#I love dynamite thanks to BTS performance of the song

[love4hobi]

Hi!! I really like your blog and it’s great to find an active Hobi blog. I just got into BTS this past month and was wondering if you had recommendations or favorite Jhope (and overall BTS) content/videos to check out for a complete beginner! Even though I’ve casually listened to BTS since 2015/2016, I didn’t follow them or even know all their names/faces well... until recently I watched a couple of Jhope’s stages and was like damnnn, I need to know him and the whole group more!! Iconic stages, funny videos, interesting interviews, whatever you enjoy :) Thank you!

thank u so much thats very sweet 🥹<33 im very honored that youve chosen to ask me this because this is a biiig question n i shall do my best🫡 ok well firstly, i think it would be insane to not start off with hobipalooza

his lollapalooza set can be watched in full here, which u might have already seen, but for an added bonus u can listen to his albums hope world + jack in the box, THEN watch his lolla set to really get a feel for how he brings his songs to life while performing them. his music is great but for me his true stardom lies in his performance and stage presence and hobipalooza will tell u everything u need to know about jhope as a performer 🥹🤩

just some of his many iconic solo performances:

more + arson at the 2022 mnet asian music awards (+ future)

the only live performance hes done of on the street 🥲

also the dynamite + butter performance from that same day just cus u can see the pure joy in his face and the love he has for performing 🫂 despite them both being songs that he originally had less than like 10 seconds of lines in each

his performance and interview on iu's palette my beloved

all of his just dance performances are amazing and consistent but heres a good fancam

as for bts group performances i think its best to look at their older songs as he has not had many lines in their recent releases :/ some that i really love:

mic drop is kind of known as his song, heres their snl performance, most recent performance of it, and another favorite of mine hehe

outro: tear specifically his verse at the end (around the 4 minute mark)

chicken noodle soup at the 2021 muster, its jhopes song but they performed it all together

boy meets evil + blood sweat & tears at 2016 mama

idk im drawing a blank but honestly any of their old concerts or fanmeets/musters are really great. you can find a lot of them here

some dance focused videos since hes the main dancer 🫶

any of his old hope on the street videos that i miss so dearly. theyre just videos of him freestyling for a while and he does it so effortlessly and its rly satisfying to watch. 2020, 2021, with jimin, with jungkook

the iconic no more dream dance break 🙇

this random dance performance 3j did i use to watch this on a monthly basis

another 3j dance video of the megan thee stallion butter remix

i feel like its kinda obvious but i also want to recommend his music videos since theyre all rly amazing but some of my favs are more, daydream, chicken noodle soup, and on the street

ok im gonna stop cus this is getting long and i dont want to overwhelm u but im also definitely forgetting stuff,, everyone else feel free to add stuff in the replies!! anyway i hope this helps!

[taehyungfirst]

I’m a USA army and all my friends are jimin or jungkook biased (not shippers tho cuz we aren’t weird). One is a Namjoon bias. But my friends are pretty casual armys who only do instagram and TikTok.

None of them even listened to tae’s album. I played songs for them but they weren’t really into it. They didn’t like JK’s album much either, only 1-2 songs. They love Like Crazy but didn’t really listen to jimin’s other songs. We went to yoongi’s concert and listen to his songs on occasion. I’d say their everyday playlists include a few BTS songs, some yoongi and RM songs, LC, maybe 1-2 jk songs, along with all their non bts music.

I’m just painting a picture of how casual most US Fans are. Most are not streamers. And to get results in the US you need a lot of causal interest AND dedicated streamers. I used to be in a USA streaming group pre-hiatus and almost all of them became PJMs so we lost a lot of people to solo-dom. Idk what the future holds for USA army streams but it doesn’t look good.

Hi! I get what you’re saying but the only thing I don’t agree with is “how casual most US fans are”, usarmys DO move for bts, we have seen in the past how many achievements they gave to the english trilogy, and while I agree Dynamite and Butter were also gp hits, usarmys went all out for those, we had that WAP vs Dynamite thing and Dynamite still came on top. They gave great achievements to Seven, to 3D, to Like Crazy (the korean version) AND!! Are we forgetting about Life Goes On n1? A korean ballad.

What I’m saying is that if they have the energy, if they WANT TO, if company offers them tools and remixes, and a nice lil performance there, they do move for bts. They just chose to not support every members and they’re completely disinterested in everything Taehyung does, they have some weird beef with him that if you put into perspective with everything they gave to bts, it looks like he’s an outsider.

Thank you for sharing though, I wasn’t referring to you, I’m sure you supported Taehyung. Have a good day :)

[cosmicdreamgrl]

Hiiii Steph!!! 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷 How are you? 🌷I've been misssing bts now that they are all gone, your blog and your presence here are a blessing 💛 it makes them feel closer. And i was thinking how "butter" and "dynamite" feel so far away now, not only because of time but mostly because of what everybody has been doing as soloists 💕💕💕 i love their styles even though i miss them together

hi karen, it's so lovely to hear from you, i hope the new year has been treating you well thus far. i'm doing okay, coping with a really difficult situation at the moment but i'm trying my best to take it one day at a time and that's all i can do y'know. i know how you feel, when you become accustomed to the presence of a person or in this case a group of people? it feels odd to not have them around. thank you, i do what i can (in this case stalking blogs to find content, it's paid off so far lol) and knowing you appreciate it warms my heart immensely 🥰

i understand, i think i feel this way more so with mots: 7 because it was my first comeback & that will be 4 years ago come next month and that's wild to me. dynamite was such an interesting era because my feelings towards the song have changed & in a way, as much as people needed a pick me up during the pandemic, its success overshadowed be and that will always make me a little bit sad tbh. butter is still a jam, i still listen to it whenever it comes up on shuffle and i'll always be grateful for all of the performances we got over the last 3 years. at least jin and hobi will be back this year, so it won't be so bad. that's the kind of reassurance i wish i had but that's a story for a different day.

as for the solo stuff, it's been cool to see each of them flourish in their own way; i haven't necessarily liked every release but i always remind myself that a) it's fine i like what i like & i can't change that & b) artists make art for themselves first & foremost, as long as they're happy with it? that's all that matters in the end.

but yes, thank you for checking in & i hope you have a good day/rest of your week 💗

[marengogo]

3 YEARS WITH BTS 💜🙌🏾🎉

THIS IS BTS on Spotify. On Random starting from VIBE.

[Music is a very big part of my life and I’m MOSTLY INCAPABLE of writing without music, so I just thought I'd share what I am listening to while writing this]

–🐺–🐺–🐺–

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME,

I’M SO GRATEFUL TO BE ARMY~~~💜,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

I will NEVER FORGET how I was like “Damn they are trending uh? … let’s see what they got?”, I clicked on the following link and THAT WAS IT FOR ME.

though I became obsessed with that particular performance of ON, which brought me to check out ON KINETIC MANIFESTO, and got me to add ON as a favorite song on spotify, which I listened to everyday as I went to work. I still couldn't imagine the me of today. 

I then decided to listen to the whole of “Map of the Soul 7” and not gonna lie, I would have the following songs on repeat, every day:

ON never the SIA version, sorry SIA 🙏🏾

Black swan

UGH

Filter

It even got to a point where I would listen to only Filter on repeat 😬😬😬 … Mind you I still didn’t know who any of the members were by that point. Eventually I decided to take a look at the members and I started and ended with the leader 😂. We seemed to have so many things in common: English not being our first language, love for anything intellectual, reading, etc. I couldn’t get past RM. So it was MoTS + RM for me. But nothing serious yet, life still proceeded as normal.

Full into COVID, I had the worst sleeping pattern still do, but that is a different story. So I just so happened to be awake when on August 21, 2020 Dynamite premiered. I had no idea what a comeback was, or anything associated, I just watched as the seconds counted down and then watched this colour video: I WAS SHOOK 😂😂😂. I also remember very clearly that I made my very first BTS gif out of that video, which was Tae at the very end not sure where the gif I made is now but the scene was the following:

So then I got into Tae, I was like “Who is this Cali-looking handsome thing?”. In the same fashion, through reactions, music videos, interviews, RUN BTS, etc, I started being obssessed with each member at a time, for different weeks at a time 😂😂😂. Eventually having to admit that, even though given the chance I'd marry Kim Seokjin 😂😂😂, I actually loved all of them.

As life kept going on, I had a whole series of firsts (photoshoots, reactions, RUN etc) but it took me up to some time in January 2021 to realise that I indeed hadn’t spent a single day of my life since February 25, 2020 without consuming any BTS related content. OF ANY KIND AND WILLINGLY. From that realisation I then happily dove into the rabbit hole, but also came up an amazing journey of mental health recovery:

I OWE THEM SO MUCH.

Because I can feel getting sappy, and in all honesty I want keep enjoying my ARMY birthday with a smile on my face, I’ll stop here. I guess in a way I need to thank Jimmy Fallon uh 😂😂😂?

LOVE YOU MY BOYS, MORE THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW 💜 The following was the ever first BTS photoshoot that came across my timeline.

Always so gratefully yours 🫰🏾💜,

Marengo. 

