Journalist, Author & Syndicated Columnist
BTS has done its share of guest spots that follow the standard routine: perform a song and then sit on the sofa chatting about what American food they like. But ever since their appearance last May on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” some American variety shows have gone out of their way to make things more unique.
“Anytime you hear the finished version of a song, it’s exciting,” says Ellis Miah, who co-wrote a song with BTS. “I think in any language, all the creators feel something special when they hear it. A song is more than lyrics. It’s melody and it’s emotion. While I don’t understand Korean, there is no mistaking the depth that V puts into this song.”
A breezy “Hey-na-na-na” precedes their declaration of nothing being able to “Hold me down/ ‘Cuz you know I’m a fighter” makes it obvious that, like this entire album, “ON” is an exhortation to their fans, but also homage to their own career.
“BTS at this point is much more than a pop band,” songwriter Ellis Miah said. “They are a force of nature. Their energy brings smiles and excitement everywhere they go. To be involved in writing a song with them is a huge honor.”
“E-news Exclusive” follows BTS to the Grammys, covers “Parasite” at the Oscars and also nabs the first interview with Ku Hye-Sun since her very public split from Ahn Jae-Hyun.
MTV News interviewed me for this piece on how differently “Parasite” director Bong Joon-Ho and BTS are viewed by critics.
BTS’ admiration of “Parasite” director Bong Joon-Ho is no secret. In their song “Spring Day,” they reference the filmmaker’s 2013 movie “Snowpiercer.” They’ve all praised “Parasite,” which V and Jungkook saw at a Busan theater prior to their fanmeet there.
There are just a few days left in 2019. And you know what that means, right? South Korea is getting ready to air some of its most popular awards shows. For the first time ever, international K-pop and K-drama fans (in North and South America) can watch these ceremonies LIVE at the same time as viewers are watching in Korea.
From the giant stages of a sold-out stadium tour — including two nights at London’s 90,000-capacity Wembley Stadium — to the intimacy of a “Saturday Night Live” performance, BTS was everywhere in 2019. Consistently reaching the top of the U.S. charts singing in their native Korean, BTS made pop culture history on their own terms. For all this, the septet has earned the honor of being named Variety’s Group of the Year.
The American Music Awards sweep was a vindication for BTS’ fans, who were shocked the group was shutout at the People’s Choice Awards earlier this month, where the band was nominated for Music Video, Favorite Group and Concert Tour.