“As citizens of Korea and of the world, BTS will face this challenge together with all of you.” - Jungkook (BTS), COVID-19 Message, 2020.
So far, 2020 has been full of agonizing challenges, not only for BTS and ARMY but for the world as well. From natural disasters to the COVID-19 pandemic and racial discrimination, this was a year people wished did not happen, and we’re only halfway through. It has exhausted everyone — physically, mentally, and emotionally. It is unfortunate these events happened in BTS’ seventh year.
Though BTS’ special year was celebrated in a much different way than anyone was expecting, ARMY found solace in BTS. Despite this year feeling like a huge punch in our faces, BTS keeps finding ways to brighten up our days. Nothing can stop BTS from creating activities — both offline and online — to remind ARMY that we are not alone.
Cheer up and smile, dear reader! Revisit the first half of 2020 with us as a reminder that we survived these past six months with BTS by our side.
January
2020 started off right with a gift from RM. His widely-anticipated collaboration with singer-songwriter Younha for the song Winter Flower gained attention from both BTS’ and Younha’s fans after its release on January 6th. The song has a comforting meaning; it talks about surviving hardships. Fitting for the upcoming trials.
January also marked the release of CONNECT, BTS. Through this global project, BTS connected five cities and twenty-two artists. CONNECT, BTS provided free art shows for ARMY sponsored by BTS. This project helps people connect, BTS bringing comfort not only through music but through other forms of art as well.
February
February 21 marked the release of Map of the Soul: 7, which received positive reception and critical acclaim. Five songs from Map of the Soul: Persona were included in MOTS: 7. ARMY loved every song, from the upbeat title track ON to the tear-jerking song We Are Bulletproof: The Eternal. MOTS: 7 felt like a tight hug from the seven members right when we needed it the most.
MOTS: 7 is the seventh studio album released by seven members on their seventh anniversary, making it a little more special. BTS never failed to surprise ARMY with their jaw-dropping songs on this album, and ARMY is loving every second. MOTS: 7 features individual songs and sub-unit songs which make ARMY feel every emotion there is.
March
Aside from the usual performances in Korean music shows, Jungkook and Jimin collaborated with American singer Lauv on March 6 for the song Who. Who talks about heartbreak and acceptance. Jungkook and Jimin’s vocals perfectly add to the heartache the song conveys.
V also showcased his great musical abilities by writing, producing, and singing Sweet Night, which is part of the soundtrack for Itaewon Class. The calming melody enhances the mood of the K-drama, with lyrics that match the episodes. The surprising thing about Sweet Night is how it’s written entirely in English — perfectly showcasing V’s eloquent English skills.
April
BTS was supposed to start their Map of the Soul tour in April, but all plans were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But this did not stop BTS from holding concerts—online! BANG BANG CON was a two-day virtual concert event free for all ARMY. What a way to show love during difficult times! BANG BANG CON featured several of their previous concerts and musters. Through this 24-hour event, ARMY were encouraged to continue living well during a depressing situation such as this emergency health crisis.
May
May held many surprises for ARMY. The first was IU’s collaboration with SUGA for eight. SUGA added his rap and producing skills to the nostalgic pop-rock song, which garnered many positive reviews. BTS also released the Break the Silence docu-series on May 12, which featured the boys on their 351-day journey from Love Yourself to Speak Yourself. Lastly, SUGA dropped his second mixtape as Agust D. D-2, consisting of ten tracks, showed Agust D’s point-of-view on the current state of the world. The mixtape became the talk of the Twitter world, with ARMY changing their profile icons to Agust D.
June
Of course, June was the month that was jam-packed with the most content from BTS. June is the anniversary month of BTS, which means that it was FESTA season once more.
FESTA is an annual celebration of BTS’ debut anniversary. For two weeks, BTS shared new photos, songs, and videos ARMY can enjoy. This FESTA was a bit different because of the pandemic, but BTS and ARMY enjoyed it despite the hard situation. The FESTA period started with Jungkook’s first official solo release, Still With You. He dedicated this song to ARMY, seeing that he used the words “thankyouarmy2020” as the Soundcloud link. The boys also held BANG BANG CON: The Live at the end of the FESTA period.
Aside from FESTA, BTS was also featured in Youtube's Dear Class of 2020" Virtual Graduation on June 7, wherein they gave messages to students who were missing out on their graduation ceremonies this year.
Lastly, BTS released their latest Japanese single Stay Gold on June 19, while they released the music video on June 26. Stay Gold talks about finding light in crumbling situations.
BTS indeed made our gloomy 2020 sunny, and this is proof that BTS and ARMY can survive even the strongest of storms together.
Tell us about your favorite BTS 2020 moment on our Twitter @BorasaekVision!
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Written By: Euni
Edit By: Ash
Checked by Aury