[struggle-but-its-all-ocean-floor]

I just watched the Seven radio interviews I'd missed and the SiriusXM interviews were the best imo (especially the one with only one interviewer) while the Z100 New York one was by far the worst. The interviewer called Jungkook "Young Cook" twice before realizing how to pronounce his name and was overjoyed every time Jungkook mentioned America ("We're so happy you're working with American artists! So you do watch a lot of American movies! I see you! What do you like about New York? Thank you for loving New York"). Like, WTF, girl? Did the possibility of Jungkook not seeing how "glorious" the US is scare you? Do you think Asians hate America? Are you relieved that Jungkook isn't an alien since he doesn't hate the US and buys your products like a "normal" person? Like, for real, what a racist idiot.

Thankfully, the singular SiriusXM interviewer was nice and asked decent questions about kpop. Jungkook chose Idol as the song to introduce people to kpop to and I just want to say: THAT'S MY BOY! I love that he chose it because it's intense and represents the power of the k-idol (more or less his words). Funny that SKZ got flak for performing S-Class at the VMAs and not a more GP friendly song, because kpop stans didn't want Westerners to think kpop was just noise music, yet Jungkook, of all the GP friendly BTS songs, chose the "OG" noise song, Idol. And an Idol stan, I felt seen. That reminds me that when BTS did their series of performances on Jimmy Fallon, the first song they chose was Idol - not Dynamite, which had just come out. Idol was the song they wanted to represent them.

[vrainydays]

favourite k-pop group tag game! (thanks to @kimtaegis and @cordiallyfuturedwight for tagging me 💘)

Who is your favourite k-pop group? Bangtan ♡

Which member sparked your interest first? Taehyung, it was love at first sight.

Who was your first bias? Taehyung haha.

Who are your current biases? Taehyung will always come at first place, but I have a really soft spot for the maknae line 🫣

What makes them your current bias(es)? I just admire all of them so much. I love Jungkook's personality, how good he is at everything he does and what a perfectionist he is (like a true virgo haha); I love his voice, his cuteness and sorry not sorry but I'm weak for his tattoo sleeve 🥴 I love Jimin's work ethic and how supportive he is for everyone around him. He's very caring about others and a very good friend, I would love to be on the receiving end of his little details and give them back to him. I love his softness and the way he is extraordinary good at dancing and this angelic aura that is always around him. And Taehyung... I really don't know how to put into words what he means to me and everything that makes me love him the way I do. It's like I just do. I see myself a little bit in his silliness, his authenticity and his humor. I admire his strength and his talent and stage presence, his voice is marvelous and does many things to my stomach haha. I like to think that I absorb many of their qualities and try to immerse myself in them to create a better version of myself thanks to them.

Who is your bias wrecker? Assuming that Tae is my ultimate, I would say Jikook are my weaknesses haha.

Which members are you currently obsessing over that aren't your bias/ bias wrecker? Yoongi ever since I went to the d-day tour. 28 is very personal to me.

When did you first discover the group? I mean, I've known about their existence since 2017, but I became obsessed thanks to dynamite around september 2020 haha. I watched their performance at the MTV video awards and I was like "THIS SONG IS SO GOOD AND THE CHOREOGRAPHY IS AMAZING WTF??? also who is that blonde in the navy blue suit 😳?" fjsdlfjlkd.

Have you ever been to one of their concerts? I still can't believe that I can say YES (ptd LA my beloved ♡)

What are some of your favourite songs by the group? mikrokosmos, tomorrow, rain, 134340, let go, autumn leaves, tear, run bts, paradise, hold me tight, spring day. I'm not tagging anyone because everyone I'm thinking of have already been tagged �� but if you see this and wanna do it, feel free to tag me ♡

[agentcable]

AI Write: "BTS: A Global Phenomenon Redefining Pop Culture"

I asked Copilot (Microsoft's AI) what it would write about "BTS". And here is the essay from Copilot.

The Rise of BTS

BTS's ascent to stardom is a narrative of perseverance and innovation. Debuting in 2013 with "2 Cool 4 Skool", they initially garnered attention with their raw and relatable lyrics about the challenges faced by youth. Their breakthrough came with the "The Most Beautiful Moment in Life" series, which saw them tackle complex themes of mental health, societal pressures, and the journey towards self-acceptance. This era not only solidified their popularity in South Korea but also marked the beginning of their international breakthrough, leading to their first Billboard 200 entry with "Wings" in 2016.

Musical Innovation and Artistry

BTS's artistry is characterized by their willingness to experiment with diverse musical styles and to incorporate meaningful and often introspective lyrics into their songs. They have been involved in the writing and production of their music since debut, with members like RM, Suga, and J-Hope contributing to the composition and lyrical content. Their discography spans a range of genres, from the hip-hop-heavy "No More Dream" to the introspective "Spring Day", and the uplifting pop sound of "Dynamite". Their music videos and performances are integral to their artistry, often featuring intricate choreography and cinematic storytelling.

Cultural Impact and Social Engagement

BTS's influence extends beyond the music to significant social engagement. Their commitment to learning and using different languages - English, Japanese, Spanish and more - has endeared them to fans globally. Whether addressing fans during interviews or interacting with international audiences at concerts, BTS demonstrates their respect for diverse cultures. They've become cultural ambassadors, bridging gaps and fostering understanding through language.

In addition to their linguistic efforts, BTS's philanthropic endeavors exemplify their social responsibility. Beyond the "Love Myself" campaign, they've actively donated to disaster relief efforts, educational programs, and COVID-19 relief funds. Their actions inspire fans to participate in social causes, emphasizing the importance of giving back. BTS's impact transcends entertainment; it's force for positive change in the world.

Global Recognition and Achievements

BTS's achievements on the global stage are numerous and continue to grow. They have been recognized as IFPI's Global Recording Artist of the Year, a testament to their worldwide popularity and impact on the music industry. Their record-breaking single "Dynamite" topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking a significant milestone for Korean artists on the international charts. Their philanthropic efforts are also notable, with their "Love Myself" campaign raising over $3.6 million to help end violence against children. BTS's ability to inspire and connect with fans across the globe is unparalleled, and their contributions to music and society will be remembered for years to come.

ARMY: The Fervent Fandom of BTS

ARMY, an acronym for "Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth", is more than just a fandom; it's a global community bound by a shared love for BTS and their values. Established on July 9, 2013, ARMY has played a pivotal role in BTS's success. The colour purple, symbolizing love and trust, has become synonymous with the fandom, thanks to V's phrase "I purple you".

Over the years, ARMY has grown exponentially, not just in numbers but also in diversity. The fanbase now includes a wide age range, with a significant portion over the age of 18, and the largest cohort being between 18 - 29 years old. Social media data reflects this expansion, with close to 2 billion mentions of BTS over a decade, and an average of 547,945 mentions daily. This growth is a testament to BTS's global appeal and the universal messages in their music.

ARMYs are known for their organized efforts to support BTS's music releases, charitable endeavors, and scoial campaigns. They have a significant presence on social media, where they mobilize to stream music, vote for awards, and raise awareness of BTS's projects. The relationship between BTS and ARMY is reciprocal; BTS often credits ARMY with their success and regularly engages with them through social media and fan events.

The BTS fandom is a hub of creativity. Fans express their love through intricate fan art, imaginative fan fiction, and original content. From digital illustrations capturing the members' essence to fictional stories that explore alternate universes, ARMYs pour their hearts into their creations. BTS actively encourages fan creativity, whether it's through official fan art contests or acknowledging fan projects during concerts and interviews. This fostering of artistic expression creates a supportive community where fans inspire each other and celebrate their shared passion for BTS.

Conclusion

The narrative of BTS and their devoted fandom, ARMY, is a modern epic of music, culture, and community. From their humble beginnings to becoming global icons, BTS has charted a course that many artists only dream of. Their music transcends language and cultural barriers, speaking to universal themes of love, hope, and self-discovery. The growth of ARMY is a reflection of this universal appeal, with fans from all walks of life finding solace and inspiration in BTS’s message.

ARMY’s evolution mirrors the band’s own journey—starting as a small group of supporters and expanding into a vast, diverse community. Their collective efforts in art, philanthropy, and social engagement have created a positive impact that extends far beyond the music industry. BTS and ARMY together have set a new standard for what it means to be artists and fans in the 21st century—a standard that is as much about charting hits as it is about fostering genuine connections and making a difference in the world.

As BTS continues to break new ground and ARMY grows ever larger and more vibrant, one thing remains clear: the bond between them is unbreakable, fueled by mutual respect and a shared vision for a better world. Their story is ongoing, and the legacy they are creating will resonate for generations to come.

[0613magazine]

201202 Refinery29

BTS Helps The World Feel A Little Smaller — & We Need It More Than Ever

Like the rest of us, the South Korean group had to put their 2020 plans on hold. Here, they tell Refinery29 how it let them just BE.

There’s a funky retro hip-hop song playing in the video announcing the theme of BTS’ annual end-of-year merchandise. The South Korean music juggernaut’s devoted global fanbase will instantly recognize it as the group’s 2013 track “팔도강산(Paldogangsan).” It seems like an odd choice for BTS to bring back the seven-year-old B-side — a rap battle in which the members boast about the merits of their native provinces around Korea, first through arguing, then later coming together. When it comes to BTS, however, nothing is a coincidence. The BTS of 2020 may seem worlds away from the scrappy team that made its debut all those years ago: Since trading in their cutoff shorts for Gucci flares, BTS regularly speak at the United Nations, sell out stadiums across the globe, and have several times made history with their musical achievements. But despite the unparalleled fame and recognition, the spirit of unity that has been at the core of everything they do since day one remains untouched and unchanged.

