WEEK 15 | Take a Bite
April 8 - 12, 2024
Temptation.
It’s a heady word—temptation—and it can come in many forms: the last piece of chocolate in the candy box, your bed that feels extra comfortable on a rainy day, or that new BTS merch you really want but definitely do not need. Sometimes it’s easy to resist; other times it’s all but impossible.
Throughout their series named “The Most Beautiful Moment in Life”, BTS’ music showcased the concept of ‘youth’—always moving and ever-changing. It was adolescence transitioning into adulthood. Just five months after the release of the last album in that series, the group made another comeback—this time with WINGS.
Released on October 10, 2016, WINGS was BTS’ second full-length studio album, and their most ambitious up to that date. It contains 15 tracks, including (for the first time ever) a solo song from each member. The theme this time—what happens when ‘youth’ faces temptation?
The album explores this question with the realization that temptation is inevitable. It is a part of growing up. As we hear each song, we’re confronted with all of the emotions that come along with [the consequences of] giving in to temptation. However, there is an abiding undercurrent of hope showing us that giving in doesn’t have to be the end; sometimes we have to succumb so we can learn to grow the wings that will allow us to fly above future temptations.
In the press conference to introduce WINGS (linked in Day One), Rap Monster answers the question “What is BTS’ ultimate goal?” His response is that they hope their music will have a lasting positive effect on people’s values and lives. That, in a way, BTS can give ‘wings’ to those of us who hear their messages. Certainly, as they walked to the stage to receive their second ever Daesang (just weeks after receiving their first)—this time for “Artist of the Year”, they must have been realizing just how profoundly that goal was already coming to fruition.
Playlists & Lyrics
BTS WINGS SPOTIFY PLAYLIST (also embedded at bottom of post)
ARMY PROJECT 529 WEEK 15 VIDEO PLAYLIST (all YouTube links)
DAY ONE:
When it came time to nail down an intro for WINGS, the Rap Line knew it was finally j-hope’s turn. He had yet to write and perform an intro song, and in his VLog on the subject (shown below) he expresses how nervous he was to do it, and how dearly he wants to make everyone proud of him. Despite his nerves, his fellow members knew he was uniquely qualified to deliver on what was needed for the prelude to WINGS. They needed not just a song…but also a killer dance.
As we open with “Intro: Boy Meets Evil,” j-hope shows us the darkness and despair that temptation can sometimes bring when we are unable to resist it. The song starts quietly, but it builds anticipation until the furious intensity gives way to a more sensual beat, then trails off quietly again—leaving us sad, and vaguely unsatisfied.
My determined ambition, I sharpened my sword every day
But it gets dulled by my irresistible greed
The choreography for “Intro: Boy Meets Evil” is just as, if not more, important than the song itself. As j-hope performs it, his movements emphasize the stages of emotions the song conveys: confusion, longing, anger, blissful surrender, and then finally—acceptance and despair.
Truly, no one but j-hope could have performed this song…
WINGS PRESS CONFERENCE (07:00, not in YT playlist)
WINGS JACKET PHOTOSHOOT SKETCH (05:52 - shown below)
J-HOPE TALKS ABOUT “INTRO: BOY MEETS EVIL”, HIS FIRST SOLO ALBUM INTRO: VLOG 09/25/16 (06:31, he was SO nervous - shown above)
“INTRO: BOY MEETS EVIL” COMEBACK TRAILER (02:53, Hobi is AMAZING. Period. - shown above)
BTS REACTS TO J-HOPE PERFORMING “INTRO: BOY MEETS EVIL” (00:44)
BONUS: WINGS LIVE PREVIEW SHOW (46:13, feat. chaos and hilarity)
Fun Fact
As mentioned previously, the overarching theme of WINGS is youth facing temptation. Each song on the album showcases that theme in different ways, often using allusions to famous works of art and literature to do so.
“Intro: Boy Meets Evil” takes inspiration from Greek Mythology, specifically the tale of Icarus. If you’re unfamiliar with his story, in brief: Icarus is well known for donning a pair of wings (crafted by his father) made of wax and feathers and using them to escape from the Minotaur’s Labyrinth. Sadly, Icarus flies too high (ignoring his father’s sage advice) and plummets back down to the earth after the sun melts the wax in the wings.
