“Please ARMY, remember what we say: Love myself, love yourself.” - RM (BTS), BBMAs 2017
When RM gave a speech on behalf of BTS for winning their first Social Artist Award at the BBMAs, ARMY hadn’t known that the beginning of a new era was right in front of them. That’s such a BTS thing to do, though - drop subtle hints unexpectedly - and it’s such an ARMY thing to always be surprised and stoked.
Almost a year later, with a record-breaking Love Yourself trilogy, Bangtan Sonyeondan kicked off their most anticipated BTS World Tour: Love Yourself. With 42 sold-out shows across 20 cities around the world, BTS and ARMY together experienced multiple firsts and far too many emotions that could never be put to words.
To honor and remember these moments, Borasaek Vision picked 10 highlights from the Love Yourself World Tour. Read on!
1. Historic Citi Field Show & Jimin’s Promise
Besides ARMYs making it to the news for camping outside Citi Field a week before the concert, BTS became the first Korean musician in history to host an American stadium show. For all the comparisons that BTS draws with the British group The Beatles in the media, it was also noted as a historic occasion since the latter’s 1965 show at the nearby former Shea Stadium is considered one of the most iconic concerts ever.
Member Suga, during his ending mention (without any spoiler alert), hinted that it was the start of their stadium performances (Say hello to Love Yourself: Speak Yourself Tour!). With ARMY bombs strapped across his worldwide shoulders, Jin didn’t fail to point out he’s ARMY’s biggest fan. Leader RM’s ment was perhaps the most emotional one of the night. RM expressed his gratitude towards the fans for helping him to love himself and requested of everyone, “Please use me… Please use BTS to love yourself.” It was a reminder of how we truly never walk alone.
Jimin, who had at first seemed overwhelmed by the end of the show, admitted in a later VLive that this was the moment that he thought of Promise, his first self-composed piece. He went on to state how originally it was a dark song, but that looking at the teary-eyed crowd celebrating and cheering BTS that night at Citi Field changed his perspective. Hey, Jimin! You nice, keep going!
2. Europe Tour Debut & Brotherhood
BTS set out on their first-ever Europe tour and inaugurated it in BTS style - by breaking some more records. Kicking off their UK leg with two shows at London’s The O2 Arena, not only did it become the venue’s most popular show announcement ever but their merchandise sales at the arena also broke The Rolling Stones’ 2012 record. BTS debuted in 2013. Let that sink in. While our maknae Jungkook had sadly injured his heel and had to participate seated, it was a situation that doubly highlighted BTS’ brotherhood. Each member made sure to either sing by Jungkook’s side or playfully pat his head. It was a reminder of how in BTS’ world 7-1 = 7 always.
3. V’s Language of Love
V is known for expressing his love for ARMY quite poetically. At their Paris show, he went a step further and adapted his poetry to the language of love. When V came across the French quote "Je t'aime plus qu'hier mais moins que demain" [trans: "I love you more than yesterday but less than tomorrow"], he felt it was only right to use it in his ending ment. (Fun fact: the quote also made it to “Love Yourself The Movie’s” end screen!)
Three months later, at their concert at the Singapore National Stadium - BTS is the first K-pop act to sell out that venue - V’s poetic ending ment yet again garnered attention: “You are all part of my story, memory, and scenery.” Down with their feels, it was only about a week later when V released his first original composition, Scenery, that ARMYs realized they’d missed a huge moment of foreshadowing. Stayed true to his Bangtan blood, this one.
4. Rainbow Ocean ft. ARMY Bomb Lightstick V3
A week prior to the launch of the Love Yourself World Tour, Big Hit decided the BTS Official Lightstick, aka ARMY Bomb, deserved an upgrade and presented Version 3. With the introduction of a Bluetooth feature that works worldwide, a mobile app, and a rainbow palette, ARMY Bomb V3 was designed to heighten the stage production and concert experience. And the latest version delivered! Unlike The Wings Tour fan project where fans were handed colored bags according to their seat to place on the lightstick, V3 saw Big Hit take control over the seat synchronization and both BTS and ARMY have had the pleasure of experiencing endless beautiful rainbow oceans since Day 1 of the tour. Everyone experiencing it both offline and online are left in awe. Take a bow, Big Hit!