BTS has a record-breaking handful of Billboard chart-topping albums, a historic place (or two) on the U.S. charts, and most recently a 2021 Grammy nomination, but the unique connection with their audience out-values any accolade. These are the stats you don’t often hear about: A voluntary census of the BTS fandom (called ARMY) conducted by a research team during the summer of 2020 was translated into 46 different languages. This year, the septet launched the educational series “Learn Korean With BTS,” which has drawn more than 2 million viewers from 200 countries. The band closed this year’s American Music Awards with a performance in Korean streamed from South Korea. Every step forward that the members of BTS take isn’t a step beyond the crowd, pulling ahead while leaving others behind. Like the Earth’s gravitational pull, their steps forward bring everyone around them even closer to each other. With every barrier they break, they reinforce the bridges they’ve built. BTS doesn't just top charts — they move culture, and make the world feel a little smaller.

With BTS’ newest album, BE (Deluxe Edition), the group reaches out and pulls the world even closer. BE is so imbued with each member’s unique spirit, in both its tangible appearance and the music inside it, that those who listen to it can feel even more connected to the septet, no matter the distance. “To the one who watches over me, who is currently reading these words — to you do I desire to send my greatest love and thanks,” Leader RM wrote in BE’s acknowledgments. “In the hopes that these sounds pass over boundaries and gaps. That they’d pass over person and person. That they’d pass over ‘Bangtan’ and ‘ARMY’ and get through to you.”

Before the global pandemic threw the world into uncertainty and turmoil, BTS had just released Map Of The Soul: 7 on February 21, with plans to bring even more fans into their orbit during a world stadium tour. “There’s nothing like seeing a full crowd in a sold-out stadium concert,” warm vocalist V told Refinery29 over email. Unfortunately, BTS had to cope with a new reality —  one that didn’t involve huge venues packed with thousands of passionate fans. But instead of wallowing in disappointment, the group members decided to do what they do best: harness their feelings into something that has the potential to heal. Their full-length can be called a “pandemic album,” but it’s also a diary. Its eight tracks (including English-language “Dynamite” and a spoken word “Skit”) are like delicate, worn pages chronicling each of the members’ thoughts, hopes, fears, and anxieties during this turbulent time — feelings that they know are very likely shared by those listening — and acknowledging that everyone grapples with hardship in their own way.

“Music holds tremendous power. It can even change your life completely. That being said, I’ve come to realize how important it is to write positive lyrics.” - SUGA

V is awash in the gloom of the moment, as illustrated in the lush acoustic ballad “Blue & Grey.” He says that the song’s final lyrics — “after discreetly picking up the words floating in the air/  I now fall asleep at dawn” — are his favorite he’s ever written. The old school hip-hop track “Dis-ease” describes the feeling of total burnout, and the struggle of having to quiet your own brain. “Everyday it consoles me/  we’re all the same, ain’t so special,” spits rapper j-hope. He explained, “It’s my favorite line because it makes me feel like I can take some of the pressure off my back about being where I am now.”

The 20somethings have never been afraid to share their unease. But now, as we’re all perched on the edge of a cliff with no obvious road forward, they aren’t afraid to envision a brighter future. This is the comfort that fans rely on the group for. In BTS’ 2020 documentary Break The Silence, the ever-introspective SUGA said that the music you listen to growing up is crucial in building your value system. “[Growing up,] I learned that music holds tremendous power,” the rapper says now. “It can even change your life completely. I’ve come to realize how important it is to write positive lyrics.”

“My favorite lyrics from the album are, ‘The day will come back around as if nothing happened’ from ‘Life Goes On,’” tenor and affable oldest member Jin observed. “It gives hope that a good day will come once we endure this period.” The self-described introvert notes that he makes sure people “feel happy and receive positive energy” when they see him. “I have a dark side like everyone else,” he admitted. “However, I try to show my best self to those around me.”

BE is arguably the group’s most unique fingerprint yet. Each member took an even more active role than usual in the album’s creation beyond writing and producing. Doing the bare minimum has never been in BTS’ vocabulary.

While writing will likely always remain closest to RM’s heart (“My favorite part of the album-making process is when I complete writing the lyrics to a song and listen to the final master track for the very first time”), the 26-year-old additionally flexed his artistic muscles and took on an album design role for BE. Noted aesthete V, who tells us he credits Claude Monet’s La maison du pêcheur, Varengeville and Impression, soleil levant as the art pieces that changed his life, took charge of the album’s visual direction. 

Jin, SUGA, and j-Hhope had their hands in a little of everything as BE’s production coordinators. The latter, however, feels most at home in dance: “I can express my feelings and emotions in ways I can’t in words through dance. The moment my body feels the music is always exhilarating,” the buoyant rapper said. So does the lithe Jimin (“When I dance it feels like my emotions and movements flow with the overall feel of the music, whether it's bright and airy or dark and moody — I think I just let it go”), but his primary focus was on A&R for BE.

Jung Kook, affectionately nicknamed the group’s golden “maknae” (youngest) because of his innate ability to excel at, well, everything, was tasked with using his filmmaking skills to helm the music video for BE’s lead single, “Life Goes On.” But even this multi-hyphenate — who feels most like himself when he’s “feeling simple-minded as well as deep in thought” — couldn’t help but feel the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. "Since it was my very first time directing, it wasn’t easy, and I felt some pressure. However, I think I learned a lot through the experience,” he said. 

How would the 15-year-old debut Jung Kook feel about seeing his artistry evolve in this way, seven years later? “I’m not sure 2013 Jung Kook would want to see himself now,” he joked. “If I knew myself today I wouldn't have tried as hard.” He’s being cheeky: The music video perhaps looks and feels less polished than the highly-produced BTS productions of years past, but that’s what makes it all the more special. We get to see BTS exactly how they see themselves. 

Seven years into their meteoric rise, the seven members of BTS are able to use their personal differences to seamlessly work together. BE allows the men to lean into their individuality in full force. It’s reflected most obviously in the concept art, where each member is photographed sitting alone in a room designed to reflect his aesthetic (RM, warm and natural; SUGA, sparse and reflective; Jin, dazzling and soft; Jimin, floral and elegant; Jung Kook, moody and electric; V, artistic and serene; j-hope, vibrant and trendy). “The members know how to treasure something and be true to what is precious to them,” noted Jimin — that’s the part of BTS that fills him with the most pride. 

One of the most compelling things about this era of BTS, however, is that it reveals a group of men who are arguably more distinct from one another than ever before, but are still somehow just as — if not more — unified. RM, resident metaphor enthusiast, tends to put it like this: "I consider ourselves as seven of us who are in the same boat but looking in different directions. It's okay to look at the other directions. The important thing is that we know that we are on the same boat.” And amid the shared experience of cancelled plans and thwarted expectations that is 2020, they are also inviting everyone to climb aboard. It’s what they’ve been doing since the beginning, and it’s right there at the end of “팔도강산(Paldogangsan):”  “Look up, we’re all looking at the same sky/  This may make you cringe a little/ but everyone is awesome/ We can all understand each other, right?”

Extra from the interview transcript

You've in many ways opened the door for more people to enjoy music from all parts of the world. What do you hope that the future of popular music looks like?

RM: I hope it continues to stay close to people and give them comfort in times of sadness and energy in times of happiness.

Can you share any specific anecdotes from working together in these subunit combinations for BE?

j-hope: Jimin and I worked on a song together for the first time. It wasn't included in this album, but it was a great experience, and we hope to fine-tune it to reveal to our fans as soon as possible.

Jimin, your "Black Swan" solo performance during the virtual concert had you connecting back to your contemporary dance roots. How did that feel? How would predebut Jimin feel watching you now?

Jimin: I think predebut Jimin would be very proud of who I am now. He would have made even greater efforts if he had seen himself now proudly doing solo performances as a member of BTS.

Source: Refinery29

[jin7moon]

Hiiii I want to know if you're a Dynamite hater or something? Are you a veteran army? I'm a new army and recently I noticed that not many veteran fans really like the song

Hiii ❤💕 I don’t really think it matters or how to measure that? but I guess I’m a veteran army. I knew BTS with I Need U but I didn’t pay much attention to kpop in that time, I really started with the “oh, woah, who are these guys? what are their names?” (and then happily following them right down the rabbit hole) only a year later with Wings and specially the Blood Sweat & Tears comeback 🔥

And not, NOT AT ALL. I don’t “hate” Dynamite in fact I’m actually a Dynamite’s defender. I feel like Dynamite gets unjustified hate from two fronts: armys that feels some “🙄😬” about the song (I’ll try to explain it below and I’ll explain WHY seems like particulary veteran armys are like that) and the all time haters that can’t surprise anyone anymore (and are reaching new levels of madness and stupidity as days go by and the song becomes more and more legendary)

Fans (and also haters lmao) base their complains on Dynamite for it’s “quality”, 99,9% of the time only using the fact that is funny-catchy-funky pop song with no other deep meaning than cheer up everyone who listen to it, they (fans & haters) are too used to songs like basically all Bangtan’s discography: anger, confussion, heartbreak, the blues of growing up, melancholy, etc, but they really miss the part where Dynamite incorporates a lot of different sounds and instruments, and everything mesh well into catchy tunes. It might seem simple but actually require a lot of hardwork to blend everything in. The song receives much hate whenever its nominated (and wins) for Song of the Year instead of Black Swan and ON. 

Armys love Black Swan as they should because is a really deep masterpiee, how could we not love it? the song really embodies what BTS is, but musically it’s mainly focuses on just drum and guitar which create a mix of trap beat lo/fi feel.

