2020 could’ve been BTS’ biggest year–until the pandemic happened. The bestselling group celebrated their seventh year together with the release of ‘Map of the Soul: 7’ in February. Considering all the difficulties and barriers of this year, the band was not able to perform their songs in front of their fans — the ARMYs — this year.
But as the world seemed to stay on pause, the septet group made almost a million of their fans from all across the globe press the play button once again with their two day home-cert, Map of the Soul ON:E.
The two-day virtual concert (Oct.10-11) marked the world’s first streaming concert to apply both multi-view and 4K/HD, enabling fans to choose their favorite screen out of six multiview displays taking place on four massive stages. To create an even more intimate experience, the concert had some fans who won the “ARMY on Air” raffle shown in the stadium. Map of the Soul ON:E. bested all quarantine concerts with its innovative production and powerful setlist that once again proved BTS’ artistic range.
“Army Bombs” were set up at the empty seats to show where fans were supposed to be seated. Spread across the stadium, the beautiful purple-like ocean of Army Bombs connected to the live stream, which made BTS feel the intense cheers of the fans despite not being physically there.
BTS blew the world away with their explosive first performance “ON”. The steep mountain in the background symbolized their uphill struggle to fame in the almost saturated K-pop industry. The epic, fantasy song reflects their journey and inspires everyone to always stand strong and never give up. This exactly shadows their iconic lines “Can’t hold me down ‘cuz you know I’m a fighter” and “Find me and I’m gonna bleed with you”. The boys expressed that in this pandemic, we’re not alone, and that they’re here for us every step of the way.
The setlist consists mainly of their songs from the new album, starting with RM’s “Intro: Persona”. The concert recreated the music video (MV) with it’s massive CGI of RM’s other “persona”. The symbolic representation of RM and Kim Namjoon’s persona is hard to miss especially with the faceless background dancers in the background.
Stunning the audience with its visuals, Suga’s solo — Interlude: Shadow — tells us about the struggles of being in the spotlight. Disembodied hands appeared to grasp him, remaking the shadows in the lyrics and MV.
The concert definitely highlighted the versatility of each member. From Jimin’s emotional contemporary dance with Black Swan which in itself alone is a work of art, to his sexy solo ‘Filter’ having its Latin music undertones, followed by Jungkook’s beautifully crafted performance of My Time made all ARMYs collectively swoon.
As if to help fans catch their breaths, Jin travels to a softer side. Emulating the Little Prince book and film for his stage, Jin sings his heart out on his solo ‘Moon’, taking ARMYs back to their childlike spirits. V, sings to his younger self with a child actor while they ride a carousel in his solo ‘Inner Child’. A more fun side showcases J-Hope’s solo ‘Outro: Ego’ which is just the epitome of Hoseok the joy and hope for his fans and members. Throughout the concert, the set-design was fully utilized to emphasize the meaning of each song, creating truly beautiful storytelling performances.
The group also did not forget to perform their latest title track ‘Dynamite’. As there were no crowds cheering them on, the boys cheered for themselves while singing their respective lives, leaving fans more emotional.
To cap off the beautiful concert, BTS sang ‘We are Bulletproof: the Eternal’ which was a love letter between BTS and ARMY. Cubic reflections of fans surrounded the stadium, creating a truly intimate and heartfelt performance.
Their ending “ments” truly emphasized why their fans love and can relate with them so much; BTS wasn’t afraid to show their vulnerability and humanity. It hit hard when Jimin cried since he missed hearing and performing for ARMYs. Jin also lamented on how much they prepared for the world tour only to perform it twice, leaving fans feeling a tinge of bittersweetness.
RM reassured both the fans and his members with his hopeful closing. “The ARMYs I know, the BTS you all know, we are all strong… We’ll find a way. We always have. If there’s no way, let’s draw the map again. We’re strong and we’re still connected. Let’s not doubt ourselves, let’s believe in ourselves.” RM said. “I have no religion, but I thank God that we’re living in 2020. I thank God that we have this technology so we could be connected with no latency, see each other’s faces like really, literally you’re here, it feels like you’re here. And I hope you guys feel the same way, too.”
Map of the Soul ON:E concert was a bittersweet serendipity. To be able to connect with the audiences from all over the world is beyond imagination. BTS ended the concert with immense love and gratitude for their fans; “While waving flags of different colors, speaking different languages, and singing our own stories, we’ll keep marching forward together. BTS is not just the story of seven people. It is the story of you, the story of me, and the story of everyone.” This event will definitely forever be embedded on ARMYs hearts, rent free.
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