Korean Music: Bts Group Review

BTS came from a small unknown company in South Korea. In 2013, BTS made their debut. On May 10, 2015, BTS released a song called “I Need U”. Throughout the MV, symbolically there were signs of depression that some people may experience in their lives. Majority of these struggles are targets more towards teen anywhere. Even though the setting is set in Korea, I feel that issues like suicide, depression, domestic violence, estrangement, and overdose are a issue in any country. Since most Koreans care a great deal about expectations, these struggles are overlooked and living up to those expectations is challenging. During the times when the boys are together, it implies they are good friends and having fun from time to time. They are laughing and probably escaping life struggles. The MV shows each member is having a struggle of their own. There isn’t any reason that shows what pushed them to their breaking point. They also represent youths that are having trouble on their way to adulthood. The reasons on where, how, and why are not explained.

In the MV, Jin, who was in the bedroom wearing all white and holding 6 petals represented the people who will mourn for the loss of a friend, family, or loved one. In Research stated that the flowers were called white lily, and people use them for funerals. Korean culture burning the petals is a way for the soul to restore and receive innocence after their deaths. The color white in Korean culture can mean death or purity or innocence. The fact that Jin is wearing all white could symbolize that he istrying to protect his innocence, but it ended up losing it though out the music video. Therefore, I believe that BTS made this MV to prove a point in Korean society that these struggles are real and should be taken seriously. They really wanted to prove to those troubled teenager to be strong and not hide everyday problem. That there will always be someone to miss you when you are gone. We, society, should stop ignoring the things that mattered. Its easy to feel powerless in a world full of success as a child. Jungkook, who aimlessly wonders the streets, he is not going anywhere. Later some men beats him up but he does not defend himself. That really shows how powerless he must feel as a kid fighting against some bigger and older than he is. Later walks in front a car and commits suicide. Studies shown, death rate per 100,000, over 9.05 in Korea are traffic accident deaths. Since kids are overworked in the sense of education, it can leadto lack of motivation and hope, especially when you have nothing to work for.

Namjoon that works at the gas station, holding the lollipop. Later when its drops it turns to a cigarette. Smoking is a habit that forms around early teen years. Everyone knows that smoking is a health hazard. People choose to continue smoking, and disregard the dangers. Since tobacco is extremely addictive, its hard for one to stop. An estimate of 480,000 deaths happen each year because of smoking. Tobacco atlas states, ”Tobacco harms the health, the treasury, and the spirit of South Korea. Every year, more than 46700 of its people are killed by tobacco-caused disease. Still, more than 59000 children (10-14 years old) and 10030000 adults (15+ years old) continue to use tobacco each day (Unknown).”After the lines “I can’t do it, this sucks. Please don’t give me any excuses.” He grabs a container of pills. Later, during the second chorus start, He collapses. The Fact that there were no cars in the scene passing by, he is lost and cannot continue onward. Unlike Domestic violence, Korean Society view drugs as a big deal. Drugs are usually introduced to people at a young age, during teen years. Hundreds of people die each year to drug overdose. People are obsessed with drugs, as they can help with pain, depression, sleep, and a lot more. Some believe as drugs being harmless, but sadly in some cases illegal drugs and prescription drugs can be just as harmful. Overdose deaths are staggeringly increasing.

Taehyung approaches the door to see his father and maybe his mother or sister getting abused. Violently, he hits his father and then the music stops. Even though, Korea has a low crime rate, but when it comes to domestic violence it's a completely different story. Studies claims that almost 80% of men have abused their girlfriend in South Korea. Until the most recent years, Society only saw this violence as a couple argument, law enforcement would not take any sort of responsibility. Even strangers will turn away from violence against a couple. A woman should never feel like in their own society that they cannot do anything between her and her partner. The fact that many women everywhere are dealing with these struggles in a relationship, and the man only left with a small consequence. South China Morning Post claims,

”Law enforcement in Korea doesn’t take dating abuse seriously, with offenders getting off with light punishment ― for example stalking is punished with up to a 100,000 won (US$90) fine (You Soo-sun).”Unfortunately, South Koreans don’t take suicide seriously. BTS felt they should encourage people that suicide is a bigger matter than they realize. Showing suicide by, drugs, drowning, smoking, and arson. Suicide is leading at ranked 11th of cause of death. Common reasons can be depression, loss of a friend, education, relationship, work success, and many more. Ana Singh states, “ South Korea has the highest suicide rate in the world for children ages 10-19 and extremely high elderly (60+) suicide rates. For children, most suicides are caused by stress relating to education. (Singh)” Kids study over 16 hours a day and some attend a after school program, all this for acceptance and honor for their families. In which, living their lives of so much stress, they take their lives.