[Episode 5] "BTS Monuments: Beyond The Star"

[Update: 2024/9/24] Sorry, I made a mistake regarding Jin's age, so I have corrected it. That was an important part...!

The beginning of a new chapter

Stages without an audience, performances without cheers. That was becoming the new normal in 2020, when the explosive hit "Dynamite" shone brightly.

In the following year, 2021, "Butter" and "Permission To Dance" also set numerous records, further increasing BTS's global popularity and influence. It seems this was the period when they truly established their presence in the American pop market.

From speeches and performances at the UN General Assembly, Bangtan showed international activity in fields other than music. However, they couldn't easily reach the stage with ARMY that they wanted most, and it wasn't until the end of 2021 that it finally became a reality.

Impressions: Episode 5 "Welcome!" (2021)

It starts right away with a super cool practice scene for "Butter"!

Following the global hits of "Dynamite," "Butter," and "Permission To Dance," BTS finally took on their first in-person concert in two years, "PTD on Stage." The announcement of the concert plays over footage of the members traveling to Los Angeles by plane. Namjoon is worried about their stamina. Fighting!

Bangtan is practicing the choreography for "Permission To Dance" in a hotel room. This is footage from the 2021 AMAs. They are using water bottles as microphones. I think I kind of understand why Jungkook sometimes confuses these two during concerts lol

I recognize this room. It's the room where Jin was practicing "Super Tuna" with Son Sung-deuk! So that's when it was~ (a realization that comes a bit late)

On 2021/11/24, in a studio in Los Angeles, Bangtan is practicing with dancers. SUGA is passionately sharing his opinions. Jin says that this time, they were able to focus on concert practice, share opinions on the performance, and take time for preparation.

It's not that the pandemic was a good thing, but I do think there were things we were able to do because of this environment.
For example, the three major English songs had a huge variety of choreography, costumes, and staging, which really drew in new fans, but we were only able to do that because we had extra time due to COVID.

The members are exercising even after rehearsals to build up their stamina.
The setlist this time consists of group songs from start to finish, so there's no time for others to rest during solo or unit songs. Plus, since it's a stadium-sized venue, the stage itself is huge, and they have to dash constantly. It looks exhausting ( ;∀;)
Namjoon says, "But I'm sure the audience will be happy with this," expressing his determination to make this long-awaited reunion something special.

November 27, 2021, finally the first day in Las Vegas!
I've already watched the main show, but I'm still shaken by Jungkook's scandalous cut shirt. It feels more like I've seen something I shouldn't have than the bathing scene in 'Are You Sure?!' (*ﾉωﾉ)

At this point, the future was still uncertain, so BTS decided that rather than returning to Korea and having regrets about being under self-quarantine again, they would just push through regardless of their physical stamina.
The dancers applauding them as they stood by to go on stage is truly heart-wrenching.

Welcomed by a literal massive crowd, the performance begins!
The attendance for the LA concert was 214,000. That means 53,500 people were watching every move of the seven members at each performance.

BTS talk about the joy of experiencing the best moment.
Jin's comment about it feeling like "coming home" is memorable. It reminded me of the conversation between Namjoon and Pharrell.

Namjoon and SUGA lament that while the pandemic gave them time to prepare thoroughly, there was no place to hold the performance, and they would go anywhere if they could.
Regulations on public gatherings during the pandemic varied by country, and since the outlook in their home country was still uncertain, there was a possibility that this might be the only one.
In the end, they were only able to perform in Korea in the spring (March 10–13, 2022).

"We want to go see you all too, so let's both do our best until that day comes," Jungkook whispers.
Around this time, there was one other thing besides the possibility of performances during the pandemic that was uncertain for BTS.
I think it was the timing of Jin's enlistment.

Born on December 4, 1992, Jin had his enlistment postponed until the end of 2022 based on the so-called BTS Law (amendment to the Military Service Act) following a recommendation from the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, but the remaining time was short, and public pressure was likely quite high.

BTS's military service was a matter of national interest, so it was a huge commotion involving both the government and the public.
In the end, the discussion on legal amendments did not progress, and following the change in the political environment due to the change of administration (President Yoon took office on May 10, 2022), it seems the BTS side made the decision to put an end to the long-term uncertainty.

The original plan was apparently "'ON' release -> World Tour -> Military Service," so since the flow that had stalled during the pandemic was back to normal with "PTD on Stage," the next thing to come was military service.
Even listening to the members, I got the impression that while the timing was still unclear at this stage, the intention to go soon was shared among them.

Jin chose to leave in the winter, even though he originally wanted to enlist during a warmer season, so that they could leave behind a final performance of the seven of them at the Busan concert. The younger members followed him, preparing a lot of content to minimize the time they would be incomplete.
When you listen to BTS's comments with the perspective we have now, their weight increases.

