EVERYDAY album (2018). Specifically, the lyrics, “Baby, you are my air” were first heard.

Baby, you are my air. Girl, I can’t survive even five minutes without you.

— Yoon

Jinu’s poster, meanwhile, led fans to his solo song “DDUK” from the Remember album (2020).

I struggle to get rid of this affection, but my heart has already weakened.

— Jinu

The third member’s poster was none other than MINO’s. His rap part in “Don’t Flirt” (2014) started with an acknowledgement of the time that has passed.

After waiting a long, long time…

— Mino

Lastly, HOONY’s “SERENADE” solo was his promise that he’ll always be with Inner Circles.

Just hang on, I’ll run to you.

— Seunghoon

When putting together the lyrics, WINNER wanted to tell their listeners that they are an integral part of them. They sorely missed their fans during the years that they were apart.

Baby, you are my air. Girl I can’t survive even five minutes without you.

I struggle to get rid of this affection, but my heart has already weakened.

After waiting a long, long time…

Just hang on, I’ll run to you.

— WINNER

🐥Girl 네가 없인 단 5분도 버틸 수 없어
🐰이제 그만 뚝 뚝
🐻긴 긴 기다림 끝에
🦁기다려 너에게로 달려갈게

강김송이 우리 이제 정말 만나는구나 진짜 pic.twitter.com/yolUtORuyR

— Fairy Floss🎡요정의 솜 (@fairyfloss_som) July 4, 2022

Fans were touched by their message and the fact that the group put so much effort into telling them they were loved.

WINNER's message to INNER CIRCLE:

"Girl, I can't survive even five minutes without you, Struggle to get rid of this affection, But my heart has already weakened. After waiting a long long time, Wait for me, I'll run to you"

they simply said it's been so long, we are coming 😭 pic.twitter.com/tUvUnCxZZ9

— Rugaya 🇦🇿 (@rugayainseo_twt) July 4, 2022

To make an already impactful message even better, the hunt culminated in an ultra-special QR code found in the actual “I LOVE U” music video. The lyrics heard right when the heart appeared was the chorus, a sweet message that showed WINNER’s dedication to their fans.

I like you (like you) more than I like myself.

— WINNER in “I LOVE U”

When scanned, a photo containing details of WINNER’s July 10 guerilla performance in Korea was shown. It was another way for the members to show their appreciation for their loyal fans.