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BTS during a YouTube broadcast that got over 220,000 views. (provided by Big Hit Entertainment)

“In the seven years since our debut, we’ve never gone astray, and while there have been times where the internal fears and shadows have loomed large, I feel like we’ve learned now how to find our balance. This is an expression of our commitment to facing and fighting against the scars, sadness, and ordeals we’ve dealt with.”

The members of BTS explained the message of their fourth album “Map of the Soul: 7” at a talk with reporters globally broadcast online on Feb. 24 for the album’s release.

“There are always going to be those inner shadows, and your life all depends on whether you accept them or not. It takes great courage to acknowledge and accept that, but it’s the only way you can take another step forward,” one of the group’s members said.

The music on the fourth album, which went on sale on Feb. 21, is about facing the shadows that have lain hidden inside over the years and acknowledging them as part of oneself. The individual members shared their own stories that day about growing more mature while overcoming inner pain.

“I’ve cried writing songs before. I was always frightened of showing and acknowledging weakness,” RM said.

“Looking back on the past seven years, I think I’ve been fortunate just to be able to make this kind of music and partake in these kinds of dances with my fellow members,” he added.

V also admitted to experiencing “a kind of emptiness as I was getting into the car after performances at things like festivals.”

“I’m over that now,” he asserted.

The “Map of the Soul” series, which expressed the idea of beginning a journey toward one’s true self, began last year with the release “Map of the Soul: Persona.” Contrary to expectations that the group would go on from “persona” to address the “shadow” and “ego” in turn, BTS decided with its latest album to focus on content dealing with both the shadow and the ego.

“Our comeback was delayed when we left for a long holiday in August and September of last year. Coming back now after 10 months, we decided to combine the two concepts into a single album,” said RM.

“This album is the result of us pouring out our souls and strength and effort,” he added.

The members of BTS also admitted to feeling burdened about being talked about in connection with “records.” Their latest album topped the iTunes album charts in 91 countries and regions, while its lead single “On” went to number on iTunes single charts in 83 countries and regions. Its album sales have also been setting new records. The latest release set a new record for a BTS album with 2,653,050 sales on the first day alone; by the next morning, it had topped three million (Hanteo Chart).

“I’d be lying if I had there wasn’t pressure over the new records,” said SUGA.

“We’re living in a time now where ‘goals’ are more important than ‘targets’ and ‘achievements’ are more important than ‘performance,’” he said, adding that the members would “think about what we’re capable of doing and enjoying.”

The BTS members responded with humility to remarks made by Bong Joon-ho after his film “Parasite” recently snagged four Oscars, with the director arguing that “BTS has more than 3,000 times the power and influence that I do.”

“I think he said that because he wanted the world to know about all the dynamic and outstanding artists in South Korea,” SUGA said.

“I’m a Bong fan. I’ve seen his films, and I really loved ‘Parasite,’” he added.

Jin, who with a birth year of 1992 is the oldest of the group’s members, shared his thoughts about entering the military.

“Nothing has been decided yet. I see military service as an obvious obligation, and I intend to answer whenever the country calls,” he said.

BTS was originally to hold the talk with reporters at COEX in Seoul’s Gangnam District, but opted for a YouTube broadcast due to the novel coronavirus outbreak. Rather than answering questions from the floor, the group’s members adopted a format of answering questions received in advance from reporters. In its live broadcast on the YouTube account “Bangtan TV,” the talk was viewed by over 220,000 people.

By Shin Ji-min, staff reporter

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