"Don't Say You Love Me" is a song by South Korean singer Jin, released on May 16, 2025 as the lead single from his second EP Echo (2025). It was written and produced by Tiggs and Wyatt Sanders.
Background Jin selected the song as the lead single because he felt it was "pleasant to listen to" and "the easiest on the ears" among the tracks from Echo.
Lyrics and composition The song is about a couple struggling to break up despite their failing relationship, with lyrics depicting their inner conflicts, sadness and ambivalence. In the first verse, Jin revolves around the difficulty for him to move on. He asks his ex to help him with letting go during the chorus: "Don't tell me that you're gonna miss me / Just tell me that you wanna kill me".
Critical reception Maria Letícia L. Gomes of Clash described the song as "sonically soft and emotionally unresolved", adding that "With its restrained structure and light melody, it hovers around the pain of a relationship that won't cleanly end. Jin's calm delivery aligns with the theme, holding back rather than spilling over. The simplicity serves the song, even though it would risk fading into a cliche pop formula if not for the emotion in his phrasing, which changes the track for the better." Nmesoma Okechukwu of Euphoria remarked "if there's a song that I think has a moderate staying power, it's Jin's 'Don't Say You Love Me.' He's obviously mastered his voice, because he could oh so swiftly shift through notes that it feels like your ears are on holiday."
Music video The music video was released alongside the single. Directed by Yongseok Choi, it was filmed in Singapore in partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board. The video stars South Korean actress Shin Se-kyung and was the first time that Jin worked with an actor. It opens with Jin watching Shin drive away. As he visits tourist attractions (including the Goldhill Plaza, Marina Bay, National Gallery Singapore, Gardens by the Bay, Anderson Bridge and Singapore Flyer), Jin has visions of Shin in these places and is haunted by memories of their relationship. In the finale, Jin chases her departing car and eventually reunites with Shin.
Live performances Jin performed the song on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on May 21, 2025.
Track listing CD single "Don't Say You Love Me" – 3:00
CD single – instrumental "Don't Say You Love Me" – 3:00 "Don't Say You Love Me" (instrumental) – 3:00
Digital download and streaming – remixes "Don't Say You Love Me" – 3:00 "Don't Say You Love Me" (instrumental) – 3:00 "Don't Say You Love Me" (band version) – 3:02 "Don't Say You Love Me" (lofi remix) – 2:24 "Don't Say You Love Me" (disco remix) – 3:12 "Don't Say You Love Me" (synthwave remix) – 2:35 "Don't Say You Love Me" (90s pop remix) – 3:10 "Don't Say You Love Me" (future pop remix) – 2:26
Charts
Weekly charts + Chart (20252026) Peakposition Bolivia (Billboard) 4 Colombia (Colombia Hot 100) 59 Hong Kong (Billboard) 8 India International (IMI) 1 Indonesia (IFPI) (Note: Select 2025 Week 22) 14 Japan (Japan Hot 100) 28 Japan Combined Singles (Oricon) 43 Lithuania (AGATA) 4 Malaysia (IFPI) (Note: Select 2025 Week 22) 5 Malaysia International (RIM) 3 Middle East and North Africa (IFPI) 3 New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ) 5 Panama Streaming () 47 Peru (Billboard) 5 Philippines (Philippines Hot 100) 9 Russia Streaming (TopHit) 83 Singapore (RIAS) 1 South Korea (Circle) 89 Taiwan (Billboard) 9 Thailand (IFPI) (Note: Select 2025 Week 22) 8 United Arab Emirates (IFPI) 1 Vietnam (IFPI) (Note: Select 2025 Week 22) 7 Vietnam (Vietnam Hot 100) 5
Monthly charts + Chart (2025–2026) Peakposition Lithuania Airplay (TopHit) 79 Panama Streaming (PRODUCE) 55 South Korea (Circle) 180
Year-end charts + Chart (2025) Position Argentina Anglo Airplay (Monitor Latino) 36 Global 200 (Billboard) 151 Philippines (Philippines Hot 100) 73
Release history + "Don't Say You Love Me" release history Region Date Format Version Label Various May 16, 2025 Original Big Hit CD single May 20, 2025 Remixes Italy June 5, 2025 Radio airplay Original EMI
References