The story is a lesson against hubris and being too greedy. The lyrics of “Intro: Boy Meets Evil” reference greed multiple times. And the M/V emphasizes the theme as well, with j-hope recreating “The Fall of Icarus”, a painting by Jacob Peter Gowy in his choreography.
j-hope dancing in “Intro: Boy Meets Evil” and “The Fall of Icarus” by Jacob Peter Gowy
DAY TWO:
BTS promoting “Blood Sweat & Tears”
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word 'temptation'? Is it something forbidden—something sweet that will potentially feel good, but may be bad for you? What imagery comes to mind?
The title track for WINGS is almost a textbook representation of facing the desire for something (or someone) and not being able to resist—not wanting to resist—and actually, reveling in being caught. It feels good. Giving in is wrong, but also feels like a reward. Rap Monster, in the same press conference referenced earlier this week, explains:
The harder a temptation is to resist, the more you think about it and vacillate. That uncertainty is part of the process of growing. 'Blood Sweat & Tears' is a song that shows how one thinks, chooses, and grows.
In the M/V, we see the members ‘giving in’ in different ways. Rap Monster is shown drinking something that resembles absinthe, a highly alcoholic spirit that has historically been portrayed as being dangerously addictive. Absinthe has, at various times, been outlawed in several countries around the world. The lyrics in j-hope’s verse reference whiskey, relating succumbing to desire to the feeling of being drunk. Jung Kook is sucking on a lollipop throughout the video, SUGA blindfolds Jimin, and V leaps off of a balcony—seemingly diving into temptation.
We open in an art museum with Jin examining a painting (“The Fall of the Rebel Angels” by Pieter Bruegel the Elder) that sets the tone for the rest of the M/V. The theme of fallen angels is one that easily comes to mind when we think of “temptation.” The rest of the artwork all plays an important role as well. We don’t want to give it all away, but as you watch the, see how many different themes and references you can notice…
“BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS” OFFICIAL M/V (06:03, Jimin’s shoulder will NOT be contained - shown above)
BANGTAN BOMB: “BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS” M/V SHOOT SKETCH (04:27, no one will ever be as happy as Yoongi is when a shoot is over)
BANGTAN BOMB: BTS REACTS TO “BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS” M/V (06:37, in which they rag on Jimin for his shoulder - as shown)
FLASH FORWARD: HOME VERSION OF “BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS” FOR FESTA 2017 (SPLIT SCREEN WITH M/V) (02:10, feat Yoongi as a disgruntled angel)
“BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS” COMEBACK STAGE ON MCOUNTDOWN (03:52, Jimin beginning to assume his “Final Form”, on his birthday.)
BANGTAN BOMB: CELEBRATING JIMIN’S BIRTHDAY ON MCOUNTDOWN (04:09)
BANGTAN BOMB: JIN & JIMIN PREPARE TO BE SPECIAL MCs ON MCOUNTDOWN (02:16)
JIN & JIMIN AS SPECIAL MCs ON MCOUNTDOWN (05:38, with KEY from SHINee - as shown)
DANCE TOGETHER WITH BTS PT. 1 ON MCOUNTDOWN (03:15, the source of a THOUSAND memes - as shown)
BANGTAN BOMB: THIS IS HOW V WARMS UP HIS VOICE (02:15, Spoiler Alert: it’s ADORABLE)
FANCAM OF BTS REHEARSAL FOR MUSIC BANG SPECIAL STAGE (03:34)
“BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS” MUSIC BANG SPECIAL STAGE IN GYONGJU (03:37, Jimin continues in his quest to destroy us all.)
BONUS: MMA 2016 FULL PERFORMANCE (“BS&T” AND “FIRE”) (8:37, V goes for the throat. Literally.)
Bangtan Bubble: Who bias wrecks you the most in BS&T and why is it Park Jimin?
Let us know your answer in the comments below or on social media (include #BangtanBubble)!
DAY THREE:
With a theme like ‘temptation’ at the forefront of their new album, it was inevitable that BTS would begin to explore a more adult side to their costumes, choreography, and M/V concepts. The release of “Blood Sweat & Tears” gave us a much more deliberately sensual Bangtan Sonyeondan than we’d ever seen before.
