BTS — MUSIC TO CHANGE THE WORLD
There is no denying that BTS, the seven-member group, have taken the world by storm. The septet, which consists of RM (Kim Namjoon), Jin (Kim Seokjin), Suga (Min Yoongi), J-Hope (Jung Hoseok), Jimin (Park Jimin), V (Kim Taehyung), and Jung Kook (Jeon Jungkook) have overcome many barriers to reach where they are today. Based in South Korea and working under the label Big Hit Entertainment, the group has become popular for their insightful lyrics, intricate dances, and genuine personalities.
In this article, through a study of certain key aspects of their music, I show that BTS is subtly redefining the way music is consumed. This is achieved by placing a strong emphasis on using music as a tool to focus on oneself, eventually leading the way in creating a world that encourages individuals to value and accept not just themselves but, ultimately, all others. Primarily, I consider the following to examine their impact: a unique perspective on music, the need for self-reflection, and the most important message of all — love yourself, speak yourself, and be yourself.
While each song sung by BTS can be examined in its own context, what is striking is the connectivity of their repertoire. The concept of a story running across several videos, also incorporating webtoons and books that contribute to the theme, is one of the most interesting aspects of their music. For instance, the “Bangtan Universe,” which is a fictional alternate universe where BTS are just friends and not the global superstars we know today, highlights the importance of mental health; something that is very relevant, and even more so when a pandemic is redefining and reshaping the contours of the world as we know it. BTS’ music both overtly and through other narratives provides a message to remain positive during trying times.
Another key aspect of the lyrics is the use of psychology and other literary sources, turning their music into something cerebral, thus nudging listeners to think about various aspects of life. For pop music, under which BTS is typically grouped, the general focus has been on love and its associated issues. By including the theme of love and yet moving beyond it to incorporate a wider range of topics, the group is providing listeners with a medium to connect with a lot of different cultures, and encouraging them to think beyond the obvious. For instance, the song Blood Sweat and Tears, which is based on the novel Demian by Hermann Hess, has utilized concepts from the book and shed light on German literature, and the song Sea that draws inspiration from Murakami’s IQ84, motivates fans to delve into Murakami’s illusive works. By drawing on other forms, BTS’ songs lead the listeners to introspect.
BTS use different sources to focus on the importance of self-reflection, a theme that is threaded throughout their music. In a world that is full of competition and hardships, BTS’ music emphasizes the message of always reflecting on oneself and taking stock of oneself. For example, Fake Love appears to be a love song at face value, but delving deeper into the lyrics reveals that BTS are talking about themselves and what they did to change who they are, which ultimately led to unhappiness in the relationship. As RM says, “I changed everything just for you, But I don’t know me, who are you?” There is a focus on oneself and what I have done; yes I changed for you, but I was responsible for that change because I believed that was what you wanted. The song could be interpreted as an important indicator of taking onus for one’s actions. It’s easy to blame others but it is more important to be aware of the impact of your own actions.
This song leads up to an ‘epiphany,’ which indicates the need to ‘love oneself’ and ‘understand oneself’ before expecting other people to love you or before loving someone else. This is a very relevant concept as it states that it is essential to create respect for yourself in order to ensure that other people learn to respect you. A powerful theme that is the crux of their ability to connect with people the world over, by ‘being yourself’ and ‘speaking yourself.’
Through music BTS is continuously encouraging listeners to evaluate themselves and the various personas they take on in life. Helping people with the most important construct in life — accepting oneself — has particularly resonated with the youth. Unless you can be kind to yourself, it might prove difficult to be kind to others. A very relevant and much needed philosophy for the youth who are conflicted by various pressures to conform and whose worth is judged by increasingly complicated societal standards. Beneath the music, BTS is creating a kinder, more thoughtful, and accepting generation of people to make the world a more inclusive place.
