PALAK DOSHI
BTS Videos that have changed the K-POP visual game
BBC has called them The Beatles of the 21st century and the band in question , Bangtan Boys , or BTS has four major keys to success - emotional resonance , sincerity , an ARMY of fans and kickass music videos . Since the group ’ s inception , they ’ ve worked to offer their fans something new while also maintaining the quintessential style that fans have come to love . Their signature bravura includes inventive choreography , stylish costumes , special effects , and intricate narratives throughout their visual odyssey . It ’ s safe to say BTS always lives up to the expectations of their fans . They represent a new age of composition , dance , and most importantly visualisation of music with each album as they whip up ground-breaking concepts .
One thing that every fan can vouch for is that they don ' t mess around when it comes to their music videos . From one of their very first music videos , “ No More Dreams ,” to their latest visual piece , “ Permission to Dance ”, each of the group ' s illustrations are stunning , and they inevitably leave the viewer wanting more .
Let ’ s have a quick run-through across some of their most iconic music videos .
Their first single , “ No More Dream ,” in 2013 was an ode to teen apathy , a rebellious rejection of Korean traditionalism . In the pre-BTS era , K-pop was dominated by songs about love and relationships . BTS is generally acclaimed for breaking this mould , exploring topics such as bullying , elitism , societal expectations on youth , mental health and social justice via their music . This dark , edgy debut put BTS on the map with a completely different look and style , with remarkable choreography and considerably great production that made it a super hit .
With “ Run ” in November 2015 , the band plunged into the Bangtan Universe . An interwoven ecosystem of content , the Bangtan Universe is a fantasyinfused narrative of seven friends navigating young adulthood . It ' s a comingof-age story in which the seven members of BTS become teenaged characters struggling to make their way in the world . As new fans start to piece together BTS ' music videos , they begin to realize that many of them connect . The overarching storyline is known as the Bangtan Universe , and it exists not just in BTS ' visuals , but in their webtoons and short stories as well . In short , the BU involves a fictional storyline that has all the BTS members playing their characters . These characters each have their backstory .
“ Save Me ” from May 2016 was brimming with emotion and sharp choreography . The music video , which was remarkably filmed in a one-shot take , showed BTS members singing and performing intense choreography against the wind , in the backdrop of low-lying clouds . The dance was choreographed by The Quick Style Crew . The video actually ranked second on Billboard ’ s Most Viewed K-Pop Videos in America as per the May 2016 list revealed by Billboard .
For “ Blood Sweat & Tears ” the boys went all out on the green screen . Complex choreography that displayed BTS ' s exquisite dancing skills combined with the supporting cinematography and SFX made it unrivalled . The storyline of " Blood Sweat & Tears " interpreted the song ' s mood by bringing together various biblical , artistic , and literary references . The artistic elements used to present the implied meaning of " Blood Sweat & Tears " became much more than simply a graceful , well-produced music video--it is an intricate compilation that describes falling from grace and good against evil with complex imagery , open to several interpretations , making it the epitome of art .
The release of Dynamite was one of the most defining moments of summer 2020 . It shattered many records and got BTS their welldeserved Grammy nomination . The band made it to give their fans hope and happiness during a time of sorrow and grief , and the music video follows through with that message . The video is an homage to the 60 ’ s / 80 ’ s from their retro disco outfits , to the Michael Jackson tribute and BTS dancing in a record shop and old school diners - all with a colourful modern twist ! Pastel colours adorn the video as BTS tries to convince their audience to remember the good amidst the bad .
When it comes to K-pop ’ s evolution locally and globally , BTS is in the driver ’ s seat ! They keep setting the bar higher with material that ’ s both friendly to pop and enthrallingly artistic . Their MVs , just like their music , transcend the K-pop genre and demonstrate BTS ' s broad international impact . One can rightfully call them a hit-generator and the band of boys in question have opened the flood-gates to music videos that are a visual tapestry of whimsical grandeur combined with complex , energetic choreography .
The Score Magazine
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