Then why many armys and specially some veterans aren’t really happy with Dynamite? Because in some way it was a slap in the face to everyone of us, ARMY & BTS equaly. BTS could have topped all charts and reaching this incredible new level of massiveness right in 2017 if they released an english song with all proper promotiong like Dynamite. They could’ve done it by just buying some white guy song like all other more manufactured kpop groups do all the time. Made many of us realize that, despite what Namjoon says about music breaking all languages and culture barrier (which they did with tons of hard work) it works with us, the people, but with the music industry and media is totally another story. Everytime big awards and massive media choose to skip all BTS’ amazing discography and take Dynamite as the only song that matters is.. yeah.. that; a new little slap of reality in our faces.

[kanmom51]

hey kanmom, I've been thinking a lot recently and kind of wanted to rant so hopefully it's okay if I do it in your anons. You had another anon post a really long time ago that I mostly agreed with except for the point they made about bts not doing fanservice anymore. I don't mean that in a way that specifically relates to KM (and I'll get to that at the end, I love and support KM and think they're together). bts absolutely still does fanservice and does it often, but the WAY they do it has changed, and so has the way the fandom as a whole perceives it. But there's this incredibly pervasive idea that an action is either genuine and real, or it is fanservice and scripted. And it's a hard line that a huge amount of the fandom seems to buy into, and I'm not naming names. But that just seems... so obviously not true to me? Why can't something be fanservice and genuine? Why can't two people who care for each other not exaggerate that on camera for effect? Do we genuinely think there's some criminal mastermind sitting behind every action people take that's scripting these things? As an example for what I'm talking about I'm not going to discuss KM at all, and I'm actually going to talk about one of my all time favourite more recent bts fanservice moments: the sope boy with love finger touch. This moment is fanservice. It's in every performance, it's obviously been pre-meditated and choreographed. Whenever it happens, it's in the center of the camera frame. I have NO idea whose idea it was. Could have been a choreographer, could have been a member of sope, could have been the evil mastermind Bang PD himself. But guess what? It's also cute as hell. I don't think for a SECOND that either HS or YG hate doing this, if YG's huge smile has anything to say. The boys are good actors, sometimes, but they're not that good. And the fandom eats this up every time. Nobody gets mad at it, everyone enjoys it. Another great example is the vmin roleplay right at the beginning of the dynamite choreo. It's a different roleplay every time but you'll bet your noggin those two are doing something cute at the beginning of that song. They probably discuss it beforehand. It's for the cameras, it's fanservice. Again, I think vmin have an absolutely excellent time doing this, and only idiots think vmin don't absolutely adore each other.

A non-choreo example is the taejin cheek kiss in that one run episode. Tae himself said he knew that armys would love it. I bet you it was Tae's idea in the moment, and it's not like the maknae line giving Jin little kisses is anything new. Taejin adore each other, that moment was likely fanservice, but that doesn't mean it wasn't real. I could find examples for every pair but this is already so long. So, BTS does fanservice, and nobody gets mad at it. Except when it's KM. And I do think KM do fanservice, in the same way vmin do it or taejin do it or literally any other pair does it. There is a freedom in front of the camera or the audience to let things go a little further. I don't think that means literally any of it isn't real. Even 'fanservice' operates within personal boundaries because we're talking about people with real relationships and real friendships. People get mad at KM (in general, but also KM fanservice, which I have a whole other rant on how much rarer that is than some people seem to think) because they can tell, somewhere in the human part of their brains that isn't totally warped by fandom and/or blatant homophobia, that there's more going on there. It makes me tired, and it makes me sad.

Thanks for coming over here and ranting anon.

I agree.

Fanservice is a discussion that needs not a whole post for itself, but multiple posts. What fanservice is, when is it exercised, by who, to what extent.

That word keeps being thrown around with JK&JM and only with them, while if there is fanservice, it would be true with everyone, including the TKK interactions.

But as you said, fanservice, at least with BTS, is not something ingenuine or forced. That kind of fanservice that they may have practiced in the early years is long gone. Interactions may be for the sake of the fans, but that doesn't mean they aren't genuine.

"There is a freedom in front of the camera or the audience to let things go a little further. I don't think that means literally any of it isn't real. Even 'fanservice' operates within personal boundaries because we're talking about people with real relationships and real friendships."

That.

I do want to add something here though.  You yourself touched on it:  

“KM fanservice, which I have a whole other rant on how much rarer that is than some people seem to think.”

Not every moment on stage is fanservice (not to mention those moments off stage, but that’s for another post). The ones you spoke of I would agree, and you can see they are done for the audience, the fans. But there are also many moments, interactions that are not about the fans, not about what they are giving to the audience and more about them enjoying themselves, having fun and just interacting with each other.

Their last 4 concerts are filled with such moments.  It’s not about showing the crowds they are interacting, and more about them interacting.

Just a couple of examples:

Day 4 PTD LA concert.

This was for JM, not us, not the cameras.  JK is looking at JM, he’s wiggling his hand in front of JM waiting for JM to see it.  This isn’t about pleasing the crowds.

Day 3 PTD concert.

Again, not about pleasing the crowds.

JM and Hobi were having too much fun that JM’s shoulders must have tensed up (at least that must be what JK was thinking, lol).

I know I said a couple of examples, but I’ve changed my mind, and have to add this obvious one here too.  PTD LA day 3:

This moment here:

This wasn’t about fanservice.  This wasn’t about giving the audience something to cheer about.  

Fact: cameras cut off this moment when JK moved his face too close to JM.  Isn’t it about fanservice?  Why cut off the camera then?

This was about JK seizing the moment.  So what as a whole is a little of a ‘FU’ song, and these last lines JM sings, they mean something.  To JM and to JK.  So no, I don’t think this moment was about amping up for the crowds either.

There are many other examples, including during these 4 concerts.

[sugadaily]

On tvN’s You Quiz on the Block, SUGA told stories from before his debut. The period of his life when he struggled with how to live off his music. SUGA and BTS have kept going and going for eight years, and now he’s on their grounds, where he can do anything he wants musically. What began with that long journey is the story of SUGA holding his head up higher and staring at the future, reaching for it.

How are you feeling after your shoulder surgery? You’re doing physical therapy in parallel with work. SUGA: I’m all right. I’m keeping up with the physical therapy, too. I had surgery last year because I wanted to be able to go back to work sooner. I have nothing else to do except music.

You said that there’s nothing for you to do other than music in the “BE-hind Story” interview on YouTube, too. SUGA: It’s true. I tried gaming, but I have no talent for it. The people I play with online get so frustrated if I do. I mean, I’m working hard and got some recognition in my life, and yet people bash me so hard in games. (laughs)

I wonder if there’s a game you can do better in than you do in your career. You’re currently at your sixth week at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 [with “Butter, at the time of this interview]. (laughs) How are you feeling these days? SUGA: When we were at number one for two weeks straight, I was like, Wow, this is so amazing! But after the fifth or sixth week, we really started to talk about it between ourselves: I really can’t believe this. Anyway, I feel like I have a responsibility. And I think I’ll end up thinking much, much more when we get ready for the next promotion. Even if I just try to enjoy this situation, it hasn’t sunk in. We can’t leave the country, plus there’s lots of issues in the world right now that are much more important than how well we perform on the charts.

As you say, it’s a tough situation, all over the world. How do you feel about releasing “Permission to Dance,” with its positive message, at this point in time? SUGA: It seems like everyone around the world is really tired of this situation dragging out. I wanted to convey a message that tells people to keep hanging on to hope until the very end. Whereas we released the album BE in this situation, seemingly without any certainty, I believe things will slowly get better now. I don’t know if we can go back to the way things were before, but I’m still working with the hope that we can return to a situation that resembles what we had before.

Aren’t you tired of the pandemic being in this prolonged state? SUGA: I look at it as, when you lose one thing, you gain another. I ended up being able to see my family more since I’m in Korea. In that sense, I feel more stable, so I’m not so much tired as hoping each day that things will become okay soon. I keep moving back and forth between work and home, and I’ve started to reflect on parts of myself I didn’t know about before. Like that I feel somewhat comfortable when I start and finish work at a certain time. While I used to have to go to bed at a certain time for work the next day or else I had a hard time getting up early, now I know I’ve figured out what time I should wake up at to make sure I feel good all day. What I pursue in life is emotional stability, and I don’t think there’s really anything too exciting or sad happening these days.

What effect do those emotions have when you work on music? SUGA: They don’t have a big effect on it. I think it affects the way I write lyrics a bit, but I’m not working on any lyrics at the moment. I’ve been making music for a long time, so I think it’s possible for me to express emotions I’m not feeling in the moment. And it’s good that we released “Permission to Dance” in this kind of situation.

You sing rather than rap in “Permission to Dance.” In addition to rapping, you started singing more both before and after BE. What did you learn about your voice? SUGA: “Permission to Dance” was a little bit difficult. I don’t draw a line between singing and rapping or anything, but it was different from our usual style, and the vocals were a bit high, too. So even though it took a while to prepare for it, I worked hard, and even when I asked some older musicians for their opinions, they all said, “It’s good the way you’re doing it. Don’t try to sing better—just sing more.” I think my only option is to sing more, like they suggested.