In the M/V, as we discussed yesterday, we see the members giving in to temptation—giving in to their desires. This is also represented in their choreography, the lyrics, and even in the way the song itself sounds.
My blood, sweat, tears, and my last dance
Take them all away
My blood, sweat, tears, and my cold breath
Take them all away
The breathy tones these lines are sung in (by Jimin, V, and Jung Kook) slide easily over us. The sound is tempting, addictive. It contrasts perfectly with the deep desperation we hear from the members of the Rap Line during their verses, and then finally the high (ahem) climax we get from Jin’s voice near the end of the song.
Calling the choreography eye-catching would be an understatement. Every performance of the song is mesmerizing. From the first moment, as the members take their hands away to reveal Jimin staring into the camera, until the end when they all slowly slide their hands up their legs and then pose, staring into the camera again…it’s impossible to look away. Each movement—from the smallest head tilt and touch to the lip to the more overt chokehold and pelvic thrust—is meant to captivate, and make us “want it more and more, more and more”.
“BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS” ON MCOUNTDOWN 10/20/16 (03:38, PINK SILK PAJAMAS YOONGI - shown above)
“BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS” WIN ON SHOW CHAMPION + ENCORE (09:45, j-hope demands everyone be sexy, JK defies gravity - shown below)
V TELLS ARMY THAT BTS IS ALWAYS THINKING ABOUT THEM (03:57, and looks gorgeous while doing it; bonus kisses from Rap Monster & Jin)
BEHIND THE SCENES AT MCOUNTDOWN (03:35, Jackson Wang continues to question Rap Monster’s affections.)
“BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS” ON SHOW MUSIC CORE (03:31, the cameraman understood the assignment - shown below)
BTS REACTS TO THEIR FINAL PROMOTIONAL PERFORMANCE OF BS&T (03:48, Yoongi: J-HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOPE!!!!)
MUSIC BANK 2ND WIN FOR BS&T ENCORE PERFORMANCE (04:58, FOR FREE?!)
BANGTAN BOMB: BTS PREPARES “BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS” (HEART VERSION) FOR INKIGAYO (02:25)
PRACTICING THEIR HEARTS FOR INKIGAYO (00:36, Warning: each second is lethal.)
BONUS: MESSAGE TO ARMY ON THE LAST DAY OF PROMOTIONS FOR BS&T (08:23)
Fun Fact
When BTS performed “Blood Sweat & Tears” on MCOUNTDOWN on November 06, 2016, they surprised many people by doing so in the costumes they had worn during the WINGS jacket photoshoot.
Backstage, the staff interview the members for behind-the-scenes footage and someone asks SUGA why they chose to do that. He responds in a very Min Yoongi-like way, essentially saying, “Well, we had them, so we figured ‘Why not?’”
The staff member also remarks that SUGA’s outfit in particular looks like expensive pajamas, but comfortable and easy to dance in. He replies:
Yes, it’s a very comfortable outfit. I’m not wearing any other clothes underneath.
Over the years, SUGA’s pink silk pajama outfit has become a favorite for ARMY. If you watched the MCOUNTDOWN performance we linked above, you know why. This tidbit of information is the cherry on top of the sundae, taking the pajamas from ‘favorite’ to ‘ICONIC’ status.
More BTS SUGA in silk pajamas with Jimin
DAY FOUR:
BTS Jung Kook in WINGS photoshoot
The seven solo tracks on WINGS all represent a piece of each member’s story in the Bangtan Universe which began during the HYYH era. The first of these solo tracks belongs to Jung Kook.
Every story has to have a beginning, and that particular theme is one of importance to BTS’ “golden maknae”. It’s fitting, then, that Jung Kook’s solo is titled “Begin.” It tells the story of how he came to Seoul when still very young, and met the six other boys who would become his fellow members in BTS. Living together in their dorm, packed in like sardines, they bonded deeply. Jung Kook was only 15 when the group debuted, the others became his older brothers, his hyungs in almost every sense of the word. They raised and protected him, and as a result, he absorbed what they taught him like a sponge.
