Sophia Michaels
Members of the BTS Army flocked by the thousands despite frigid temperatures to see the group – also known as the Bangtan Boys – live and in-person on the Today Show’s outdoor plaza. Stopping by the morning news show on the same day their new album “Map of the Soul: 7” was released, RM, V, Jungkook, Jimin, Suga, Jin and J-Hope sat down with Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie, Carson Daly, and Al Roker for a live interview to discuss the highly anticipated new collection of songs.
A hit before it dropped
With a plethora of pre-orders from their massive fan base, BTS’ new album has already sold more than 4 million copies before it even dropped. This is the group’s fourth Korean-language studio release and seventh album overall, according to Today.com.
Every Army was entertained while waiting for the band with several BTS music videos on the plaza’s big screen. “Boy with Luv,” “Idol,” “Not Today,” “Mic Drop,” and the video for their new single “On” was streamed for the packed crowd.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwMa6gpoE9I?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]
Summer in NYC?
The K-Pop group considers their new album a reflection of their time together. “The title is ‘7’ because we’ve got seven members right here, as you see, and it’s been seven years since our debut,” RM explained to the Today co-hosts and screaming fans. “This album is like a big statement and declaration that we admit our destiny, recognize our destiny.”
Army members had the opportunity to serenade their favorite band when Kotb mentioned that the devoted fans had been waiting out in the cold and may want to sing one of their favorite hits from the group. “Do y’all like “Boy with Luv?”” Kotb asked the crowd, which received an overwhelming response prompting the masses to break into the fan-fave song.
The sing-a-long inspired Guthrie to pose a question to the group. “That actually gives me a really good idea. What do you guys think about coming back here this summer?” she asked, referring to their outdoor Summer Concert Series on the plaza. “It’ll be warmer.”
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsX3ATc3FbA?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]
“We’ll see if we can come back in the summer so they don’t have to wait in the cold weather,” RM said, being considerate of their fans. “We love summer in New York.”
“Let’s make a date!” Guthrie exclaimed.
Rave reviews
The album is already receiving critical acclaim for its introspective focus and infectious music. “It’s an album about being in a band, about the relationships that form and get tested in the crucible of insane fame, all set to some of the most genre-invigorating music of their career,” August Brown of the Los Angeles Times wrote.
Their song “We Are Bulletproof: The Eternal” reflects the strong bond within the group that has formed through their shared experience of stardom and all that comes with it.
“We were only seven
I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I
But we have you all now
After seven winters and springs
At the tips of our entwined fingers
Oh I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I
Yeah, we got to heavenThrow stones at me
We don’t fear anymore
We are we are together, bulletproof
(Yeah we have you have you)
Even if winter comes again
Even if I’m blocked off, I will still walk
We are we are forever, bulletproof”– from We Are Bulletproof: The Eternal
Brown says the song “leaves fans feeling the arc of the journey, a piano ballad that insists the BTS Army really is in this together, that the band is figuring out this life thing right along with you.”
Army members will be seeing a lot of their favorite group in the near future. BTS is scheduled to appear on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon on February 24, and their “Carpool Karaoke” segment with The Late Late Show‘s James Corden will air on February 25. Their 37-date world tour starts in April.
Written by: CheatSheet
