Written as a letter to his younger self, ‘Burning Bright’ captures the vulnerability and resilience of a 17-year-old leaving home to pursue a dream. Having moved from China to the UK alone at that age, Shao Hao channels the uncertainty, isolation, and self-discovery that shaped both his life and artistry.
The song was written in Seoul in collaboration with a production team from YG Entertainment — the powerhouse label behind global superstars BLACKPINK.
“Burning Bright is a song I wrote for my younger self. Especially the 17-year-old who had just left China and arrived in the UK to study music. Back then, I felt like an outsider in a new world, insecure about my identity. This song is for him, and for anyone who’s ever felt the same. I want to tell them that: everything is going to be OK. The world needs you exactly as you are. Just be the best version of yourself, take care of yourself and each other. Never stop being proud of who you are.”
Blending the melodic sensibilities of Asian pop with the raw, narrative-driven essence of British songwriting, ‘Burning Bright’ reflects the unique cross-cultural identity that defines Shao Hao’s sound. His music sits at the intersection of worlds, shaped by influences spanning British pop, Mandopop, K-pop, and beyond, while remaining grounded in honest, emotionally resonant storytelling.
Originally known for his work behind the scenes, writing for major artists and projects across Asia, Shao Hao has more recently stepped into the spotlight as an artist in his own right. His growing catalogue explores themes of identity, belonging, and emotional honesty, drawing directly from his lived experiences navigating multiple cultures and communities.
His songwriting work has already earned significant industry recognition. He is a winner at the 2025 Hito Pop Music Awards, with Power Station’s ‘Mesmerise’ named one of the Top 10 Mandarin Songs of the Year, and he received a Best Original Song nomination at the 2024 Golden Bell Awards for ‘This Is Love’ from the Netflix series Let’s Talk About CHU. He is also nominated at the 11th Lavender Music Awards (2026) for both Song of the Year and Best Composer, with winners yet to be announced.
Beyond individual accolades, Shao Hao’s work features prominently across award-winning productions. He composed the opening and ending themes for the drama ‘Living’, which won Best TV Drama at the 59th Golden Bell Awards (2024). His contributions to Netflix’s ‘The Victims’ Game’, including the ending theme ‘White Horse’, span both seasons of the series, which has received multiple international nominations and awards recognition.
Following the release of ‘Where Is My Home’ and the genre-blending ‘Thursday’, ‘Burning Bright’ marks a more stripped-back and introspective moment. It is both intimate and universal – a message of reassurance for anyone who has ever felt out of place.
As Shao Hao continues to build a global presence between the UK and Asia, his mission remains clear: to create music that connects, heals, and empowers. With ‘Burning Bright’ he offers a reminder that even in moments of doubt, there is strength in simply being yourself.