As far as style goes, you’ve been doing a smoother kind of pop music. Did any differences arise as a result of these changes? SUGA: All things considered, the English was the hardest part. I paid close attention to my pronunciation in “Butter” and “Permission to Dance.” It wasn’t easy to capture that smooth feeling in the songs, so I practiced my pronunciation quite a bit. And I end up breathing a lot when I’m doing an English song, but the rap parts were a bit hard for that reason. There’s a clear difference from Korean songs, since English has so many syllables. But I don’t have any one method I stick with for my vocals yet, so I tend to try lots of different things out.

What do you make of BTS’s achievements over the past year with “Permission to Dance” and “Butter,” as well as the group’s change in style? In the space of a year, you’ve released songs in a style different from MAP OF THE SOUL: 7 or BE. SUGA: As a producer, I think reactions are important to an artist who works within the field of popular music. With that in mind, speaking as a producer, “Dynamite,” “Butter” and “Permission to Dance” were the best choices. And musical tastes are different from country to country, and the cultures are different, too. Given that situation, I think it’s important that we’re a group who can send such a universal message out into the world.

BTS has really grown and changed a lot, starting with “No More Dream” and all the way to “Permission to Dance.” SUGA: I think it’s a natural course of event for those of us who make pop music. Artists mix and match different genres as they grow, and the music develops as the people of its time listen to it. I’ve been listening to a ton of music lately, and thanks to the times we live in, if I listen to a song a few times, they recommend me more songs in a similar style. And after listening to them, I realized the style of hip hop is also changing and is splitting off into different offshoots. Other than hip hop, I also listen to a lot of instrumental music. I’ve always liked Hans Zimmer’s music. There have been many times where a movie I like turns out to have music by Hans Zimmer.

What is it about Hans Zimmer’s music that draws you in? SUGA: I like orchestral music. There’s a lot of pop songs that are under the three-minute mark now, and whereas it’s sort of predetermined that they’re always written with intros that are four bars long, orchestral music can do a lot within its framework.

But, as can be seen in IU’s song “eight,” which you both produced and featured on, you broke out of pop music’s typical composition style and tried out a highly condensed progression. The composition of the chorus is very straightforward. SUGA: Yes. I insisted that the flow be roughly cut in half from that of a typical song, and I expect more pop music will be like that in the future. And maybe even shorter as time goes on. I mean, these days there’s songs that are under two minutes, even.

Regardless, I felt the chorus in “eight” is extremely dramatic with its structure and the melody of the chorus. I thought it was rather grand in scale as well. Would you say that you’re attempting to mix your tastes and things you want to do into the structure of pop music? SUGA: As you know, I love hip hop, so when I was first making music I thought it had to be hip hop no matter what and that I had to take pride in my own ideas and not accept any compromise. But while getting some experience at the forefront of pop music, I figured out that you can keep being stubborn or inflexible because there are people listening to you. There was a time I made music without any listeners before I became a member of BTS. But if someone were to ask if I stopped being stubborn about the music I’m making these days, the answer’s no. As I grew up and became an adult, I came to realize that I have to negotiate between what I want to do and the kind of music the public wants without compromising anything. When I give up on something I wanted to do, I ask myself, What will I get out of this? And conversely, when I want to do something, I ask myself, What can I get out of this? That’s how I keep my balance to make it to where I am now.

You have no choice but to think about those things when you work on other artists’ songs, especially when you’re a producer. SUGA: I’m BTS’s SUGA, and I’m Agust D, and when I’m producing, I go by “by SUGA.” But when it comes to by SUGA, I make perfectly commercial music. I’m the producer for those songs, sure, but the owner is someone else, you know? In that case, they’re commissioning my work. But they wouldn’t think about just leaving it all with SUGA. The artist’s label has to think carefully about whether to commission me for producing and consider my situation, too, and those people must be hoping for something commercial. That’s the most important part of working with outside people. Actually, that kind of work isn’t much of a benefit to me, to be honest. Oh, he can write this kind of song, too. That’s all. The more valuable thing I can get from it is the recognition and records the artist or the company will get with the song instead.

As you noted in your previous Weverse Magazine interview, when you discussed your “interest in the music industry in the US,” you seem to constantly think about the things artists can do within the framework of the music industry. SUGA: I don’t know. It’s just that I’ve become more certain since the pandemic started that I’m the kind of person who always has to be doing music. That much I know for sure, so I want to keep on making good music. And the pop music market is something that came about because there were people listening, and there’s a long history to the US music market, and it possesses the most influential charts in the whole word. So then I thought, Wouldn’t they have gone through all the same things that we have? And really, whenever I talk to other pop stars, the situation is always similar. The US is also more realistic about commercial results than any other country. I wanted an accurate picture of how those people work. Right now, Korean pop music’s spread is in full swing and we need more good artists to keep popping up. From a producer’s standpoint, if that’s going to happen, I think the key is how well we can mix our music and the characteristics of overseas music industries overall.

How did it feel to be in the lineup for the Grammy Awards, one of the icons of the US music industry? SUGA: The feeling was less immediate because we couldn’t be there in person, and it wasn’t a huge distinction, but the performance made me think, This is different, because it’s the Grammys. What changed my view from the first time I went to an American music awards ceremony was, the first time I went, I was really scared of the world’s biggest music market. But when I look back now, I don’t think I had any reason to feel that intimidated. To be honest, I have only now begun to enjoy the awards ceremonies; I wasn’t able to then.

It’s no exaggeration to say that you’ve achieved most of the things that you can as an artist in the music industry. What steps do you think are necessary for the artists who follow after BTS? SUGA: The way artists work seems so difficult. They make an appearance on a different music show every day once the promotional period begins, meaning the exhaustion artists face is enormous, and that fatigue often results in injuries as it adds up. That kind of music show is for promotional purposes, so it’s not like the artists can earn a proper income from them. On top of that, despite all the promoting, there’s no visible outcome, so they inevitably lose morale. If possible, it’d be nice to have one of the performances be really high-quality, even if it’s just the one, but in this environment I’d say that’s pretty difficult. And since our job doesn’t fit the common conception of work, there’s ambiguous boundaries when it comes to issues of legal protection as well. We need a lot of improvements to be made to the industry and its system.

They demand a lot of things as collateral for success, yet success is extremely difficult to attain. SUGA: The great thing about the label I’m with is they listen to the artists’ opinions. I think both we and the label know to a certain degree what kinds of activities would be best commercially speaking. But the question is whether the body can endure it or not. If the fatigue builds up as you continuously do those promotional activities, it’s hard to do them the way you did when you first debuted. In that case, I think the label ought to actively accommodate the artist’s views about what they can and cannot do. An attitude that’s just like, Oh, we made you kids, and as long as you just do what we tell you to it’ll all work out, so just do it—I think that really doesn’t make any sense. Of course, there could still be situations where the label has to be pushy like that, obviously. But I heard there’s been times where a label will just say, Do it, without any explanation to the artist, or, Why are you talking so much? I think that’s the biggest issue and it’s destroying the industry. If you just see the artist as a product, how can they do anything creative? I really think it’s very contradictory to ask the people on stage to put on an enjoyable performance when they’re experiencing neither fun nor enjoyment.

That reminds me of the music video for “Daechwita” somehow. You appear onscreen as both a rebel character and a king, looking as different as your situation when you first debuted with BTS and your situation now. SUGA: There was a lot I wanted to do in “Daechwita,” not just musically but also visually, and a lot of ideas came to me as I came to reflect on who I am as a person while working on the music video. It naturally occurred to me to separate SUGA, by SUGA and Agust D. The character I played in that video who wasn’t the king was a stranger. It takes place during the Joseon era, but then there’s cars and guns, which of course don’t belong in that era. I think we’ve been living our lives that way. Right from our debut, a portion of the hip hop lovers criticized us by saying, They’re idols. But at the same time, we heard things like, They’re not idols. I didn’t know which drumbeat to march to, so I think that’s why each of our albums took a different direction than people were expecting. But I don’t think I can call myself a stranger in this situation anymore. So these days my main goal is to keep going with BTS for a long time. Having a huge audience show up at our concerts is nice, but I think the goal for all of us is to make sure the group can keep making music even as we get older. I think right now we’re thinking a lot about how we can have fun and be happy on stage.

What do you mean when you say fun and happy music? SUGA: I think people are happier the busier I am, so lately I’ve been thinking that I need to focus a little more. I figure we should do as much as we can for ARMY since they feel happy watching us. We’ll continue to try our best, so I hope they believe in BTS and keep their eyes on us.

So that’s why you do music. SUGA: This is the only thing I know how to really do. Other than music and BTS, there’s nothing special about me when I look at this 28-year-old Min Yoongi. That’s why I want to keep doing this.

[bts-weverse-trans]

201126 Weverse Magazine ‘BE’ Comeback Interview - Jin

Jin: “It feels like my memories of ARMY were all a dream” BTS BE comeback interview 2020.11.26

Jin is calm and quiet throughout the whole interview. But while his words start out sounding like those in an everyday conversation, they soon begin to tell the story of a protagonist in the intricate drama that is BTS.

You worked on the lyrics for “Stay.” Jin: The song opens with the words, “Was it a dream?” and I came up with the theme. We used to see our fans and it was great, but now that’s something we can’t do anymore. I thought it all felt like a dream. I wanted to say, ���We used to be so happy together, but now I feel like your very existence was a dream.” I came up with the intro and then talked about it with RM. He really helped me a lot.

