BTS Music Videos For All Moods in Quarantine
If you’re reading this in your sweatpants from self-isolation, I assume you have time. Time to start (and abandon) new hobbies, time to read that book you’ve been meaning to get to, and time to watch that TV show that’s been on your list. With so many people exploring new areas of pop culture, the Museum of Pop Culture is excited to do the same. We love to celebrate both old and new facets of pop culture and provide seasoned fans a place to geek out, as well as expose others to a new fandom. One corner of pop culture we have yet to fully cover is KPOP. And while we all dream of the day MoPOP gets Psy’s outfit from “Gangnam Style,” right now we’ll have to settle for the KPOP block of music videos we have in regular rotation on our Sky Church screen. Thankfully, MoPOP has its own KPOP expert in house (it’s me), and they (also me) have been gracious enough to lend their knowledge to our MoPOP Don’t Stop campaign.
How can we talk about KPOP in 2020 without talking about the powerhouse that is BTS? By being completely and unapologetically themselves, and by defying traditional western expectations of what music and masculinity are, they have taken the world by storm. All those descriptors can also be applied to many of the musicians MoPOP has hosted exhibits on: Prince, Bowie, Nirvana; they all challenged tradition and questioned what “normal” was, and as a result, they changed pop culture as we know it. MoPOP aims to celebrate the untraditional and the different, and so this is a perfect opportunity to celebrate BTS.
So whether you are die-hard ARMY or have no idea what I just said, this list is for you. It's sorted by moods, but not just any moods. This is a unique time, so I’ve come up with some quarantine-specific moods, paired with its perfect BTS song to get you through (you’re welcome in advance).
"Fire" (2016)
Mood: When you haven’t gotten out of bed and need a dance party.
An energetic explosion, known as one of their hardest dances and hypest songs, BTS’ 2016 title track is sure to make you get out of bed even if it's 7am (or later). Stick around for the famous 3:33 dance to get all the energy you need for the day.
"Serendipity" (2017)
Mood: When you haven’t gotten out of bed and need five more minutes.
Jimin’s second solo track has literally been known to lull babies to sleep. This song and soft visuals scream cozy, so why try to resist? Self-isolation and information overload are a lot of work, and can be emotionally draining, so sink further into your comforter and let Jimin take care of the rest.
"Blood Sweat & Tears" (2016)
Mood: When you wish you were in a mansion right now.
If you look up opulence in the dictionary, this music video starts playing. The set is nuts, everyone looks like a prince, there are statues and expensive looking art. If you’ve seen the many...many celeb videos in their pools or home theaters, while you sit in a city apartment, this one's for you.
"EPILOGUE: Young Forever" (2019)
Mood: When you need a cry session.
If you know, you know. If you don’t, let me explain! This song was a sweet gesture from BTS to commend the end of the Most Beautiful Moment in Life era, which spanned multiple years and albums. It was already a bittersweet song for ARMY. But, in 2019 when ARMY decided to surprise BTS at their sold-out Wembley Stadium show, "Young Forever" was cemented as a tearjerker for ARMY around the world.
"Spring Day" (2017)
Mood: When you're about to go out for your government-mandated walk.
Enjoy a beautiful spring day...with "Spring Day!" One of BTS’ most popular songs, the pastel visuals and beautiful landscapes reminds you of a time where you could go out whenever you wanted. *sigh* Remember when?
"N.O." (2013)
Mood: When you're thinking, 'Hmm...maybe I should rebel against the government today.'
A very very young BTS makes sure everyone knows they don’t work for The Man. It’s perfect if you’re feeling like becoming the lead character in a YA dystopian novel and ushering in the revolution. If not, watch for the outfits and hair. Trust me, they are quite the spectacle.
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