Love you my brother, thanks to my brothers,
I began to have emotions, I became me
So I’m me
Now I’m me
You make me begin
Jung Kook has said on more than one occasion that his hyungs are precious to him. When he tried to write the lyrics for “Begin”, he felt overwhelmed and found it to be too difficult. So he asked his leader for help. Later, when talking about making the song, Rap Monster recalled a heartfelt conversation the members had in which they were each discussing their individual hardships. Jung Kook, truly opening up for one of the first times ever, even cried as he tried to explain his feelings. He said he didn’t have any hardships of his own.
“There was nothing that was difficult for me. I came in at a young age, signed the contract without knowing anything, sang and danced because that’s what I wanted. What pains me is the members being in pain, who are helping me and are living with me.”
The only thing that upsets him is seeing his hyungs upset. Jung Kook took on so much from such a young age. And he did so with such a big heart that is reflected in his talent and selflessness. He’s not happy unless everyone else is first.
WINGS SHORT FILM #1 - “BEGIN”: JUNG KOOK (02:35 - shown above)
BANGTAN BOMB: JUNG KOOK’S ACTING (CRYING) FOR “BEGIN” (01:48)
“BEGIN” LIVE STAGE MIX (04:16, There is NO choreography JK cannot dominate - shown below)
V PERFORMING “BEGIN” CHOREO IN REHEARSAL (00:26, Spoiler Alert: He nails it.)
JUNG KOOK TALKS ABOUT WINNING A DAESANG AND WANTING TO CREATE MUSIC: VLOG 12/06/16 (04:01, Kookie gets emotional.)
BANGTAN BOMB: MISSION MAKE JUNG KOOK LAUGH (01:14, Jimin is naughty.)
BANGTAN BOMB: JIN HYUNG TAKES CARE OF THE MAKNAE (00:47, in his own amusing Jin way)
BTS INTERVIEW ON YTN ABOUT WINGS AND THEIR NEW CONCEPT (05:20)
JUNG KOOK INTERVIEWING BTS ON “THE SHOW NEWS” PT. 2 (05:19, “Strong power, thank you.”)
Fun Fact:
On October 21, 2016, Rap Monster sat down in his studio (RKIVE) and decided to go on VLIVE to discuss the WINGS album with ARMY He wanted to explain the process behind creating some of the songs.
He didn’t plan for it to take very long. Well, we know what happens when Kim Namjoon starts talking about music… what followed was over forty minutes of Rap Monster breaking down each song on the album, telling ARMY about the writing process and the themes included.
The longer he talks, the more palpable his excitement becomes, and it’s incredibly heart-warming to see the pride on his face as he talks about how hard they worked. And indeed, Namjoon poured a lot of himself into this album, which is evident in how he explains each song’s creation.
DAY FIVE:
The second solo song on WINGS comes from Jimin, and it is the polar opposite of the track we discussed yesterday. While “Begin” expresses themes of love and optimism, “Lie” tells the story of the inner conflict that can occur from the attempt to escape lies and temptation.
Caught in a lie
Please take me out of this hell
I can’t free myself from this pain
Please save me who’s being punished
Jimin helped write the lyrics, based on feelings he often struggled to reconcile within himself. In the past we’ve watched him openly deal with Imposter Syndrome, thinking he wasn’t good enough, and blaming himself for his perceived short-comings. This song calls those feelings out (rightfully) as a ‘lie’, but even though he knows it’s not true, he can’t escape from the way it makes him feel.
BTS Jimin WINGS short film shoot
The song itself sounds slinky, and suggestive. It draws you in, as a lie would. The lyrics reference a snake, and the choreography does as well. Like with j-hope on “Intro: Boy Meets Evil”, Jimin’s previous dance experience before BTS gave him an opportunity to really shine and tell the story of “Lie” through his performance of the song. The movements throughout are both smooth and sharp, perfectly showing off the duplicitous nature of a lie. At one point, Jimin blindfolds himself, which suggests that he can’t, or won’t see the truth, even though it’s right in front of him.
I think, as ARMY, we can all be grateful that we know Jimin does not struggle to this degree anymore. He’s come a long way in recognizing his worth, his talent, and the integral part he plays in BTS.
