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| Members of K-pop sensation BTS pose during their online concert Sunday. Courtesy of Big Hit Music |
By Dong Sun-hwa
Over the past two years, the members of K-pop titan BTS faced a torrid time just like their fans.
The lingering COVID-19 pandemic has deterred them from playing live concerts in front of massive crowds, depriving them of the opportunity to do the very thing they live for. This was why the septet, who has been feeling lost in their lives, was more than thrilled to hold their first online concert in a long time on Sunday, which signaled the beginning of its new world tour, "BTS PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE." For BTS, the event was a much-needed boost to reignite its passion and take the next leap forward.
"Honestly, I went through tough times when I was preparing for this concert, because I felt like I had no more driving forces," leader RM told his followers during the concert. "I also felt like I was forgetting who I am… But thanks to today's show, I realized that I do not have to ruminate on my motivations or anything else if I can just see my fans."
Jungkook echoed such sentiments, saying, "Before performing on stage today, I was not even aware that my passion was gradually dying. But through today's show, I realized what was going on deep in my heart… I think I really have to meet you now. I miss you so much."
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| BTS performs during Sunday's online concert. Courtesy of Big Hit Music |
Six members ― RM, Jin, Suga, j-hope, Jimin and Jungkook ― opened the show by walking out of a white prison that had been confining them. They gave a powerful performance of their hip-hop track, "ON" (2020), while member V, who suffered pain in his calf muscles during show rehearsals, remain seated. Nevertheless, V boasted his vocal bravura from the chair.
BTS then heightened the festive mood with "FIRE" (2016) and "DOPE" (2015), before welcoming the fans with radiant smiles.
Jungkook, who recently dyed his hair mint-blonde, said, "Although we cannot see you, you can still see us. We will perform hard and enjoy ourselves today."
V added, "Please do not worry too much about my health condition. I am really fine. Let's get started."
For more than two hours, the Big Hit Music stars performed 24 songs including "DNA" (2017), "FAKE LOVE" (2018) and "Boy With Luv" (2019).
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| BTS during Sunday's online concert / Courtesy of Big Hit Music |
One of the most attention-grabbing moments was when the group performed "Black Swan" (2020) against the backdrop of the full moon. After Jimin began the performance with his surreal moves that powerfully evoked a sense of modern dance, the other members joined him and created a dramatic mood that enthralled the crowd. Behind them, several backup dancers put on fur-like white gloves and moved in sync, making them look like a pair of huge wings enabling BTS to fly high.
BTS members became emotional under the spell of crooning ballads like "Blue & Grey" (2020), but the mood changed when they belted out more vibrant and upbeat songs such as "So What" (2018) and "IDOL" (2018). Some other tracks on the set list were BTS's English-language songs such as "Dynamite" (2020) and "Butter" (2021).
One noticeable thing about the concert was that there were no individual performances. In their previous shows, the members often performed solo features, notably Suga stealing the scene with his solo track, "Seesaw" (2018) and Jin mesmerizing the audience with his performance of "Epiphany" (2018).
J-hope explained that BTS wanted to fill the stage as a full seven-member group this time.
"It was a huge challenge for us to do so," he said. "We poured a lot of effort into this job."
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| BTS is poised to have live concerts in Los Angeles on Nov. 27 and 28, and Dec. 1 and 2. Courtesy of Big Hit Music |
BTS wrapped up the show by relaying some messages to its followers around the globe.
"We feel that the (virus) situation is improving," j-hope said. "So we will soon be there to meet you. Please wait for the day when we see each other."
Jungkook said, "I almost felt like crying when I saw no fans in the seats… Please wait a little bit more for us."
Jin, 28, the oldest member in the group, added he wanted to stage more concerts before he "gets older."
"I think I am becoming physically weaker these days, as we cannot have a globe-trotting tour," he said. "So my voice cracked during one of the performances today… Before I get older and my body condition gets worse, I want to perform as much as possible. Following our upcoming Los Angeles concert next month, we will have more chances to see you."
On Nov. 27 and 28, and Dec. 1 and 2, BTS will hold its first live concerts in Los Angeles in two years, after it called off its world tour titled "BTS MAP OF THE SOUL TOUR" due to the virus epidemic.
