WEEK 23 | One Step at a Time
June 3 - 7, 2024
Reassurance.
When 2020 began, BTS was excited to be releasing a new comeback album—Map of the Soul: 7—and to be launching a massive world tour to go with it. It was set to be their biggest one ever, and ARMYs all over the world battled online for tickets, selling the tour out instantly.
BTS MOT7 2020 Concept photo
However… the universe had other plans.
As we know now, the COVID-19 pandemic struck shortly after the release of MOTS:7, and it shut down the entire world within a matter of weeks. BTS was forced to cancel their world tour and rework their entire schedule and strategy for the following few years. As Festa rolled around in 2020, celebrating with ARMY became more important than ever. And being the social media veterans that they were (and still are), BTS naturally stepped up to the challenge of finding ways to do so.
In both 2020 and 2021, BTS spent more time than ever creating online content and finding ways to connect with their fans. The song released for Festa 2020, Jung Kook’s “Still With You,” was intended as an “I miss you” letter to ARMY. For their 7th Debut anniversary (an auspicious number for them), they recreated the party they threw for themselves for their first Festa in 2014.
They live streamed concerts for ARMY during both years. In 2020, they performed an approximate replica of what a concert from their Map of the Soul: 7 tour would have been, and it attracted record-breaking online audiences. And then, just one year later—BTS beat their own record. The 6th Muster (“Sowoozoo”), which was held over two days in June for Festa 2021, had 1.33 million PAID online viewers globally.
Time and time again, BTS has said that ARMY is their number one priority, and the two Festas we experienced during the pandemic prove that beyond a shadow of a doubt.
Playlists & Lyrics
ARMY PROJECT 529 WEEK 23 VIDEO PLAYLIST (all YouTube links)
DAY ONE:
BTS 2020 canceled tour due to the pandemic
The first half of 2020 was rough. We were all there; we remember. After the disappointment of having to cancel their entire tour for Map of the Soul: 7, BTS struggled to make sense of how to go forward without being able to connect with ARMY in person.
As the months of lockdown dragged on, the members went back to their social media roots, spending more time on VLIVE, doing scheduled activities, or just hanging out and answering ARMY's questions. When June came around—along with their anniversary date—and it became clear that the pandemic wasn’t ending anytime soon, most ARMY wondered if there would be any celebrations at all.
2020 BangBang Con advert poster
BTS knew what they had to do. They made sure that Festa 2020 was all about fun and nostalgia. It was, after all, their 7th anniversary. Much of the content released showed the members goofing around with each other, like the “Airplane Pt. 2 (Summer Version)” video and all the behind-the-scenes stories of the unit songs from their “BangBangCon” Live broadcast.
And songs like “Still With You” and “We Are Bulletproof: The Eternal” were aimed at ARMY’s hearts to let us know that BTS were still with us, even though we were all forced to be apart.
JUNE 1 - OPENING CEREMONY: AIRPLANE PT. 2 (SUMMER VER.) (03:30, watch it seven times, once for each member… TRUST US - shown above)
JUNE 3 - CHOREOGRAPHY VIDEO #1: REHEARSAL STAGE CAM “DIONYSUS” @ SY IN SEOUL (04:14)
JUNE 4 - BTS PHOTO COLLECTION ‘19/’20 (01:06 - shown below)
JUNE 5 - STILL WITH YOU - JK (03:59)
Flash Forward: NOVEMBER 2023 GOLDEN LIVE ON STAGE - STILL WITH YOU (03:55, we’re not crying, YOU’RE CRYING)
JUNE 8 CHOREOGRAPHY VIDEO #2: 2018 MAMA PERFORMANCE PRACTICE (FORMATION CHECK VER.) (07:06 - shown below)
JUNE 9 - ANSWER: BTS 3 UNITS “RESPECT” SONG BY RM AND SUGA (11:19, RM: What rhymes with pizza?)