WINGS SHORT FILM #2 - “LIE”: JIMIN (02:34 - as shown)
BANGTAN BOMB: WINGS SPECIAL FILM “LIE” (JIMIN SOLO DANCE) (03:09)
“LIE” STAGE MIX (04:12, There is no escaping The Jimin Effect.)
“LIE” + “SHOWDOWN” (WITH TAEMIN) PERFORMANCE (02:59, LEGENDARY)
BANGTAN BOMB: RAP MONSTER, JIN & J-HOPE REACT TO JIMIN & TAEMIN PERFORMING (04:51)
JIMIN POURS HIS HEART OUT: VLOG 11/20/16 (10:09, Prepare for an onslaught of emotions - as shown)
BTS COUNTDOWN TO MAMA 2016 WITH A GAME (02:48, “What comes to mind when you think of Hong Kong?” Hmmm.)
MAMA 2016 PERFORMANCE (BME, “LIE” AND BS&T) (06:14, Jimin levels up with a blindfold - as shown below)
Bangtan Bubble: What’s the biggest lie you’ve ever told yourself?
Let us know your answer in the comments below or on social media (include #BangtanBubble)!
FINAL THOUGHTS:
BTS WINGS album
WINGS is here! We’re just getting started—what do you think so far? The theme of ‘temptation’ is universal, we can all relate to struggling with it…probably on a daily basis.
We’ve got three more weeks to get to know this landmark album! Come back next time to continue on with the member’s solo songs. It’s going to get a lot darker before we can spread those wings and fly…
Side Quest
At the end of each year the Seoul Broadcasting Station (SBS) hosts an event known as the SBS GAYO DAEJUN (BATTLE OF THE BANDS) MUSIC FESTIVAL.
The festival has been running since 1997, and features many Korean Idols each year, often collaborating with each other outside of their respective groups. An awards segment was part of the show from 1997 until 2006, then later revived in 2014.
BTS began appearing at the festival in 2016. Jimin had a special stage where he performed a medley of dance with Idols from other groups that included ballet, modern/contemporary, and street dance.
BTS did perform together at the show as well, although they did so with only six members, not seven. SUGA had to miss the festival due to a minor injury—he’d tripped, cut one of his ears and had to receive stitches. Jin, also having some piano experience, was chosen to replace SUGA during the organ scene in “Blood Sweat & Tears”. Enjoy watching him practice that with Rap Monster.
SPECIAL OPENING (BALLET + MODERN + STREET DANCE) (02:08, Jimin dancing, along with other various Idols - shown above)
BANGTAN BOMB: JIMIN’S SPECIAL PERFORMANCE BEHIND THE SCENES (04:17)
BANGTAN BOMB: EXTRA “FIRE” CHOREO PRACTICE FOR JIN (02:37, Feat. j-hope’s terrifying side-eye.)
BANGTAN BOMB: RAP MONSTER & JIN PRACTICE THE BS&T INTRO (01:56, Jin had to replace SUGA.)
BANGTAN BOMB: BTS SPECIAL STAGE @ SBS MUSIC FESTIVAL (07:36, Jin is “Car Door Guy”)
CREDITS:
YouTube/Web
HYBE LABELS, BANGTANTV, Bangtan Subs, 일도아니지, K-POP, DORAMA 2016, KBS WORLD TV, EUNBIASED, Fruity Curls, BTS Live Archive, Sydney Fancam, Peppy Grace Subs, rose vasquez, Run BTS, Insfire Bae, Mnet K-POP, Enjoy BTS more, The K-POP, K-Series : STORY & MUSIC, SBS Entertainment, Jimin & Hoshi, Nuramira, Mera, mochimin, C-Top MVKpop, TV-People, The SS601, KBS Drama Classic, WORLDWIDE K POP’S, Timothy BgWilson, Alicia Chin, btsstudyroom.quora.com
ARMY Project 529 Volunteers
Research Team: Angel (TikTok: Lilangel2828), Leslie Day (TikTok: Leslie Day), Merry (TikTok: merryj67), Sam T (TikTok: samt_26), Shelley (TikTok: shels167), Trudy (TikTok: theeducationmommy), Viv (TikTok: VivEliz); Video Team: Leslie Day (TikTok: Leslie Day); Editing Team: Kendra (Discord: Mudskipper); Website Team: Colette (TikTok: voicesinmyhead2)
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