BTS inspires hope, happiness with all-English single 'Dynamite'

BTS members pose during a global press conference to promote their new single “Dynamite” in Seoul, Friday. / Courtesy of Big Hit Entertainment

By Kwak Yeon-soo

BTS dropped its highly anticipated English-language song “Dynamite” to send messages of hope and happiness to ARMYs ― its fans ― around the world struggling through the pandemic.

Speaking of the new single “Dynamite,” RM said the group initially had no plans of releasing new music before its next album. It is working on a new album set for release in the fourth quarter of 2020 after dropping “Map of the Soul: 7” in February.

“We came across 'Dynamite' while preparing for our next album,” RM said during an online global press conference held in Seoul, Friday. “As soon as we heard the song, we thought it was really fun and it was a song we really wanted to try.

“It made us feel good we could just dance to it, and we wanted to share this feeling as soon as possible and share this energy.”

J-Hope recalled that releasing the single was a last-minute decision and time was tight, but BTS managed to work through it successfully.

“We had so much fun during the entire process, from recording to shooting photos and the music video for 'Dynamite.' It was a bit difficult for me to record this song because my key was too high, but I think it turned out well,” he said.

Suga said “Dynamite” is disco pop with a cheerful vibe, and it sends a message of happiness and confidence.

“The lyrics are very bright and cheerful,” Suga said. “It conveys a message that even though we're going through tough times, let's do what we can in our places to find happiness and lift up our mood.

“There's a line that goes 'I'mma light it up like dynamite.' I hope people can gain energy from listening to our song when everyone in the world is going through tough times right now.”

A teaser image of BTS's new single “Dynamite.” / Courtesy of Big Hit Entertainment

V revealed the reason behind releasing the group's first track sung fully in English.

“During the process of making our album, we thought the English lyrics fit the melody better,” V said. “It felt new and different from what we had tried before, so we all agreed that singing in English would be a good idea.”

Jungkook discussed the choreography, saying there are some catchy moves that fans can try at home. “I think the dance also fits the song really well. There are also moves that bring out each member's unique personalities,” he said.

On BTS's goal for the track's performance on local and global charts, Jin said chart rankings always excite them.

“No matter what the rank is, we always feel honored because it means people listen to our song and there are people who like our song,” he said. “If there's a new record, it will be very encouraging and moving.”

Members also shared honest thoughts about coping with the cancelation of plans and being unable to do things they loved before the pandemic struck.

“When I heard that our world tour had been postponed, I felt helpless and frustrated,” Suga said.

“Then I started to think about what we can do for our fans. I realized that we belong on the stage and singing and dancing is what BTS can do, so we held an online concert to deal with this unusual situation.”

BTS will perform “Dynamite” on MTV's Video Music Awards on Aug. 31. It is also releasing the film “Break the Silence: The Movie” in September. In October, the group will perform its first concert “Map of the Soul ON:E” since postponing its “Map of the Soul World Tour” in April.

The group will perform live for fans in Korea on Oct. 10 and 11, which will be live-streamed online for those unable to attend.