I’m guessing you came up with the lyrics because of COVID-19. Jin: It was around two to three months ago that I wrote the lyrics for the song, when it seemed like COVID-19 wasn’t getting any better. I want to put on another concert, and, like I said, it feels like my memories of ARMY were all a dream: Ah, they always used to be there with us, and then they disappeared like a memory—was all that a dream? Will we ever meet again? Those kinds of thoughts.

It sounds like you had a hard time getting used to this new situation. Jin: Yes. That used to be a part of our life for years, so it felt like a part of my life disappeared. When we had a busy schedule to deal with, sometimes I thought maybe it would be fun to have no job, but when that work was no longer there, no matter what I did, even if I poured myself into it, it all became meaningless very quickly. I felt insecure when I had nothing to do, since I’m so used to being busy, and feeling insecure made me think more about the things I like, and what I should do to make myself happier, besides work.

Would you say that’s been incorporated into your work on BE? Just from looking at the album photos, we can see each of you expressing your own thoughts through your room designs. Jin: Mine was the jewel room. They asked me what kind of concept I wanted for my room. I thought about what I wanted to do, and I wanted to go with gems. I was imagining myself lying down with gems all around me, but V, who was the visual director, thought I was joking at first. (laughs) “You were supposed to decorate the room, what do you mean gems?” But still, that’s the image I had in mind, so we went with that concept, except it wasn’t full of gems like I imagined. But I really stand out in the picture, so I’m satisfied with the result.

Why did you choose gems? Jin: Well … I have a sort of free, do-whatever-I-want personality, and at the time, I was really intrigued by gems, so that’s what I chose. This year, with the pandemic, I had more time to think about what I want and the things I want to do, and to try some new things, like playing piano, playing games, not playing games, meeting different people. But still, I can’t tell what I really like. I don’t think I ever thought much about myself, other than the work part. The best answer I found was doing whatever I’m interested in at the moment; is being the truest to myself. I’m more of a feeler than a thinker. Some might say I should have a plan for my future, but I don’t have any. (laughs) I thought that I really just do as I please.

So what does it mean to do as you please? Jin: Like I said, I’m someone who literally lives only in the present, so I tend to forget about the past, and I don’t stress over the future. I know I won’t forget important moments or times I spent with other people, but I’ve forgotten all the bad things that happened in the past and the hard times I had, and I’m really satisfied with my life now and happy to be working hard. How can anyone feel happy over and over again from something that happened in the past, no matter how good it was? You can be happier finding 10,000 won on the ground now than earning 100 times that in the past. I think I’m living true to my feelings by living in the now rather than thinking about the future or the past.

Even though you say you do whatever you’d like, aren’t there things you still need to be careful about, being a part of BTS? Jin: There are things that should be followed as a rule, such as not crossing on a red light, for example. Because if you do, there might be an accident. So those things, I set aside as things I shouldn’t do, so I never really thought of wanting to do them.

That sounds more like self-discipline. (laughs) Jin: It’s the same as not crossing at a red light if you don’t want to get hurt. I can keep myself happy living in the present as long as I’m not doing anything I shouldn’t be doing. Some might feel a bit frustrated, but they might also be the kind of people who cross at a red light. (laughs)

The song “Dis-ease” captures each of the BTS members’ thoughts on work. Is it especially difficult for you, in particular, to separate work from your personal life? Your life is influenced by your work. Jin: To me, work makes a lot of things happen in my life. Naturally there are times I feel stressed because of work, but the work I do makes me happy and has led to some spectacular experiences. Sometimes it’s interesting, other times it might be exhausting. I think I feel an entire spectrum of emotions thanks to my work. I lead my life the way I do because of my work, so to speak.

Just as you did, the other members also expressed on BE their feelings of what they’ve been through. Other than “Stay,” what other songs did you relate to? Jin: I didn’t really think about which songs I relate to, but I can tell you which song I like the most: “Blue & Grey,” by V. I liked that song from the very first time I listened to it, so I listened to the demo over and over again.

What was the demo version like? Jin: When V first made it and gave it to me, it didn’t have the rap part yet. There were no lines for the rap but it sounded really unique. Only the instrumental was there for that part and it felt like it was time for thinking by myself. Of course, I like the full version with the rap, too, but still, I liked how there was space that made you think. It’s been a long time since I got that feeling from listening to one of the demos. The first one was “Spring Day,” and the second was “Blue & Grey.”

It sounds like you found the song right when you needed some time to think. Jin: Yes. Before our debut, I had a clear goal: to debut. I chased after that one goal. After we debuted, I was chasing after a number one hit, and after we got number one I was chasing after major awards. And after that there were a lot of other awards, like from Billboard, and performances to put on, but it wasn’t a goal in the sense that it was my goal to debut. I’m just happy to be working. Every moment is wonderful and has become like my whole life. That wasn’t how I felt when I was a trainee because I had a serious goal then. But now, my goal is to live without overthinking anything. Maybe it’s not really a goal but a kind of defense mechanism.

A defense mechanism? Jin: As you get thinking, you might somehow undermine yourself. So, as long as I don’t think too hard, I can work hard right now. Maybe that’s why I called it a defense mechanism: If I stop and think about it, I might have too many ways to put myself down.

But if you imagine someone else were to have accomplished the same things you have, wouldn’t they think they deserve to feel proud? Jin: That’s true, but I’m also one of seven members of BTS. Thinking about what I’ve done as an individual feels like a burden to me. Up until we finished working on Map of the Soul: 7, I wasn’t burdened but felt, “Okay, we all did a good job. I’m happy with this.” But after getting “Dynamite” to the top of the Billboard Top 100 and starting down this new road, I started to wonder if I deserve any of this.

But you experienced a lot of big things before. What made you think that way this time? Jin: I was waiting for the chart position to come out all day, and then right before bed, Namjoon sent a message to our group chat. That’s when I realized we were number one! I was really happy, but something felt different. Maybe it was because we couldn’t see our fans. After “Dynamite,” we got even more love from even more people, and even when I was walking down the street, people would say things like, “I’m a big fan of yours,” or, “Thank you for introducing Korea to the world.” Then I started to think, “Do I deserve all this congratulations and love? That’s not me—I’m not that kind of person.” I got over it a bit, but even until a few days ago, the pressure was so intense that I couldn’t get any work done.

How did you move away from all that pressure? Jin: I just moved on. Like with COVID-19, we all have to wait and stay put until everything gets better. And actually, after “Dynamite” made number one, we got really busy, so I was able to think less about other things and basically avoid them that way, all those questions about life. I think that’s how I endured.

If you had had the fans there with you, maybe you would have felt less pressure or worry. Maybe it makes what you’re doing now seem incomplete compared to the past. Jin: We did so much and we worked so hard, but the result doesn’t hit you the same way, does it? The—excitement, maybe?—isn’t quite there. There’s a big difference between performing for people and performing for the camera. The performance itself is hard, too, of course. I have to keep at it for months once we start. But when we perform for people, I feel alive.

Had you been able to perform “Dynamite” on stage for your fans, you probably would have felt more love and more confident taking first place. Jin: I want to look and do my best in front of the fans no matter what. It’s a lot more fun when our fans are there, right in front of us. I’m not thinking about anything else in another sense, when they’re there with us.  For people who don’t perform like we do, when they have fun, they don’t think about much else, and just focus on what they’re doing. I think we’re the same way when our fans are around. I don’t have to think about anything else, because my fans are all right in front of me. I just have fun and forget about everything else.

Hopefully you’ll feel like everything is back to normal once you can see your fans again. Jin: At first I thought I’ll probably cry tears of joy. But would I? I don’t really think so. At first I really thought I would, but now I think it might feel like going back home. It depends on who you ask, but I don’t think most people would cry just because they came back to their hometown after being away. I think that’s how I’ll feel: like I’m back where I should be.

Talking to you, it seems like the sense of being loved by your fans must be important to you, emotionally. Jin: You’re right. Getting love from the fans was my source of happiness—what can I compare this to? Like a kid who’s always showered with love by their parents, but then the parents are suddenly gone on a business trip for like, ten months. It’s kind of like that. I was always trying to make our fans smile, make them feel good, by acting cute, but now my parents have been away on their business trip for, ten months, and I’m trying to be cute over a video call. That’s what it feels like. So please, wrap up your business trip as soon as possible, and hurry up and come home so I can show you how cute I am again! And, to COVID-19: Please get lost. (laughs)

Trans © Weverse

[naneun-no]

Joon wrote on Butter and I don't think the trilogy should be completely excluded from the conversation about their discography but at the same time you have to contextualize them because apart from dynamite which is included in BE which everyone actually does ignore Butter and PTD are singles and you can't really compare artistry from full length albums to a single and they were tired but that doesn't make it less of a BTS release that's just the BTS they were at that moment in time they gonna be a different BTS when they reunite same way they were a different BTS when they started

Well shit. I literally forgot about BE 😳 I’m a jerk and I actually really enjoyed that one I feel so dumb. Thank you for reminding me, I love several of those songs; Fly to My Room, Blue and Grey, Telepathy, Dis-ease, Life Goes On 😫 I’m sorry BTS and thank you anon for calling me out.

And I meannnn… on Butter, Joon wrote on it, but I thought he said he just tweaked/rewrote some of the rap parts (which were admittedly very short parts)? Maybe I’m wrong. Which, the rap parts are fine, they fit the song, the army line is cute as hell, but then you put them up next to Megan’s on the remix and 😬 reminded me of that song the London where j. cole was featured and he went first and his verses were so good it was like… honestly the rest of the rappers can just go home for this one 🫣 not quite to that extent, lol, but.

