Tears, pressure: what's behind BTS's new release 'Map of the Soul : 7'

K-pop titan BTS released its fourth studio album “Map of the Soul : 7” on Feb. 21. Courtesy of Big Hit Entertainment

By Dong Sun-hwa

K-pop phenomenon BTS is at its peak of popularity, but behind the glamorous facade are tears and sweat, being always under pressure.

“I shed a lot of tears when working on the down-tempo songs such as 'Black Swan,'” front man RM said during the group's global press conference broadcast live on YouTube, Monday. “I am still afraid of revealing my weakness and expressing this in music. But I could continue working on the album out of appreciation that I am a part of BTS."

He added: “I know I am so lucky to sing and dance along with these members.”

BTS released its fourth studio album "Map of the Soul : 7," fronted by hip hop-flavored "ON” on Feb. 21. It offers 20 cross-genre tracks including "Filter" and "Respect,” and is a sequel to the group's April release "Map of the Soul : Persona." Through the songs, the members unveil how they have come to accept their "inner darkness" after going through struggles.

Rapper Suga talked about pressure stemming from the band's immense popularity and musical feats. “Map of the Soul : 7,” for instance, topped the iTunes album charts in 91 countries.

“It would be a lie if I say I am not pressured at all about succeeding with more musical accomplishments,” he said. “But now I believe a purpose is more crucial than a goal. As always, we would keep on doing what we enjoy and this will naturally lead us to further achievements.”

BTS live-streamed its press conference on YouTube on Monday. Courtesy of Big Hit Entertainment

He also mentioned the Grammys as the septet's next “purpose.” In January, BTS became the first K-pop act to perform there, with rapper Lil Nas X.

“It is not up to us to decide whether we will participate in the awards or not, but we will strive to go to the awards again next year,” he said.

RM also revealed his thoughts on the group's worldwide popularity.

“We merely unfolded our personal stories in our numbers, but this, ironically, appealed to people from around the globe,” he said. “Numerous people today empathize with us and some of them even began studying Korean.”

Jin, 27, the group's oldest member, talked about compulsory military service.

“Nothing has been finalized about my enlistment yet,” the singer said. “I am reluctant to speak about this topic, but whenever I am asked to join the army, I will answer the call.”

BTS initially planned to hold the conference at COEX in Gangnam-gu, southern Seoul, but its agency Big Hit Entertainment decided not to invite the reporters and instead broadcast the conference live to “prevent the spread of coronavirus.”