Just as I was feeling sentimental, this Jin appeared on screen. The eldest brother making a fuss saying, "If I don't take it off soon, the blood won't circulate to my head," I love him lol

After finishing the first day's performance, Namjoon is letting out a sigh of relief while being hugged by Taehyung, saying "We did it." Good job!
James Corden came running to comfort them, saying "My proud boys!" Papa Mochi reaching out to Jimin saying "Oh Baby!" is so lovable lol

In the car on the way home, Jimin asks Hobi, "When is the next concert?"
The conversation, "The worst-case scenario is 3 years from now (JM)" "That really is the worst (JH)," shows that the military service schedule is on both of their minds and they are assuming it will be in the relatively near future.

2021/11/29, Jin went out to an amusement park.
If it's the same place as the one shown in "BREAK THE SILENCE," then this is his second time. He looks very pleased wearing a cape that matches the staff's.
He said, "It doesn't look like much," while going to ride the roller coaster, but I could hear his silver-voice screams loud and clear lol

It seems like today is free time, and Hobi is going out to take pictures in a cute outfit. He's in a good mood, ordering whiskey at a terrace seat.

SUGA, who usually says he's too embarrassed to take photos, seems to have been persuaded by someone saying "It's a waste not to," so he's trying it out.
After that, he's tilting a glass at a bar, but somehow it looked like he had a "I want to go home and work" vibe. I like how he doesn't seem to have many hobbies and has put all his parameters into music.

The maknae line seems to have gone to the sea. They played on the beach at sunset and went to eat. The lobster looks delicious. Oh, I've seen that cut of Jungkook feeding Taehyung somewhere before.
For Jin, a plate full of super sweet ice cream seems to be his dinner lol

2021/11/19, because they were nominated for the grand prize, an admission pass arrived from the American Music Awards.
The mugshot from the "Butter" MV (the cut where they are holding name tags) was used instead of a headshot, which is stylish!

The awards ceremony was on 2021/11/21.
BTS won Artist of the Year, Favorite Pop Duo or Group, and Favorite Pop Song ("Butter"), taking home three awards. Congratulations!!
I laughed at how Jungkook's "FOCUS ON..." was completely focused on lol

Kang Myeong-seok, the author of "BEYOND THE STORY," talked about how this BTS AMA win might have been the moment when the massive "K-POP" market, which had existed but hadn't been looked at yet, appeared on the American awards scene, which was very interesting.

I was impressed by his perspective, which is focused entirely on the performance—as expected of the eldest brother of BTS, the stage demon...! (*´艸｀)
It's interesting how you can see a person's priorities in the way they choose their words in an interview.

We already know that this simple prophecy came true.
Just as he said, Jungkook released 'Seven' as a solo artist and carved a new history in the global pop scene. These parting gifts from the members continue to dominate various charts even while they are absent due to military service.
I think the strength of BTS, which makes you not feel their 'military hiatus,' is due to their bond with ARMY.

2021/09/14, Cheong Wa Dae (The Blue House).
This is the place where the South Korean presidential office was located until May 2022. Ah, this was when they received their diplomatic passports and went to the UN. The timeline here is a bit mysterious.

Bangtan repeatedly filming and monitoring to perform 'Permission To Dance' at the UN General Assembly venue (the speech and video presentation were on 2021/9/20).
By the way, the lines highlighted in the subtitles for this practice scene differ between the documentary and the official video, so comparing them might change your impression.

Following their 2018 UNICEF speech, this is their second visit to the UN.
BTS is transforming from K-pop idols into global stars, and then into artists who exert international influence beyond just their music.

I entered the BTS fandom when the members weren't active, so at first, I just watched all the compilation videos that appeared in my recommendations. Watching this documentary, it's very interesting to see the information I gathered out of chronological order finally get organized.

From these words by Jungkook and Taehyung, one can see them establishing their identity as 'BTS' and standing on their own two feet as equal members of the group.
It was very impressive to see the younger members, who used to seem innocent and childish, relying on the hyung line for difficult things, now thinking for themselves about the responsibilities that come with their positions.

Since they are all in their 20s now, it's only natural, but since I'm usually captivated by the maturity of the hyung line, it's deeply moving to witness the members' mental growth firsthand on an occasion like this.

SUGA's reflection that he was feeling a bit of mannerism was also interesting.
'I want to take on new challenges. That's where the next chapter begins, and I will make new efforts again.' Could these words be connected to the D-DAY tour?

The documentary ends with J-Hope and Jimin's words, which seem to forewarn both themselves and their fans to prepare for change.

If things continue this way, the next year is 2022, the year after the release of their final album before enlistment, "Proof," when the tearful BTS dinner was revealed, and after the Busan concert, Jin finally enlisted. I wonder what will happen...!

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