Bite Review: Pentagon’s “Coward” Returns to Classic Songwriting and Storytelling

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A Pentagon single in 2026 feels like no small feat. With seven active members at different agencies and busy solo schedules, Pentagon had not released group music since 2023. Kino took a pivotal role in releasing “Coward” for Pentagon’s tenth anniversary, co-writing, producing and distributing the song through his company. “Coward” addresses Pentagon’s challenges of returning after a three-year absence, using classic K-pop songwriting to tell a vulnerable story about confronting their fears.

In a K-pop landscape filled with two-minute songs that repeat hooks for TikTok virality, “Coward” feels both nostalgic and refreshing. It embraces the slow build of melody and dynamics that has been dying out in recent title tracks. The track follows a traditional K-pop structure, with a slower vocal verse rising to a rap verse before ascending in the pre-chorus. The chorus brings a warm burst of energy, particularly through Hui’s bright, slightly husky tenor. The bridge provides an emotional peak, with Jinho and Hui harmonizing in soaring notes, followed by an energetic dance break and triumphant final chorus.

The song is not only satisfying because it feels fully developed, but also because its structure matches its story. As its title suggests, “Coward” begins as a confession of hesitation, with Hongseok expressing uncertainty about approaching a past love: “Why when I want to do well / Can I not even begin and only hesitate?” Throughout the song, the members claim to be cowards, yet their increasing intensity suggests mounting courage. “Coward” ramps up to the decision to seek reunion despite its risks.

The romantic lyrics could also easily apply to the idol-fan relationship, which is borderline cliche with anniversary songs. However, by centering the “coward” concept, Pentagon offers a rare, vulnerable admission of fear about returning after a three-year hiatus, which makes their rendition more human and compelling. The concept also feels like classic Pentagon, recalling their biggest hit “Shine,” which takes the perspective of a “loser” with a crush. In “Coward,” Kino proclaims he has a “still-pathetic personality,” indicating that some self-consciousness remains. Still, the song feels like a more mature evolution of playful self-deprecation of “Shine,” persevering through fear with utter sincerity.

The simple yet effective MV reinforces this storytelling, gradually working through uncertainty and fear. The camera rotates around Kino as he lies on the ground of a subway station, while other shots show members hesitating to put letters into an open mailbox. As the song progresses, the MV shifts from isolation to connection. During Wooseok’s rap verse, he rushes down the stairs to meet the other members, and the shots begin to feature the full group. When Jinho belts, “I will willingly fall into you” in the bridge, the MV cuts to the members finally placing their letters in the mailbox.

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The final sequence completes the story, conveying that finding one’s courage leads to connection and joy. The dance break showcases Pentagon’s tight formations and synchronization, but also the sheer delight of performing together again. Images of the members celebrating among fireworks and running ahead emphasize their renewed momentum. The closing shot returns to the subway station as a train arrives, suggesting hopeful possibilities for the future.

Pentagon’s “Coward” is more than a return to their well-known sound and themes. Through thoughtful songwriting and a music video that mirrors its emotional progression, the track conveys pushing through fear to find connection. Rather than relying on a short, immediately catchy hook, “Coward” allows its emotions to build toward a satisfying bridge, dance break and final chorus. In doing so, it proves that classic K-pop songwriting still has the power to tell sincere, relatable stories.

(YouTube. Lyrics via Genius. Images via Naked Inc).