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Mind blowing. Outstanding. Moving. These are just some of the multitude of words to describe the brilliance of BTS’s two-day online concert. The concert, named Map of the Soul ON:E, consisted of a selection of 23 phenomenal tracks by the group which they performed virtually to fans all around the world on the 10th and 11th October 2020.
2020 has posed new challenges to musicians and artists due to the COVID-19 pandemic which has effectively prevented large gatherings of all kinds in order to stop the spread of the virus. This virus initially threw a spanner in the works for the global super group, BTS where their label, Big Hit Entertainment, cancelled the opening concerts for April 2020, and planned to reschedule them to a time when it would be safe for people to enjoy watching BTS in a crowded space.
Despite this postponement, the challenge of the global pandemic and social distancing did not stop BTS and Big Hit from thinking outside the box. In August, an announcement was made that BTS would have an online concert which they called Map of the Soul ON:E. This brought much excitement to ARMYs on social media, for it gave people across continents the opportunity to tune in and watch a spectacular line-up of performances by the award winning, record breaking septet.
When BTS performs, they excel in their delivery. Big Hit Entertainment did a wonderful job with ensuring that live quality performances would make it onto the screens of viewers. The online concert included technology such as augmented reality, extended reality and 4K/HD viewing which, altogether, presents an innovative, magnificent display for any virtual audience member. BTS demolished the barrier as they brought their viewers into the concert virtually by allowing viewers to “travel” with them to the different stages.
BTS themselves reciprocated the vibrant energy and continued outperforming themselves as the concert progressed. Viewers were blown away by the exhilarating dance break performances that ranged from tempo thrilling songs such as ON to N.O. Popular, and the moving, tear producing songs such as We are Bulletproof: the Eternal. BTS also tested out some refreshing, dance powered remixes to tracks such as Boy with Luv and Dionysus.
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An anticipating part of the concert was to witness each member perform their solo tracks on stage. This also included unit groups such as the rap line’s masterful “UGH!” which never disappoints! Each solo song represents the excellence and talent of each member, and their range of vocals, lyrics and choreography. It reminds us that all 7 members have phenomenal talent and together, they make up the supernova group of BTS. Heart melting moments included Jungkook’s solo performance of My Time and V’s extraordinary rendition of his Inner Child.
An important part of the BTS concerts which ARMYs often go back to is the conversation that BTS members have with the audience. Namjoon was quoted on social media for his humbling and comforting message of being grateful for God and the technology that allows us to be connected during a time of adversity. Namjoon remained positive and encouraged ARMYs to pursue during these difficult times, even if it involves “redrawing the map”.
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Jimin’s emotional moment on stage left ARMYs in tears too. The members’ comfort to be vulnerable with us is a special connection because it encouraged us all to be honest with our feelings and experiences. As Jimin said, the group had so many plans to perform and uplift ARMYs but the virus became widespread and has caused interruptions in so many people’s lives. Even though Jimin says he could not focus as much as he wanted to, his performances were out of this world!
Although no one was physically there in the audience, BTS’s ARMY bomb lights were glowing in their final performance. The concert was an overall success with close to 1 million people watching the concert from reportedly 191 countries. This, therefore, had more viewers than their record breaking live show BANG BANG CON.
BTS has set a high standard for how quality virtual concerts should be like, and it will be interesting to witness future virtual performances. Regardless, ARMYs and the music industry should prepare themselves for the release of BTS’s new album BE on the 20th November.
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Luke Waltham is a writer, blogger and post graduate student. He is a member of #BTSARMY and a proud human rights activist.
