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Writer's pictureBorasaek Vision

BTS, ARMY & Ever-widening Circles

Updated: Apr 6, 2023


Jimin of BTS recently released the first song of his solo career with what many fans have described as an epic masterpiece titled, “Set Me Free Pt. 2.” Every element of this song surpassed expectations, from Jimin’s unique vocals to the fluidity of his dance, the expressiveness of the choreography, and the vulnerability of the lyrics.


One intriguing feature that caught the attention of viewers was the revelation (as Dr. Colette Balmain described it), “of words written on Jimin’s chest in the second act of the song.” In fact, shortly after the song’s release those in the know were posting references and translations of the prose’s origin – a poem penned by Rainer Maria Rilke in the early 1900s, poetically titled, “I Live My Life in Widening Circles.”


It is in those ever-widening circles that many layers of meaning reside, and depending on where the BTS members and ARMYs are located in their lives at any given point in time, those meanings will vary. Yet, despite the variances, some common threads have emerged. Essentially, the philosophical question of ‘who am I?’ and then extending on from that, the question of ‘who am I in relation to others?’ But let’s return to the ‘who am I?’ as this is a concept that ARMYs are more than familiar with. In fact, this current “Chapter 2” journey that BTS has embarked on is dedicated to the notion that each of the members needs to explore who they are more intimately as artists, as individuals, and as human beings in order to further grow and develop. The further above and beyond they go, the more they will learn about who they are within, and the beauty of this journey is that they’ll bring all of that knowledge and wisdom back to BTS as a group when they finally reunite post-military service in 2025. Each of the members are on similar quests, albeit on different pathways, just as they were back in 2020 when RM commented during Break the Silence: The Movie that “It’s like the seven of us are on the same boat, just looking in different directions, but going the same way.” All of the members, in some way, have taken their first official steps in widening their respective circles through their choices of collaborations, and the ways in which they promote and present their new content, with a range of the expected and the experimental in play.


J-hope took a walk on the dark side with “More” and “Arson,” then collaborated with his all-time muse J-Cole. RM, on the other hand, collaborated with several artists that he has looked up to for many years and fulfilled a lifelong dream to perform on stage at the Rolling Hall concert venue. As for Jimin, intentional or otherwise, he brought back the ‘Tony Montana’ vibes in this first release with his stylistic usage of auto-tune and his unexpected rapping. On a side note, Suga must have enjoyed this immensely – perhaps we’ll find out more about this when Jimin joins him on “Suchwita,” March 27th at 10 pm KST.


Just as the rings of a tree give us insights into climate variations, past civilizations, and ecosystems, our own circles tell the stories of our lives – the seen (and unseen) of who we are and the roads we’ve traveled. In one of those circles BTS arrives, and for thousands (if not millions) of fans around the world, lives are forever changed and transformed, and the many beautiful origin stories of how unsuspecting listeners and viewers became ARMYs, begin to take flight.


As fans brace themselves for Jimin’s album, SUGA’s tour, and j-hope’s departure, there really is no second guessing how far the members will go. Disrupting dominant narratives has always been a feature of BTS’ key messages and although they are more inwards focused now in their careers, the music industry (and K-pop in general) are not prepared for what’s yet to come. As Jimin has reminded us, this is his prime time, and who better to take him to the next level, than Jimin himself. In the meantime, ARMYs can continue to do what they do best – love and support all seven members.

 

DISCLAIMER: We do not own any audio & visual content in this video except for the editing. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THE RIGHTFUL OWNERS. No copyright infringement intended.


Written By: Shelley

Edited By: Aury

Checked By: Miranda



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