"We are literally strong. The ARMYs I know and the BTS you all know, we're all strong.
We'll find a way, we always have. If there's no way, let's draw the map.
No worries, we're strong, we're still connected"- RM
Kim Namjoon, also known as RM — leader of the Billboard chart-topping superstars BTS, is known for his insightful and heartwarming concert ending ments. Their recent Map of the Soul ON: E concert was no exception. RM’s words continually give comfort to his fellow BTS members who are sometimes overwhelmed by their emotions while on stage and to the ARMYs who are able to briefly set aside their personal struggles while immersed in the concert experience. Not for the first time, his thoughtful statements proved how informed he is on the current circumstance and hardships everyone is struggling with all over the world.
BTS - “Finding a Way”
During the June online concert, BangBangCon: The Live BTS commented on how much they missed hearing ARMY voices cheering them on, shouting the fan chants, and singing along to the lyrics. Below was their humorous attempt at a group hug with absent ARMYs.
Photo credit: BangBangCon: The Live screenshot (Big Hit Entertainment)
This recent two-day extravaganza of Map of the Soul ON: E allowed them to reclaim a small snippet of that experience with the inclusion of the ARMY ON AIR event. Throughout the two-day concert, hundreds of fans could be seen enjoying themselves, smiling, dancing, and waving their ARMY lightsticks or home-made slogans through large LED screens. With the assistance of technology, the BTS members were also able to hear ARMYs cheering and singing along during V’s performance of “Inner Child.”
Photo credits: Map of the Soul ON: E screenshots (Big Hit Entertainment)
Baby ARMY - “Finding a Way”
For this next segment, one of our newest members of Borasaek Vision’s blogging team shares their experiences as a Baby ARMY who has only experienced BTS’ performances via online spaces. Whether you’re OG ARMY or Baby ARMY though, these words will surely resonate.
“For me, what stood out was the range of the breathtaking solo performances. The rollercoaster of emotions that the four solos of the vocal line took me through is indescribable. The solos started off with Jungkook’s “My Time” — a jaw-dropping performance with its sexy choreography and outfit that none of us saw coming. Next up — Jimin’s “Filter,” which gave us a sensual, Latin-inspired choreography topped with an astonishing costume change amidst the performance that left all ARMYs bewildered. Then we had Jin’s incredibly adorable and dreamy “Moon” performance that some ARMYs have likened to the story of “The Little Prince”; ending the sequence with Taehyung’s “Inner Child,” with an adorable kid and the merry-go-round set-up that had all of us bawling.
Another captivating element was the production and the sets. Even though BigHit released an article that said the production cost was eight times that of BangbangCon: The Live, I think I was still not prepared for what was in store for us. The graphics, XR (extended reality), and AR (augmented reality) technologies used were on point, especially in the set design for Dope. The whole elevator experience was mind-boggling!
The fact that BTS ended the concert with three songs — one which introduced the world to them (“No More Dream”), one which made them known (“Dope”) and one which gave them an entry into a larger world (“DNA”) speaks volumes about how grounded they are. Gestures like these keep reminding us how humble these 7 global superstars are; not for a single moment do BTS forget where they have come from.
Lastly, Jimin’s ending ment during Day 1. This personally has had an impact on me and seeing Jimin break down like that in front of thousands truly broke my heart. His words were enough to remind us that all these awards, wins, and glory amount to nothing to a performer, an artist, who lives to perform; if separated from the only source of expression for them. It made me realize everyone has suffered a great deal due to the pandemic, regardless of their backgrounds.
For those few minutes, Jimin was stripped down to his human self, where he could no longer contain his sadness. And this somehow gave us hope that we are all together in these tough times. That it’s okay to break down and ask for help. That people can be suffering a great deal no matter what kind of an outlook they project, and no materialistic thing can bring in true happiness.
After Day 1, you could feel the energy shift, at least I could. Whatever talks the members had after the first show, it really helped them and enabled them to be happy and enjoy the show themselves the next day. Perhaps they realized that the online concert felt more real than they expected it to. Bottom line, I was incredibly happy to see them so happy to be performing and to be meeting us. Here’s to hoping they get to meet us in person soon!”
Ending Ment
Even though the world’s agenda in these turbulent times is focused on social distancing, quarantining, and self-isolation, the importance of finding ways to stay connected cannot be underestimated. When BTS x ARMY are connected, we feel a sense of responsibility for ourselves and for each other. That sense of purpose and meaning encourages us to take better care of ourselves, to take fewer risks with our well-being, and to remain hopeful. In doing so, we find ways to overcome our struggles, to push through the obstacles and pain, and keep moving forward.
Surely, this is what RM meant when he said “We’ll find a way, we always have.”
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 & Ananya
Edit By: Esma
Checked By: Clare
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