And for the record I really enjoy Butter (butter is the song that turned me, that’s right y’all I only been here a year and a half 😈 which is my way of saying please keep correcting me cause there’s still so much idk) and Dynamite, and I love the way they perform them (and, selfishly, I like that they’re two of the only BTS songs I can sing along to from start to finish). PTD…eh 🤷‍♀️ but it was a cute one for me to dance to with my nieces. Very family-friendly. Lol.

(Sidenote: Oh yes I HAVE introduced my nieces to BTS and one of them was listening to Euphoria in the car with me recently and in the dreamiest, sweetest little six year old voice said “I really like his voice.” Me too, baby girl, me too.)

Thanks for chiming in and keeping me honest, anon. Have a great evening ☺️

P.S. did I do too much small text? I just noticed that feature today and maybe probably for sure abused it

[blu-joons]

My Bias ~ Min Yoongi

All night his eyes had been on you, watching you scan the room and chat with your fellow artists, praying somehow, you’d find your way into his direction. It had been months since he’d last seen you, well, watched your interview from an old red-carpet interview.

The noise was deafening as you walked down the carpet, posing for a few photos before being guided towards one of the interviewers who stood behind the barrier. You knew what most of the noise was for as soon as the news got out BTS would be in attendance the event became a red-hot ticket.

You took a moment to straighten your dress and adjust your hair before welcoming questions, the usual ones about your new album and how you were feeling about being at the event.

“Of course, everyone knows that BTS is here tonight, have you ever met the band before?” She asked, taking you slightly by surprise.

“I haven’t, but if I ever got the chance it would be a great honour,” you smiled, hoping you’d answered the question as best as you could.

Judging by the smile on her face you knew the questioning wasn’t over yet, most media platforms got their views just by the mention of BTS, so if she could extract some more information from you it would definitely do their social media content the world of good.

You tried to make sure you didn’t let it affect you as you gave your own personal insight on Dynamite, recommending the song with a genuine smile on your face.

“I’m sure both sets of fans would love to know if you have a BTS bias?” She then asked.

Your eyes widened, “I suppose I do have a favourite member.”

The glare she sent you was enough for you to know you were expected to continue, your attempts to swerve the question had failed, the situation was one you were going to fall into now.

You cleared your throat, looking nervously to the floor, “I’ve always kept a close eye on their member, Yoongi. I find him really intriguing and he’s got a great talent for song writing and producing. I listened to his recent release and I have to say I was very impressed, he’s much more than a handsome face, I’ve a lot of respect for him.”

He’d watched the interview over more times than he’d admit, hearing you speak so admirably about him made him determined to one day find the time to meet you properly. He hadn’t prepared, however, to see you tonight as the evening began to get loud.

“Go over,” Namjoon encouraged from beside him, following to where his gaze fell.

“How can I?”

“Have a bit of confidence,” he smiled, “you already know that she likes you, so it’s not going to be bad.”

Yoongi huffed, sighing in defeat, he scrapped his chair back, adjusting his suit jacket before walking through the crowds to where you stood, tapping against your shoulder. His body froze as you spun around, yelping as you realised who you were face to face with.

“Sorry, I just really wanted to come over and say hello,” he smiled, folding his arms across his chest, “I didn’t mean to make you jump or anything like that.”

You nodded, the corners of your mouth turning up, “there’s no need to apologise, I was just a bit surprised to see it was you, that’s all.”

Straight away your mind raced back to the interview and all the things you’d said, if he had even the slightest clue about what you’d said it would be mortifying, speaking so frankly about someone that you’d never even met before.

Neither of you wanted to bring it up wondering how the other felt, instead opting to stand awkwardly as you waited, and hoped, that the other would make the first move.

“I’m a big fan of yours,” Yoongi muttered, breaking the silence.

As soon as he heard you were performing at the awards show this evening he was desperate to be there, he’d seen plenty of your performances online but there was always something so much more special when he watched a song performed in person. For him, by far, it was bound to be the highlight of his evening.

“Oh, thank you. I’m a fan of yours too, your music is really good,” you replied, “your fans are always tweeting me telling me that I should listen to your stuff.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard quite a lot that you like my music.”

“It’s good,” you nervously spoke, “you’re a great talent.”

His body tensed up at your words, the same words you’d used to speak about him in the interview, he was surprised to hear you speak so honestly.

“I’m just going to say it, I saw the interview you gave about me.”

Your eyes widened in horror as Yoongi sighed in relief to have finally told you. Instantly you wanted to run away and hide but that would have made things all the worse for yourself, especially when you’d probably already humiliated yourself enough in front of Yoongi.

“I promise I’m not usually that cringy, the interviewer really did just put me completely on the spot.”

His head shook, resting his hand against your arm, “please, it wasn’t cringy. It was nice to hear someone speak so kindly about me, it was actually what made me notice you. I’ve listened to a lot of your music since then, you’re a great talent too.”

“I wasn’t expecting you to tell me that.”

You were relieved more than anything that perhaps you hadn’t made a complete fool of yourself in front of Yoongi, and maybe the two of you were getting on quite well.

“So, seeing as, according to that interview, I was a handsome face, maybe you’d fancy getting a drink once all of this is over tonight? You mentioned that you liked my song writing, so maybe we could have a bit of a session together? See if we can come up with a track or something?”

“I’m sure you’re far too busy to spend time with me.”

“Nonsense,” he laughed, “I don’t know about you, but all these crowded places really aren’t my thing, I much prefer getting out of here.”

“They’re not my favourite things.”

Before you could protest, Yoongi had given you directions on where to meet him once the awards show was over, allowing you to go back to your seat, and himself joining Namjoon, as staff began to usher everyone back to their seats.

Namjoon smiled as Yoongi approached, “it certainly looked like it went well for you.”

“I think it did,” he blushed, taking a sip of his drink, “and I didn’t even end up embarrassing myself.”

“That’s a win!”

Yoongi sat back with a smile as the night went through. His highlight? Your performance, of course, blushing as your eyes made contact with him in the middle of the chorus, quickly looking away once you realised, he was staring right back at you.

“If you’re really going to sit here and tell me you don’t fancy her by the way you’re looking at her, you’re lying,” Namjoon whispered across to him.

“Am I making it that obvious?”

“Yeah,” he stated, “but I reckon she probably fancies you too, so there’s nothing for you to worry about there.”

“You really think so?” He asked hopefully, “you think she likes me?”

“Yeah, I really do. She said you were her bias after all.”

---

Masterlist

[struggle-but-its-all-ocean-floor]

Please don't apologise for the rant!

It was an interesting read and everything you said made a lot of sense!

I feel really disappointed with the direction jungkook's taking tbh. His album and solo projects were the ones I was looking forward to the most since the second bts announced their hiatus and the fact that they were all going to release solo projects.

But now it's less than a month before his album debut and I'm hardly looking forward to it at all, because none of it seems to be the kind of music I could vibe with (even though his solo songs under the bts label were my favourites lol. I recognise that's a me problem but it does feel like outside of twitter a lot of people feel this way, more so than with the other members' solo works).

That might change once we receive the name of the tracks and the features and stuff, but we'll see.

Also, I think releasing 3D was honestly a bad idea because of the timing. Seven was (and is still) doing REALLY well. Super catchy, most people loved it, and it WAS new and unexpected. but the focus shifted a bit to 3D, except not everyone focused on the main version, and you can tell it's not gonna be as big of a hit.

You also mentioned on another post how the concept photos for golden appear to be very similar to seven and 3D and I can't agree more.

When you do the same thing more than once in a short period of time in a row, the hype becomes a little less because the surprise/anticipation factor is less, y'know?

Idk, I'm aware Jungkook was chilling and enjoying his break (and good for him) but that did mean he got less time to release a lot of content, so the whole idea of trying to release 2 big singles and then an album in 5 months doesn't seem like a good idea.

they could've kept it at one single with a lesser known artist (everything you pointed out about Latto is true)

and then released his album 5 months later with a slightly different vibe. Because now by the time 3D will become more accepted and more known by the general public, his album will release and the focus will be on the title track.

The timing and really everything surrounding 3D was bad all round (except for the alternate version and the performance for that because I agree it was 100 times much better)

Sorry I feel like I'm being far too negative and that frustrates me as well, I just...Jk has so much potential and is such a great singer but some of these decisions I feel won't properly help him in the long run, you know?

And especially knowing the album will likely follow the same formula as well. But he's accomplishing what he said he wanted so I guess that's something.

No, you aren't being too negative! If you are, I am too, and you're being more positive than me! The timing with 3D did suck. If you just think of it as a "gift" for the fans who were waiting for more music, then it didn't suck. From a business perspective, it wasn't the best move. The main issue was really the feature imo (though 3D's sound was never going to make a splash). Had 3D been announced as a solo, there would've been some of that shock/surprise factor and a lot more anticipation since we're all waiting for a real solo release. That would've been something to look forward to and to generate hype. A better MV would've helped too. At least 3D is kinda helping Seven in the charts...? It's gone number 1 on Spotify Global twice ever since 3D came out haha.

I'm really hoping that the album will surprise me! Tbh, boring concept photos are a BTS thing. It probably doesn't just happen to them, but I think Dynamite and Butter were the last eras to have exciting promo pics that had everyone talking about them. The concept/promo pics for Proof, for example, were super boring imo. I didn't even care for Jimin's Face promo pics and I remember a lot of people liking them. I don't think Big Hit is the best when it comes to that.

