BTS held a press conference on February 24 at 2 p.m. (Korea Standard Time) for their latest album Map of the Soul: 7. The event was broadcast live from Seoul, South Korea via YouTube in the absence of mass media and fans amid coronavirus fears, the band’s management company Big Hit Entertainment confirmed.
“We have decided to fully cooperate with the government’s policy to refrain from holding events with a massive number of participants in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus,” Big Hit Entertainment said in a press release.
Interviewed by one South Korean reporter, the band spoke about the meaning behind their new album, the seven-year journey of their career, their global appeal as well as mandatory military enlistment, among other topics.
The new BTS album, which features 20 tracks, expresses “all the emotions we experienced from the seven years we worked as BTS and our feelings toward fans,” BTS member J-Hope said at the press conference, The Korea Herald reports.
The title track “On” captures the group’s powerful energy, with the song’s lyrics “Can’t hold me down because you know I’m a fighter” reflecting the fears and uncertainties the band conquered in the years following their debut in 2013.
“It’s been seven years, so I think we have grounded ourselves now. And the lyrics show that we’ve learned how and will face the hurt, sadness and pain head-on,” BTS member Suga said.
Another member, V, spoke about overcoming the mental and emotional struggles of touring around the world and overcoming the emptiness he felt going from gig to gig.
“We are at the concert—it feels like a festival. I feel like I’m in the limelight. And then as soon as I get in the car to go back, I used to feel this void but not anymore. I’ve overcome it and it’s not that difficult anymore,” said V.
Suga added: “It would be lying to say we don’t feel pressured. But I believe that having a purpose is better than setting goals. Achievements are more important than records. I believe that if we continue to think about what we are able to do, we will continue to have good results.
“Records and numbers are important, but there’s nothing better than a lot of people being happy through our music. We are working hard to give back to our fans for all their love, so please continue to look forward to us,” said BTS member Jin.
Jin also spoke about his pending military enlistment, which can no longer be postponed when the singer turns 28 later this year. All men in South Korea are required to serve in the military for about two years, as outlined by the Constitution of the Republic of Korea and the Military Service Act.
“I think many people are curious about my enlistment, but nothing has been confirmed. I’m careful about speaking about this, but I believe it is only natural to accept the mandatory military duty, and I will go when I receive a draft notice, no matter when that is,” Jin said, Soompi reports.
“I believe military duty is a duty. Until I am called, I’ll try to do the best I can, and when I’m called, I’ll answer, of course,” Jin said.
When asked about the reason behind their global appeal, BTS member RM said: “We often get asked about why we think our music is loved. That itself is something I’m thankful for. We thought hard about it as well. It’s a combination of things. The K-pop culture itself is very complex. The music, music video, and more components are presented together. What’s important is the essence in our hearts.
“People of all ages all around the world, not only in Korea, are able to relate with the things we struggle with. Because we express those things through ways like performances and music, people find that to be interesting,” he added.
The K-pop sensation has had an eventful year already, with a string of milestones, music releases and performances in recent weeks, including their historic performance at The Grammy Awards last month, which made them the first-ever Korean act to perform at the awards.
“When we first went to the Billboard Music Awards in 2017, we received the trophy and went home. I couldn’t believe it at the time. So performing at the Grammy Awards this year, I was reminded of that time. I want to take one step forward at a time,” Suga said.
“I’m looking forward to next year’s ceremony. Not everything happens because I wish for it to, but we’ll work hard so that we can go next year as well,” he added.
Last month, BTS released their new song “Black Swan” with an art film featuring a dramatic dance performance by a modern dance group.
“It was a new experience for us. Our fans might have been surprised, and it might have seemed like something new. ‘Black Swan’ is a confession by artists, so we wanted to focus on bringing out an artistic atmosphere,” Jimin explained.
When asked about their thoughts on a comment by Oscar and BAFTA award-winning Parasite film director Bong Joon Ho, who reportedly said BTS was 3,000 times more influential than himself, Suga said: “I think it was generous praise. I’m embarrassed because I’m still not sure we have that big of an influence.
“I was thankful that director Bong Joon Ho said, ‘Korean culture is dynamic.’ I hope that the many amazing artists in Korea will be known [overseas]. I really enjoyed watching ‘Parasite.’ I’m a fan,” he added.
BTS fans—collectively known as the Army—have been sharing their love for the band and reactions to the comments made at the press conference using the hashtag #WeLoveYouBTS, which has been top-trending on Twitter.
“Time and again, you remind us that ARMYs are your strength & that we made you. But, this relationship goes both ways as you guys are also our strength & have helped so many of us in our lives. Loving @BTS_twt is the best decision ever #WeLoveYouBTS,” wrote @bangtan_india.
“I’m not afraid to say that those 7 boys became some of the most important people in my life. thank you so much for everything you do #WeLoveYouBTS @BTS_twt,” wrote @fairylightsjk.
“Thank you for everything @BTS_twt #WeLoveYouBTS,” wrote @AureliaOT7.
“They have come so far and i’m so proud of them #WeLoveYouBTS,” wrote @DimaPurplesYou.
The North American leg of the band’s Map of the Soul concert tour begins on April 25 and runs on selected dates through June 6 this year in the U.S. and Canada.
BTS are featured in a special episode of The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon airing on February 24, where they will perform at Grand Central Terminal and ride the subway on a tour of New York City’s most iconic spots.
