Lee Jiham, formerly known as Lee Donghun from the K-pop group A.C.E, released his first mini album, ‘Love before Me,’ on Feb. 12. Following the end of A.C.E.’s contract in March 2025, the members have all struck out solo, taking time to experiment with their individual sounds. Known for his powerful vocals in songs like “Callin’” and covers like “All of Me,” Lee Jiham has continued to lean into his affinity for soulful music with his album ‘Love before Me.’
The album highlights the passing of time and the effects that it can have on a relationship, particularly when it goes from close to distant. Through his heavy influence in both the songwriting and composition for the album, Lee Jiham displays his skills in making music that tugs at your heartstrings.
LEE JIHAM Digital single [Forever Mine]
— 이지함 (LEE JI HAM) (@jihamofficial) January 21, 2026
1st Concept Photo
🎧 2026.01.29 THU 6PM (KST)#LEEJIHAM #이지함 #Easyham #ジハム#Forever_Mine #JIHAM_ForeverMine pic.twitter.com/E88FN0hkpM
“Forever Mine”
The first track, “Forever Mine,” released on Jan. 29 as a pre-release single, giving listeners a taste of the theme for the entire album. The opening shot of the music video sets the tone for the song with a close-up of Jiham crying, followed by a mellow piano that builds up and persists throughout the video. The grainy video quality is reminiscent of old camera footage, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that speaks to the song’s themes of memory and time. The lyrics “Can’t leave it all behind” and “Be always with me, forever mine” further elaborate on these themes, conveying the message of always wanting to be with someone and not being able to move on and let go of past memories. Jiham’s powerful vocals throughout the song, especially during the chorus, help to further emphasize the strong emotions tied to this feeling of past love.
“Too Late”
In his second music video for the album, Jiham showcases his skills in guitar playing, which is also emphasized through the instrumental of the music. With soft, gentle verses and strong, prominent choruses, Jiham expresses the remorseful emotions of being too late to go back and change things before a relationship turns cold. The shaky camera footage throughout the video emphasizes his turmoil as he wonders about what could have been.
“필름”
The third track on the album features more emphasis on vocals, with a simple guitar instrumental. The lyrics talk about saying goodbye to a past relationship that is now fading. The song’s title, which translates to “film,” emphasizes this point even more, as their joyful memories are now merely moments frozen in time. Through this song, Jiham displays his vocal capabilities, showcasing his range and stability, while also evoking a peaceful yet heartfelt feeling.
“If you leave me”
“If you leave me” references the time period right before the relationship seems to come to an end. Through the lyrics, Jiham repeatedly expresses his desire for the other to stay, which is emphasized by the echoes of the word “stay” in the chorus. This song leans into the desperation of wanting to salvage a relationship that was once cherished.
“우리함께”
“우리함께” (which translates to “we together”) presents a more uplifting end to the album as the lyrics speak to having moved on from past troubles. Jiham acknowledges that though times were rough, and they may be rough again, he’s able to get through it using the strength he receives from the other. With an upbeat yet soothing guitar instrumental, Jiham closes his album on lamenting a cherished love with the message that despite a troubled past, they can still look forward and enjoy a happy life together.
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