Let's see what happens, anon!

Thanks for the ask!

[jiminiediminie]

A not-at-all brief commentary on BE-hind story interview.

We really got over an hour of BTS just talking about their music. They really told the media yall don’t ask the right questions so let me do it for you. Love that for them. 

But honestly I am so happy that they decided to do this. Because most of the time interviewers don’t ask the right questions or it is in a situation where they have time constraints. Or the interviewer never even listened to the album in the first place (think james corden saying his favorite track on be is dynamite probs because it seemed like that was the only one he knew).

I appreciate as well that it is the members interviewing each other. They could have just as easily sat each member in a room and asked them the questions off screen. But they didn't. I think that adds such a personal element to the interview. Bts members likely know about each other’s music (even solo music) better than anyone else. So who better to talk with the members about their music than each other? 

Running commentary of each interview below the cut. 

JK interviews Jin

Blonde jk for the win

I lost count of how many times they shook hands please they are so annoying 

Jin please don’t downplay your talents. That hurt my heart. If I could describe his voice in one word it would have been powerful. I hope that jin got to see all the praise after the fix you cover. Because he killed it in that. 

I loved getting to hear the behind the scene of jin’s role in stay; I didn’t know his role in it before he talked about it.

I’m glad jin got to release abyss and put so much of his own work into it. It is also so amazing to hear how much help joon is to all of the members when it comes to lyrics and music. A talented king. 

Slightly surprised there wasn't more clowning around in their interview since these two are usually so chaotic together. I thought jk would clown jin when they started talking about jin being older but he didn't. Growth. 

Hobi interviews JK

Hobi looks so soft in that cardigan 

Hobi right off the bat asking about the mixtape. He knows what we want. 

Jk talking about how he wants to try writing songs not just about his own experiences was so interesting to hear; can’t wait to see what he comes up with in the future. 

Him talking about all the different things he wants to try but it’s almost too many was very relatable. That feeling of having so many choices you don't know where to start. But that does mean that when we do get a mixtape from him it will be from varying styles of music and i am all here for that. Personally holding out for rocker jk or acoustic jk. 

His favorite song to sing is euphoria; that’s so sweet it is such a gem of a song. I think I would have chosen still with you since it’s pretty different than a lot of the other songs he sings.

Hobi saying “you’re all grown up” to jk and jk saying “i'm not the old me” really hit me in the feels. Hobi and bts really did watch jk grow from a slightly awkward pre-teen to the confident man he is today. They must feel so proud of him. 23 yo jk is not a baby of bts anymore. He does what he wants. He wears what wants. He has long hair and dyes it blonde then blue just because he can. He even talked about how his voice has matured. Im glad that the members see that too and seem to be proud of the person he has became. 

3 main tracks. 3 mv. 3 choreos of different styles. Yes do it jk please im begging. After seeing him dance in black swan at mma i want to see more contemporary dancing from him. And i feel like after getting still with you and stay he can write songs that would fit that vibe. I just want to see jk’s dance talent showcased more. 

I don’t know if the fans could survive 3 separate jk mv. We barely survived a live performance of my time. 

Tae interviews Hobi

Tae in that emerald green sweater. He looks so good. He should wear that color more

I love how serious tae is about playing the interviewer. The actor in him never sleeps. 

Hobi talking about the dual meanings behind the title of Dis-ease was so cool. Fans obviously caught that it could mean multiple things. But as far as i know that was never confirmed. Now that it is I am once again impressed with the thought they put behind everything they do. 

A psychological occupational disease. Your mind hobi 

I think it’s so cool that hobi recorded it by himself and how he said that doing it like that allows him to grow as a producer since he has to listen and edit himself. They really just always continue to grow in their roles in music don’t they? 

Hobi talking about how he would love to solve his own problems but then remembering that he is part of a team really shows how much they trust and rely on each other. So he and jimin worked on the melody of the bridge together and then joon wrote the lyrics. And now we have the most iconic bridge of all time. Still holding out for a dis-ease live performance or music video (I’m a clown I know). 

And lol at tae being like call me next time dude 

“I would like to share my music with everyone” -- please do

Please tae is so sweet and attentive!? “When you talked about music i noticed you had a smile on your face and i thought ‘he really loves music’”. “But personally if i had your skills I’d be showing off and be proud of myself”. Kim taehyung is the embodiment of a teddy bear 

And closing it with actor tae again -- “can i get your autograph” 

Jin interviews Jimin

Two seconds into the interview they are clowning each other with jin saying to talk informally. Yet as soon as jm did (and that slight smile when he did), jin is like I was talking to myself. Chaotic as expected of these two. 

Jm talking about his process for music being “just go as i feel” makes so much sense for him. He is an easy going person and it makes sense that it reflects in his work style. 

It’s so cool that him coming up with the melody of the dis-ease bridge was just because he was humming to himself and the producer liked it -- almost serendipitous if you will  

I love when people praise jimin for his vocals. So hearing him talk about how they used his vocal in place of a female for lgo’s chorus stroked my jm bias ego

Joon is seriously the best human ever. Jimin didn’t want to bother the other members to help with christmas love but joon contacted him and helped with the lyrics anyway. Bts seriously has the most amazing leader. 

“I’d like to try making an acoustic style song”. Please do it jimin. Acoustic bts is my weakness but especially acoustic jimin. Songs like promise sound so good with his singing style.

Jin shaking jimin’s pinky 😂

“I’m a little disappointed in the MC” “but you know if you looked around there is no MC like me” -- jinmin’s relationship everybody 

Jimin interviews Joon

Minimoni look so cozy in their sweatshirts sitting on a plush rug. 

“You know we have this youngest member”. “Oh jungkook?” “No the real youngest” “Oh seokjin. That’s a shame” -- please minimoni are so funny and joon knew immediately who jm was talking about when he said the real youngest. 

“It felt like I was doing the only thing i could do” . Please let me give you a hug joon

Joon’s mind continues to amaze me. How he talked about needing the concept or key word to give “flesh” to the song was such a good way to explain how he approaches music. 

“What do you mean little? You play a very big role” -- lol jimin speaking facts. I already mentioned how amazing it is that he helped jimin and jin with their individual songs. The fact that members who want help with their own music always seem to go to joon really tells you how much of an amazing and talented human being kim namjoon is. I can’t remember the context, but there was this moment that jimin (or was it hobi?) said something like “what would we do if we didn't have rm”. They are truly lucky to have him. 

Release that minimoni subunit now please and thank you 

Tell us what you’re working on joon don't be shy. Joon mentioned that his music is like a diary. I would love to know his thoughts expressed in music now. 2018 joon who made mono and 2021 joon are two very different people. Bts has grown so much since then. 

Joon interviews Yoongi

The work colleagues! Did you know they have worked together for 10 years? 

Yoongi’s fuzzy sweater. So soft

Yoongi saying he writes songs when he is bored. Lol i love him so much

It’s really interesting to hear them talk about their lyrics getting rejected. I guess we don’t hear much about that part. And lol at joon just laughing and saying he guesses he didn’t grasp tae’s intentions for b&g. 

I like that this was more of a conversation than an interview. I love it when these two just sit together and talk about technical stuff that i don’t understand (like the festa interview)

Yoongi is such a good person to make music with. JK wanted to add humming to telepathy? They added humming to telepathy. I had wondered the reason why there are two different versions of the song. I prefer the longer one tbh

Yoongi wants to make an acoustic song? Hell yeah. Jimin does too. So yoongi x jimin subunit acoustic song with yoongi playing the guitar (please). Also a folk song?? Yoongi your taste i like it

I can’t wait to hear yoongi sing im so excited for him

Yoongi talking about how they made this album with no pressure and got to just do what they wanted and that it was received so well. How he wants to keep making music like that. That makes me happy. I want them to continue to get to do that. I love the big productions and concepts of their albums. But if they are happier making albums like be that do not have that then that is what i want them to do. 

“Please listen to telepathy a lot” -- what yoongi wants yoongi gets. Go stream telepathy 

Yoongi interviews Tae

The title of blue and grey is because tae wants to overcome that feeling. My heart. 

He looked so shy talking blue and grey. I am so excited to see him get to talk about kth1 when it comes out. I could listen to him for hours. 

English guide track? Release it tae

“I felt kind of proud of myself” -- you should tae 

Yoongi straight up asking tae why he didn't include joon’s lyrics was interesting. It’s cool to know that tae had the kind of power to choose what he felt would fit the emotion of the song.

It doesn’t surprise me that tae feels so much pressure to make sure the tape is good before it is released. It seems like when it comes to solo work the members really do feel more pressure since they aren't sharing the burden with the others. 

“Please look forward to it” -- don’t worry tae everyone is

We know from the preview that there are 13 songs potentially on the mixtape. That would be so amazing if he released it with so many songs. Tae’s voice sounds so good in so many different styles so i know that it would be so varied.

Final thoughts -- I love that they got to do this. I hope going forward they do this more for their albums. And from what the members said they enjoyed getting to be so involved in the process of making the album. It would be amazing if that continued. While a lot of their hit songs are not made fully by the members, those songs that are often have more meaning to the fans. b&g, stay, telepathy. These were songs from the members. We got to hear their actual thoughts put into these songs. I hope that bh sees how well this album did and lets that continue.

Congrats if you made it to the end!