“Filter”: Examining Our Ever-Changing Masks in Society
Filter was introduced on BTS’ 2020 album, Map of the Soul: 7, as Jimin’s solo track — his pride and joy. When Jimin performed the song live during their Map of the Soul ON:E online concert in October of the same year, he blew ARMY away with his intricate choreography, focus, and varying color schemes.
When Map of the Soul: 7 was released, Filter quickly shot up the charts. It ranked #1 on Amazon US for three consecutive days. As of April 2020, Filter set another record by being the fastest Korean solo song to surpass 40 million streams in Spotify’s history. It achieved this feat in only 65 days after its release. There was also a #FilterChallenge on TikTok inspired by this track.
Musically, the track has a groovy vibe. Filter allows us to see a different side of Jimin. When he was asked about producing this track during BTS’ Spotify feature, Jimin shared:
Filters can be the things within a camera application or social media, but it can also mean people’s perspective or prejudice. I took these various meanings and expressed it into the song of how I want to present myself to the world in many different ways. I think I’ll be able to show a new side of me that’s very different from my previous tracks Serendipity and Lie.
“Let me know your type, You can choose and use me.” When I first heard Filter, I was confused. I couldn’t seem to wrap my head around the song; it didn’t make sense to me that it was a ‘Jimin ready to find love’ narrative, an idea that was eagerly presented by media sites. A friend of mine shared that Filter could depict Jimin’s journey in finding himself amidst what others perceive him to be. Taking into account the choreography, Jimin fluttering around a mannequin, trying on the different pieces it displayed — these actions instead emphasize the narrative that he is versatile and eager to try different things.
“I’ll take you to a brand new world.” When we use filters on our selfies, the way we look changes: a blurry effect, adding hearts to our cheeks, different colors, flowers, animal filters — you name it, you got it. This time, Jimin is taking your hand and leading you to explore. He is “the one who’s going to change your world.” Singing “I’m your filter, Cover it over your heart,” Jimin allows us to explore a new perspective: whatever you wish or hope for.
“Mix the colors of the palette, pick your filter, Which me do you want?” In reference to Jimin specifically, the term ‘Palette’ is derived from ‘Almighty Palette’ (광개토팔레트); a nickname that ARMY gave him due to his ability to rock all hair colors and make-up looks. In other words, Jimin invites fans to customize him in any way they wish — because he can, and will, rock those looks. Many were shocked during his Map of the Soul ON:E performance when he was able to quickly change outfits in between dancing.
“How is it, do you feel it a bit? Is it still not enough?” This lyric makes me think of BTS’ song Fake Love. Is transforming to the wants of their audience still not sufficient? If I adapt to you, will I be enough? “Girl, you have your chance,” Jimin croons. Teasingly, might I add, after seeing the intense eye contact he had during his live performances on both days.
“I can be your Genie, How ‘bout Aladdin?” Jimin presents himself as a filter that accommodates and adapts to society’s wants. “I’ll become anything (for you).” ARMY often joke about Jimin’s duality: transforming from being sweet and cute, to annihilating the stage with his presence and dance moves. “I’m going to be new for you every day.” Life is a journey; we can be different versions of ourselves each day. We as people are different from each other as well: “It’s no fun always being the same.”
“The very person that made me is you.” BTS often credits ARMY for giving them the opportunity to carry on and do what they love to do. The different sides of them that we love, the different sides they are willing to share with us — we are responding to them in the same manner that they respond to us.
“I’m a brand new filter you’ve never seen before, Leave you to me, So that you can see more exciting things, pick your filter.”
It is no secret that Jimin struggles with a lot of self-criticism, evidenced in the way he reacts when he makes a mistake or when he berates himself for not doing as well as he hoped. In BTS’ Burn The Stage documentary, Jimin was extremely stressed over his voice cracking and his microphone falling off.
Fast forward to episode 5 of their Break The Silence documentary, Jimin admits that he was not in his best condition, but strives to do better for future performances rather than blaming himself: “It’s true that I didn’t do a good job, but I don’t think I was overcome with despair or regretful or self-critical. I just accepted the circumstances. I want to grow further and faster so I can show them a really great performance,” he shared.
“We’re going to become a new ‘us’, Cover me over your heart.” Filter helps to amplify the progression of Jimin’s growth, transformation, and confidence from being self-critical to practicing self-love. This is an upbeat track that reminds us to have fun on our own journey of discovering who we are. However, it also serves as an important reminder that despite the changes we make or how we choose to adapt, we should never lose sight of ourselves.
Despite Jimin admitting he was distracted on one of the days of Map of the Soul ON:E, his performances of Filter exudes a radiant confidence — a confidence in his art, his body, and himself. As we continue on our own journey towards self-love, let us learn to confront and embrace all sides of ourselves.
Lyric translation credits to @Studio_0613 Twitter account
