Linkin Park Unveils K-Drama-Inspired Music Video for “Over Each Other”
In a blend of nostalgia and modern creativity, Linkin Park has just released the official music video for “Over Each Other,” the third single from their highly anticipated album From Zero, set for release on November 15. The video, directed by the band’s own Joe Hahn, takes inspiration from the iconic storytelling and dramatic style of Korean dramas, adding a unique twist to the band’s visuals and marking an evolution in their artistic journey. With scenes filmed across Seoul, South Korea, Over Each Other reflects both a geographical and cultural shift for the band, a transition rooted in their deepening connections with fans across the globe and their own evolving musical style.
Shooting in Seoul: A Personal and Artistic Dream
Hahn, who directed some of Linkin Park’s most celebrated videos like “Numb” and “What I’ve Done,” has long been a vital part of the band’s creative voice, especially in the visual realm. This time, however, directing the video in Korea held particular significance for him as a Korean American artist. Hahn expressed his enthusiasm for the project, calling the experience “a dream come true” that allowed him to blend personal heritage with the band’s identity, creating an audiovisual homage to Korean storytelling aesthetics.
“We wanted this video to really showcase not only the beauty of Seoul but also the emotional range that Korean dramas bring out so well,” Hahn said in a recent interview. “There’s something magnetic about the way K-dramas portray love, conflict, and inner turmoil—elements that resonated with the themes of our song.”
The video combines sweeping shots of Seoul’s vibrant urban landscape with intimate, intense scenes between the characters, capturing the essence of Linkin Park’s signature mix of grandeur and raw emotion. Featuring crowded city streets, serene rooftops, and symbolic scenes set under neon lights, Over Each Other creates a narrative that aligns with the song’s themes of connection, disillusionment, and reconciliation. This approach represents Hahn’s skill at creating an emotional connection between the audience and the band’s music.
A New Era: The Band’s Fresh Sound and Lineup
“Over Each Other” is one of the first songs to feature Linkin Park’s newly revamped lineup, with Emily Armstrong on vocals and Colin Brittain on drums. Armstrong’s vocal presence adds a new dynamic to the band’s sound; her powerful yet haunting style aligns with Linkin Park’s emotional intensity, giving fans both something familiar and refreshingly new.
Armstrong, formerly of the rock band Dead Sara, has brought an alternative, gritty edge to Linkin Park, a perfect match for the direction the band has taken in From Zero. Her vocal chemistry with Mike Shinoda adds another layer to the band’s storytelling. In Over Each Other, her voice complements Shinoda’s verses and creates a compelling contrast, particularly in the song’s bridge and chorus, which showcase their harmonized vulnerability and defiance.
Brittain, an accomplished drummer and producer who has worked with bands like Papa Roach and All Time Low, adds to the band’s newfound energy. His drumming on “Over Each Other” is sharp and aggressive, driving the song forward with a pulse that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish.
This song, along with the album’s previous singles “The Emptiness Machine” and “Heavy Is the Crown,” hints at From Zero being a sonic exploration of reinvention, reflective of the band’s current lineup. The addition of Brittain and Armstrong was pivotal to the direction From Zero has taken, bringing in fresh perspectives that both respect Linkin Park’s legacy and push the boundaries of their sound.
Embracing K-Drama Aesthetics: An Emotional, Visual Journey
The decision to infuse Over Each Other with K-drama-inspired aesthetics wasn’t a random choice. Hahn has long been fascinated with the storytelling techniques in K-dramas, which are known for their heightened emotional arcs and complex character relationships. In the video, the characters are shown navigating the highs and lows of their relationship, mirroring the narrative intensity of a K-drama. The combination of close-up shots capturing subtle facial expressions and wider shots depicting Seoul’s cityscape creates a sense of intimacy and grandeur, which has become emblematic of Linkin Park’s evolving visual style.
The video employs a variety of cinematic techniques typical of K-dramas, including slow-motion shots, symbolic objects, and a vivid color palette that juxtaposes the cool blues of nighttime Seoul with the warmth of indoor scenes. This stylistic choice adds a layer of emotional resonance to the song’s lyrics, which delve into themes of connection and separation. By placing these personal conflicts against the backdrop of a bustling metropolis, the video captures the feeling of loneliness and introspection amid a crowded world—a feeling many fans can relate to.
Hahn shared that his goal was to translate the song’s emotional complexity into a visual language that resonates universally. “We wanted fans to feel like they were watching a mini-movie, to get lost in the world we created,” he said. “This song is about understanding and misunderstanding, about being close yet distant—K-drama aesthetics felt like the perfect way to capture that.”
Celebrating Their Return: From Zero and a New Chapter
The release of From Zero on November 15 marks Linkin Park’s first album in seven years, following 2017’s One More Light. In that time, the band has undergone significant changes, both personally and professionally. The loss of Chester Bennington in 2017 profoundly affected each member, and the band took time to grieve and reflect on their future. Shinoda pursued solo projects, including his acclaimed album Post Traumatic, while other members explored various ventures outside of music.
Now, with Armstrong and Brittain on board, Linkin Park is entering a new chapter that embraces change while staying true to their core identity. The album’s title, From Zero, reflects this process of rebuilding and reinventing. Shinoda explained in a recent interview that the name is a nod to both the challenges and possibilities that come with starting anew. “We’re building something new but from the foundation we’ve always had. It’s about acknowledging where we’ve come from and being willing to explore where we’re going,” he said.
“Heavy Is The Crown”: A Global Spotlight
Another standout single from From Zero is “Heavy Is The Crown,” which has gained attention for being chosen as the anthem for the 2024 League of Legends World Championship. This collaboration reflects Linkin Park’s longstanding interest in gaming culture, having previously worked with titles like Medal of Honor and Transformers. The decision to feature the song in a global event like the League of Legends Championship demonstrates the band’s continued relevance and appeal across diverse audiences.
The anthem choice is not only an honor for Linkin Park but also a testament to their ability to create music that resonates beyond the confines of the rock genre. “Heavy Is The Crown” speaks to themes of resilience, ambition, and the weight of responsibility—all fitting for the competitive, high-stakes world of esports. This crossover into gaming aligns with the band’s commitment to evolving and staying connected to younger generations.
Anticipation Grows for From Zero
With each release, excitement for From Zero builds, and fans are eager to experience Linkin Park’s new sound in its entirety. The album promises a blend of the introspective lyrics and hard-hitting instrumentals that defined their earlier works, while also embracing a fresh, experimental approach. Fans and critics alike are intrigued to see how the band’s core elements will integrate with their new influences and lineup.
As Linkin Park steps into this new era, they do so with a keen sense of purpose, honoring their past while embracing an uncertain but hopeful future. The release of Over Each Other and its visually captivating, K-drama-inspired music video marks just the beginning of what promises to be a significant chapter in the band’s storied career. With From Zero only weeks away, Linkin Park’s redefined sound and vision are setting the stage for a powerful return that both old fans and new listeners won’t want to miss.
