By Jae-Ha Kim
jaehakim.com
September 24, 2019
☆☆☆☆
“Someone said seeing BTS was like seeing a unicorn,” RM says in this fifth episode of “Bring the Soul.” “When you think about it, no matter what’s happening behind the stage, just showing our faces is a remarkable experience for some people.”
In other words, the group is well aware that there are fans all over the world who will never get the chance to attend a BTS concert. They know that the ones who did manage to snare a ticket often had to go through a Hunger Games-like ordeal to purchase it. For that reason, the group strives to be perfect, to give each show 110% and to perform through their injuries when possible, even when they’re advised not to.
After Jungkook is injured prior to a show, you can see the frustration on his face, because he knows there is no way he can perform on stage the way he usually does. He will be on stage singing, but he won’t be able to dance along with his bandmates.
Their staff member warns them that when one of them is injured, others try to compensate by going so hard that they inevitably hurt themselves. “Set your physical limits and make sure everyone stays within those boundaries,” he says.
Touring is wonderful, but it can be difficult on their health. Though they stay in nice hotels and eat regularly, constantly being in a flux of planes and cars and switching from one hotel to the next can take its toll. Jin says when they’re on the road, most of them are sick with a cold for at least half the duration. Suga points out that no matter how well rehearsed they are and how much care they put into their conditioning, their shows are so physically demanding that everyone is in pain.
None of this comes across as a complaint though. Rather, it’s a commentary on what it’s like to be a part of BTS. They don’t deny how lucky they are in getting to explore the streets of Amsterdam or visiting historic sites in London. When Jimin says that he “has to be a celebrity” for his fans, he’s not talking about putting on airs, but rather presenting an idealized version of himself so that fans aren’t disappointed when they see him in public. Lounging around in PJs and sweat pants at home is fine. But when they’re working, they put in the effort to look like the stars they are.
As they get ready to move onto their next destination, the group rattles off everything they feel they need to do: practice English, perfect their vocals, learn how to play the piano and on and on.
점잖게. It’s a Korean word that translates to gently. Whenever I hear Jimin talking (offstage), this word flashes into my mind. Whether he’s asking Jin if he can join in for a meal in an episode of “Eat Jin” or he’s serving as an intermediary when things get tense, he has a demeanor that’s calming in its maturity. He talks about all the other artists out there who work just as hard and produce wonderful music. So why haven’t they achieved the kind of popularity BTS has? “Why us?” he asks. “That means we have to do even better (for our fans).”
J-Hope makes an interesting comment that shows how invested he is in the band’s well being for the present and future. He says that it may be a greedy thought, but he wants his bandmates to be happy and he wants them to continue having success.
RM points out that there used to be a time when perfection was their ultimate goal, but it’s impossible for anyone to be perfect. “My favorite quote these days is. ‘Done is better than perfect,'” he says. I liked hearing this, because this meant that the musicians had learned to forgive themselves for things that are beyond their control.
I talk a lot about how BTS has been instrumental in representing Asians in pop culture in a positive light. They are very aware of the importance they play in representation.
“When we tour and watch the news before our shows, we’re everywhere,” Suga says. “We’re on the news. We’re on the morning shows. (Asians) in the U.S. and Canada said they’re grateful there are Asian artists they can be proud of. It’s a strange feeling.”
People often wonder what the members will do once they decide to move onto the next phase of their lives. And, yes, this means a life where they’re not living together and where their main focus no longer is BTS. I’ve never worried about this, because each member has talents they are honing at their own pace within the group. I loved hearing V say that one day, he’d love to hold a small exhibition of his photographs when he’s in his 40s or so. Of course he could do so now and fans would flock to it. That he’s thinking about this for his future shows that he knows that in order to retain artistic integrity for his photography, there has to be a little distance from his work as a global pop star.
But for now, they’re singers and performers and that’s the life they choose. “Fundamentally, we’re singers,” J-Hope says. “My knowledge in music is shallow compared to RM or Suga. But I share their sense of responsibility, because we give hope and healing to many people. That’s why I don’t take music lightly anymore.”
Fans who get to see BTS in concert are cognizant of how special those performances are. And fans who live in far-flung areas can hope about getting to see these real-life unicorns in their countries one day. Thankfully, the music BTS creates transcends live concerts. And anyone who has the ability to stream or buy a CD has the opportunity to share in their magic.
Airdates: The six-part docuseries debuted on August 27, 2019 on the group’s Weverse app. Read more of my reviews of “BTS: Bring the Soul” here: (Episode 1) (Episode 2) (Episodes 3 & 4) (Episode 6)
© 2019 JAE-HA KIM | All Rights Reserved
Another great episode and another great analysis from you. This episode went deep, I felt. Vulnerable unguarded moments. I noticed all the KT tape on Suga. You’re right to note Suga’s observation that this level of physicality will produce issues. It feels upsetting to fans but it is BTS’ normal. They are Olympian. Thanks for another excellent review.