Otakuwriter
EXCLUSIVE: d4vd and Hyunjin (Stray Kids) Reveal “Always Love” Anime-Inspired Music Video
Singer-songwriter d4vd, known for his rising success in the music industry, has officially debuted the anime-inspired music video for his new track “Always Love,” featuring Hyunjin of K-pop sensation Stray Kids. This exclusive release, unveiled by Crunchyroll News, fuses deeply emotional music with stunning visuals crafted in the style of traditional Japanese animation. The music video showcases the evolving crossover between music and anime, cementing both artists’ commitment to the medium and further expanding their creative profiles.
A Collaborative Project Rooted in Mutual Inspiration
“Always Love” marks a major milestone in the careers of d4vd and Hyunjin, blending their distinctive musical flavors with passionate storytelling through anime aesthetics. The collaboration began after d4vd and Hyunjin supported each other on social media, ultimately forming a bond that led to an in-person meeting at a Stray Kids concert in Los Angeles. This partnership gave birth to the deeply evocative track, which officially premiered in late June 2025.
Anime Aesthetics: A Central Theme in “Always Love”
The official music video for “Always Love” stands out not only for its musical impact but also for its visual narrative. The project is rich in anime motifs, an intentional move aligning with d4vd’s well-documented admiration for the medium. From the expressive character animations to the emotionally resonant palette, the video effectively communicates the song’s themes of connection and vulnerability.
The animation was created in collaboration with established talent in the anime industry, though the specific studio, director, and design staff have not yet been disclosed in the release. However, the quality and detail mirror that of professional anime production, suggesting experienced hands contributed to its realization.
d4vd: Bridging Music and Anime
d4vd has demonstrated a consistent passion for anime throughout his career. His music frequently incorporates anime-inspired visuals, themes, and storytelling. He has spoken at length about his creative process and influences through his two appearances on Crunchyroll’s The Anime Effect podcast, where he discussed his favorite series like Death Note and Tokyo Ghoul. His debut album, WITHERED, has similarly drawn visual inspiration from anime, making “Always Love” a natural continuation of his multimedia identity.
This new music video contributes to his growing involvement in the anime landscape, following his prior work recording music for the acclaimed Arcane soundtrack and his recent participation as a presenter at the upcoming 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
Hyunjin and Stray Kids: A Continued Presence in Anime Music
Hyunjin’s contribution to “Always Love” further highlights Stray Kids’ ongoing impact on the anime music scene. The group previously provided opening theme songs for both seasons of Tower of God, an anime adaptation produced by Telecom Animation Film and Crunchyroll Studios. Additionally, Stray Kids member Felix was recently featured on the opening theme for Solo Leveling Season 2, performed by J-rock icon LiSA.
The inclusion of Hyunjin in d4vd’s “Always Love” project showcases Stray Kids’ ability to transcend borders between K-pop and anime music, highlighting the growing synergy between the Japanese and Korean entertainment industries.
Release Platforms and Viewing Availability
The official anime-inspired music video for “Always Love” is now available exclusively on Crunchyroll News and is expected to be accessible through d4vd’s and Stray Kids’ official YouTube channels and respective social media platforms. The track itself can be streamed across major music services, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
Upcoming Projects and Tour Information
As of August 2025, d4vd is currently on his WITHERED 2025 World Tour, which began in San Francisco. The tour supports his debut album and includes performances across major cities worldwide. Fans can find more details and ticket information on his official website.
Meanwhile, Stray Kids is preparing for the launch of their highly anticipated fourth studio album, Karma, set for release on August 22, 2025. This comes on the heels of their successful year-long Dominate World Tour, reinforcing their dominant presence in the global music scene.
“Always Love” Merges Music and Anime Into a Visual Journey
With its vibrant anime visuals and emotionally rich lyrics, “Always Love” stands as a milestone collaboration between d4vd and Hyunjin, representing their shared love for anime and storytelling through music. Supported by platforms like Crunchyroll and with contributions from artists actively shaping today’s music and anime landscape, the video reflects a growing trend of artistic hybrid projects that bridge diverse fan communities through shared creative language. This release marks another achievement in d4vd’s upward artistic journey and furthers Stray Kids’ reputation as global performers with deep connections to anime culture.