JUNE 9 - ANSWER: BTS 3 UNITS “JAMAIS VU” SONG BY JIN, J-HOPE, AND JUNG KOOK (10:55, Jin: We’re quantity over quality.)
JUNE 9 - ANSWER: BTS 3 UNITS “FRIENDS” ('친구') BY JIMIN & V (13:46, “How is Jimin different now, as compared to his teen years?” V: I think his pinky fingers grew a little bit. - as shown)
JUNE 11 - MAP OF THE SONG: 7 (35:27)
2020 FESTA FAMILY PHOTO SHOOT (09:02 - as shown)
Fun Fact
ARMY loves teasers and spoilers from BTS, right? It’s almost like they’re playing a little game with us by building anticipation.
With Festa, it’s even more exciting. Every year, a few days before the festa-vities (I’m not going to get tired of that joke; you’ve been warned) begin, BTS gives us an official Release Schedule.
The Release Schedule is like a road map to all things Festa. It lets us know the dates and times everything will be dropping for us so we can make sure we’re ready. (Although, are we ever really ready?) Sometimes we know what things are right away by the description, and other times they leave us with a few questions.
No matter what, it’s always exciting when the new Festa Release Schedule drops. We know because we JUST got a new one! This year’s Festa is underway… and soon…
JIN WILL BE HOME!!!!
2020 FESTA RELEASE SCHEDULE (photo)
2021 FESTA RELEASE SCHEDULE (photo)
DAY TWO:
The nostalgia of Festa 2020 had BTS revisiting their beginnings. During their BTS Birthday Party, SUGA remarks that it’s their 7th anniversary, and that seven is obviously a very special number for them. So they decide to commemorate the occasion by recreating their very first Festa celebration—the one where they threw the party for themselves.
Festa 2020 celebration imitating their 2014 1st Anniversary
The members all split up into their same teams and have the same tasks. Jin cooks the same meal with the help of his sous chef, RM (who, once he learns how to cut a carrot, makes a pretty decent japchae). SUGA and Jimin attempt to decorate a cake again (it goes better this time), while j-hope, V, and Jung Kook decorate and have fun with a helium tank. (“Rrrrrrrrap Monster!)
2020 also saw the triumphant return of BTS’ Kkul Honey FM 0613 radio broadcast and DJ SUGA. As with past broadcasts, they take time to joke around and rag on each other, but this time they also emulate a “real” radio show by dramatically performing a bit from The Wizard of Oz. It’s cute and light-hearted and so welcomed.
BTS’ Kkul Honey FM 0613 radio broadcast and DJ SUGA photo shoot
So, too, was “BangBangCon”, the online concert the group held as they brought the Festa-ivities (I told you I wasn’t letting it go) to a close that year. Full of playful skits and new unit songs, like the adorable “Friends” from Jimin and V (singing about how they’re “soulmates”... I’m not crying, YOU ARE), the concert was another balm for the soul. Just what ARMY needed from our beloved BTS.
JUNE 13 - BTS BIRTHDAY PARTY: VIDEO (56:23 - as shown)
JUNE 13 - BHC RADIO (BTS 보이스 꿀 KKUL FM 06.13) (27:41 -as shown)
JUNE 13 - CLOSING CEREMONY (00:27)
BANGBANGCON STRETCHING EXERCISE WITH BTS (04:52, SUGA could not be LESS interested. - as shown)
JUNE 13 & 14 - BANGBANGCON: THE LIVE (01:33:50, not in YT playlist)
ANSWER: 3 UNITS BANGBANGCON PERFORMANCE: JAMAIS VU (JIN, J-HOPE, JUNG KOOK) (4:12)
ANSWER: 3 UNITS BANGBANGCON PERFORMANCE: RESPECT (RM, SUGA) (03:37 - shown below)
ANSWER: 3 UNITS BANGBANGCON PERFORMANCE: FRIENDS (JIMIN, V) (03:46, the dumpling fight continues to provide quality entertainment)
Bangtan Bubble: If you could go back and give yourself a message at the beginning of the pandemic, what would it be?