5. Welcome, First Time With BTS VCRs? Pt. 1
New concert tour means new VCRs! The intro VCR, with a focus on the idol-side of BTS, was an apt opening to their IDOL performance. VCR #2 (largely J-Hope and Jungkook focused) was bright and goofy with a few shots replicating J-Hope’s Daydream MV elements, expressing blissful days of youth. Adorable little Kim Yeontan also had a cameo role! RM and Jimin’s VCR evoked a playful feeling of love, as the shots played with individual scenes that complemented each other. Elements from Jimin’s Serendipity could be found. VCR #4 was Taehyung focused, seeming like an extension of his Singularity MV with its setup and dark themes. The cloak-mask VCR from the FAKE LOVE comeback stage weaves its way in. The Suga- and Jin-focused VCR saw glimpses of BTS’ past MVs. With a sense of disconnection, the two members can be seen mirroring each other’s actions. The last VCR worked almost as a behind the scenes, peeking into the members’ dance practices and so on. Conclusion: Visuals? Delivered. Theories? Unsolved.
6. Solo Stages Whiplash & A Medley From The Past
Just like with their Wings Tour, Love Yourself saw BTS members gearing up for their solo performances. J-Hope’s Trivia: Just Dance was an energy-boosting stage, parts performed on a raised platform as he hit every note and matched every beat through his dance. With Euphoria, cherry-haired Jungkook highlighted some fancy footwork since his last solo Begin, nailed high falsettos and charmingly created a feel-good atmosphere. Serendipity shone brightly on Jimin’s prowess as a contemporary dancer, his execution effortlessly smooth and dreamlike. RM’s Trivia: Love stages sans backup dancers were upbeat both in performances and in garnering the audience's reactions as they joined in the rap. If you thought Singularity’s MV was sensual, V’s live performance was just that but 10x stronger, with elaborate choreography that was graceful to the eyes. Suga’s Trivia: Seesaw was definitely not what anyone expected, as the rapper danced through his rap in a shiny, eye-catching red suit. The last solo stage, Jin’s Epiphany, as he played a part of it on a piano, was emotional, touching and heard an “I’m the one I should love…” at every performance.
BTS worked through a powerful medley stage, a throwback to their older hits like I Need U, Dope, Silver Spoon, Run, Attack on Bangtan, Boyz With Fun and more! While for most songs the boys often ran about the stage, doing their own thing, Fire always saw the members regrouping to execute their iconic 333 step.
7. So What & The Impromptu Shoot Dance
A stage with no particular choreography, So What saw Jungkook at his peak millennial onstage as he broke into an impromptu shoot dance during RM’s rap. From there on, it only seemed right that he got the rest of the BTS to dance through this unofficial dance move. So What and shoot dance has since become inseparable.
8. In Partnership With UNICEF and LG
With their Love Yourself era, BTS partnered with UNICEF and has since actively endorsed the #BTSLoveMyself and #ENDViolence campaigns. Each of their tour stops saw a UN booth giving ARMY a chance to participate in the campaign offline and purchase merch that would directly contribute to raising money for the cause.
Appealing to ARMYs with more attraction, BTS Studio Presented by LG was set up across cities, providing a Virtual Video Booth amongst others. The Virtual Video Booth allowed users to record and send messages of encouragement as well as take a virtual photo with their favorite BTS member. In short: an ARMY’s paradise!
9. Every Answer: Love Myself Encore Stage
As a theme of the world tour suggested, it was only right to close the shows across countries with Answer: Love Myself. Each stage in every city signed off on a note where BTS and ARMY serenaded each other with “You have shown me I have reasons I should love myself”. If this doesn’t describe the BTS-ARMY relationship then what will?
10. Special Thanks To...
Is it a BTS concert if ARMYs aren’t thanked for being? From being the group’s happiness to their voice to their wings, the BTS members went ahead and drew the curtain on every concert by screening Special Thanks To The Biggest Love, ARMY. For the love ARMY sends BTS’ way, somehow they end up receiving tenfold.
Does anyone else need tissues?
Every BTS concert is unique and brings something resonating to the stage. Did we miss out on your favorite Love Yourself World Tour moment? Send it across! Until next time!
DISCLAIMER: I 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: Mei
Edit By: Anna Moon
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