Let us know your answer in the comments below or on social media (include #BangtanBubble)!
DAY THREE:
When Festa came around again the following June, and the pandemic was still keeping everyone mostly closed off and separated from each other, BTS carried on determinedly in their mission to be a bright spot of happiness for the world and, especially, for ARMY.
RM Song Bicycle single cover
They released many hours of video footage: never-before-seen dance practices, and preparation for performances they were hoping to be able to do in person again soon. We got a new Festa song, this one from RM. He released “Bicycle”, along with a letter explaining why he chose to write and release it during 2021’s Festa.
Riding a bicycle always makes my heart flutter… riding a bicycle is the time, one of the rare times, when I feel the freest physically. I would be the happiest if you listen to this song and accept it as if it’s a small gift from me.
The days are getting better and better.
When sad, let’s ride a bicycle!
I too will do so, always.
“Tata Mic Face” - Who can resist this face?
They also had fun together filming games, quizzes, and questionnaires for ARMY to enjoy watching… and, well, to create jokes and memes from. The “Mission! Photo Studio” sketch, in fact, is the source for the infamous “Tata Mic face” from V. You know immediately which face I’m talking about, right? (If not, see today’s Fun Fact for more info!)
All of this is to say that BTS always does their best to give us fun and meaningful entertainment, and it meant even more during the trying times of the pandemic. It’s something that they, and ARMY, have never become complacent about. Even now while they’re all enlisted, we’re enjoying a new Festa that’s just started.
2021 BTS FESTA coming soon Teaser (Instagram teaser)
JUNE 2 - OPENING CEREMONY: PHOTOS & TEASER PHOTOS (02:46 - shown below)
JUNE 3 - BTS PROFILE (2021 VER.) (02:04)
JUNE 4 - CHOREOGRAPHY VIDEO 1: BTS (방탄소년단) ‘N.O.’ DANCE PRACTICE (MOS ON:E DANCE BREAK VER.) (01:21 - shown below)
JUNE 4 - CHOREOGRAPHY VIDEO 2: BTS (방탄소년단) 2020 MMA ‘BLACK SWAN’ INTRO PERFORMANCE DANCE PRACTICE (02:01, this is RUDE… you’ve been warned)
CHOREOGRAPHY VIDEO 3: BTS (방탄소년단) ‘DYNAMITE’ DANCE PRACTICE (CUTE & LOVELY VER.) (03:26, V and a lollipop… you’ve been warned. - shown below)
JUNE 5 - BTS (방탄소년단) ‘방림이네 사진관 (MISSION! BTS 4 CUTS)’ TEASER (00:28)
JUNE 5 - BTS (방탄소년단) ‘방림이네 사진관 (MISSION! BTS 4 CUTS)’ (34:22, “Tata Mic?”)
JUNE 7 - BICYCLE BY RM (03:31 - show above)
RM BICYCLE LIVE (01:47)
JUNE 9 - 2021 ARMY PROFILE (00:43)
JUNE 10 - 2021 FESTA EXAMINATION: VIDEO BEHIND THE SCENES (19:26)
JUNE 10 - 2021 FESTA EXAMINATION (02:32, the sound effects are TOP TIER)
Fun Fact
All of the members of BTS have little quirks and traits that ARMY have come to know very well over the years—little things that make their personalities special and unique. Probably one of the most well known and beloved is Kim Taehyung’s “Tata Mic face”.
You know, when his eyes get big and innocent, and he ducks his head shyly, looking side to side? Yeah, that one. It usually makes an appearance when he’s feeling shy or when he’s trying to convince someone to let him have his way.
During the sketch mentioned above, V and j-hope are paired up for a photo booth challenge. At one point, they’re picking slips of paper for their prizes, and j-hope is given a Mang (his BT21 character) bluetooth mic. V sees it and is immediately jealous. When he picks his next slip of paper, he looks up, the picture of innocence, and asks in the tiniest voice ever, “Tata Mic?” (Tata, of course, being V’s BT21 character.) And when the staff asks for proof, he eats the paper and keeps repeating “Tata Mic?”
Eventually, he gets the bluetooth mic, the staff not able to resist him. The expression itself predates this Festa video, but it did not have an official name before this. Now “Tata Mic” face is so famous, even other members have started doing it. (See Jimin during the recently released “Mini & Moni Album Exchange'' video.) Enjoy the compilations we’ve linked below of V and his “Tata Mic face” over the years!
EVERYONE’S GANGSTA UNTIL TAEHYUNG DOES TATA MIC FACE (15:01)
TAEHYUNG DOING THE TATA MIC FACE (1:31 - shown below)
DAY FOUR:
2021 Festa “BTS Room Live” photo shoot
One of the first things that popped up for me on YouTube in my early days falling down the BTS rabbit hole was the 2021 Festa “BTS Room Live” performance. It’s a medley of some of their songs, only ten minutes long, but I was sucked in by it immediately. Yes, they were performing live, and sounded amazing, but more importantly, they were having fun—their personalities fully on display. This is one of the first pieces of content I watched from them that made me say, “I think I might be ARMY”.
This feeling was further cemented as I watched the members talk about each other during their “ARMY Corner Store” Festa hangout. They take turns describing each other, giving a healthy mix of funny and sentimental answers. Try not to laugh when V describes Jin, SUGA, and j-hope only as “My eldest brother, my second eldest brother, and my third eldest brother”. Or, when asked what his nickname is, RM replies it’s usually “Hajima!” (“Stop that!”), followed by the members telling him to stop moving. We can easily imagine that this is due to him being known best to ARMY as the “God of Destruction”.
Moments like these pulled in new ARMY like myself and reassured long-standing ARMY that BTS wasn’t changing at their core, even if everything else was changing around them. Time seemed to both crawl and fly by during the pandemic, didn’t it? As BTS reflected on reaching their 8th anniversary after seemingly JUST having celebrated their 7th, what struck them was how precious their time with ARMY is. During their “D-Day Video Code” video, RM says, “Eight is a very important number too. It resembles the infinity symbol”, reminding us that BTS plans to be with us always, no matter what’s happening in the world.
JUNE 11 - BTS ROOM LIVE:VIDEO (09:58 - shown above)
JUNE 12 - BTS STAGE CLIP, LET US SHINE AGAIN (BTS [방탄소년단] “소우주 [MIKROKOSMOS]” @SY IN SEOUL) (05:22 - shown below)
JUNE 13 - ARMY CORNER STORE (59:25 - shown below)
JUNE 13 - CLOSING CEREMONY:WE: ∞ (05:06)
MERCH - D-DAY CALENDAR TEASER (00:22, not in YT playlist)
MERCH - D-DAY CALENDAR UNBOXING (03:12)
MERCH - D-DAY DAY 6 VIDEO CODE (01:07)
Fun Fact:
Since it was mentioned above, and in honor of RM recently releasing a new solo album (stream Right Place Wrong Person), I think it’s only fitting we discuss his long standing nickname: the “God of Destruction”.
Kim Namjoon is well-known for his rap skills and amazing lyricism. But he’s equally well-known for his clumsiness and for being a bit of a destructive force to the world around him. There is endless footage of him falling, running into stuff, suddenly breaking random items or set pieces, and even losing important items entrusted to him.
Both ARMY and his fellow members find these traits in their otherwise extremely competent leader to be very endearing. Namjoon has mentioned on more than one occasion that his members have told him (teasingly) that, for the sake of world peace, he should never cook or try to drive a car. Please enjoy the compilation below that shows some of the best moments of RM living up to his “God of Destruction” nickname.
RM DESTROYING LITERALLY EVERYTHING (10:03 - shown below)
DAY FIVE:
The cherry on top of the sundae of Festa 2021 was the 6th Muster, also known as “Sowoozoo”. As mentioned previously, it was streamed online to a record-breaking number of paid viewers, and it gave BTS a chance to perform onstage again, even though they still couldn’t welcome ARMY back in person yet.
“Sowoozoo” Online Concert with ARMY watching live from home
There are many amazing performances in this concert (we have the entire thing linked below for you, so make sure you check it out), but the standouts for me are the opportunities that the members had to participate in each other’s solo songs and to perform them together as a group. Hearing RM and Jimin rap and sing in Spanish to Becky G’s part in j-hope’s “Chicken Noodle Soup” is definitely not to be missed. Also a must-see is the ridiculous theatrics from the other members during their performance of SUGA’s “Daechwita”. No one has ever been more dramatic about pretending to have his head cut off than V was.
Along with the music, there’s a lot of fun and craziness too—like the moment when they notice an ant on the stage and decide to have a conversation with it or when Jin grabs onto V’s hair to keep him from falling out of the car they’re riding around in onstage. Perhaps the most endearing moment is the water bottle chase that V and Jung Kook get caught up in. Their laughter is contagious, and you find yourself wishing you could be there to join in the fun.
But that’s BTS’ specialty, right? They always draw us in with their sincerity and their fun spirit. Each Festa celebrates a different year, and each year they’re a bit more seasoned—more mature—but at their core, the members of BTS remain the same.
MUSTER, SOWOOZOO ANNOUNCEMENT (1:15 - shown above)
SOWOOZOO CONCERT 1 (1:26:50, not in YT playlist - shown below)
SOWOOZOO CONCERT 2 (29:12, not in YT playlist)
SOWOOZOO POSTER MAKING FILM (10:08, not in YT playlist)
SOWOOZOO VCR MAKING FILM (12:44, not in YT playlist)
SOWOOZOO MERCH MAKING FILM (09:06, not in YT playlist)
SOWOOZOO PRACTICE & REHEARSAL MAKING FILM (24:54, not in YT playlist)
SOWOOZOO D-DAY MAKING FILM DAY 1 (42:18, not in YT playlist)
SOWOOZOO D-DAY MAKING FILM DAY 2 (25:46, not in YT playlist)
Sowoozoo Setlist - Day 1 (6/13)
Sowoozoo Setlist - Day 2 (6/14)
Sowoozoo photo shoot
Sowoozoo photo shoot
Bangtan Bubble: What about BTS comforts you the most when you need it?
Let us know your answer in the comments below or on social media (include #BangtanBubble)!
FINAL THOUGHTS:
The two years of 2020 and 2021 were rough for the entire world, and BTS was no exception. But they took their disappointment over a canceled tour and changed timelines and turned it into creating as much positivity as possible for ARMY—and anyone else who wanted to listen in as well. What was your favorite thing they did for Festa during the pandemic? Let us know in the comments below.
When we come back next week, we’ll cover the Festa which ARMY refers to as “The One That Shall Not Be Named” (2022) and the first one we ever had without all of the members present to celebrate with us (2023). Stay tuned!
CREDITS:
YouTube/Web
HYBE LABELS, BANGTANTV, Bangtan Subs, ARMY Project 529, BTS FESTA, BTSPurpleYou, Lemoring, Enjoy BTS More, Jaeguchi, kawaiimilktae1, KJ Kpop Fanboy, LoveYourselfv, Sunbae K-shop, Veronica Ria, Jeonidha, ENHYPEN DRAMA ✓, SugArmyy, 21stcenturygurl; Web: ok.ru (Video BunnyKookie TigerTaetae, Video twitter 130613archive), twitter.com (@bts_bighit), instagram.com (@bts.bighitofficial)
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), Namz (TikTok: Namz07; Editing Team: Kendra (Discord: Mudskipper); Website Team: Colette (TikTok: voicesinmyhead2)
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