“In order to reach an ocean, one must cross the desert. When we have reached an ocean, we look for another desert to cross.” (BTS)
Their songs are unique in the sense that they tell a story. Their songs are a framework of their feelings and experiences that are authentic to them.
Fans have often said they can relate to BTS because of how raw and honest BTS are in their songs.
BTS kicked off their “BTS Live Trilogy Episode 3 Wings Tour The Finale” at the Sky Dome on the 10th.
The ending to their long tour had arrived. They spent the hundred and eighty minutes they have, singing, dancing, and talking to their fans.
“Today is the ending of our third trilogy. It started from Yes 24 hall and ends here at Sky Dome today. Please enjoy the last of our Wings tour.” (BTS)
We at “Dispatch” organized the concert in a story-telling form. Hopefully you all enjoy the read.
◆ Story #1 “BTS four years ago”
“The beginning was just a dream. We just started dancing, not knowing what the future held for us. We just liked music and that’s how the this all started. We just started walking blindly and endlessly, not knowing where we were headed.”
This was their first concert after their AMAs appearance. For this specific concert, BTS went back to their roots. Their performances for the night were made up of songs and mixtapes from their early days.
They started off the concert with “We are bulletproof part 1,2” and continued with their other, older songs.
Fans at the concert reacted in a way we all expected they would. They especially lost it during “Cypher”, a song rapped by RM, Suga, and J-Hope.
The concert is best described as a party. BTS hosted the party for the night and fans let themselves sing to their hearts’ content. Of course, were fans who had memorized the whole song prior to the concert. The fans hadn’t let one verse slip as they rapped along with the rapping trio. They even got up from their seats and jumped to the beat of the music.
◆ Story #2… “We fell hopelessly, however...”
“We were okay because there are seven of us. Nobody stopped working towards their dreams and one day, a mirror of hope (our debut) came. Before we even had a chance, we were on the receiving end of criticism. It felt as if our dreams, efforts, and strengths were useless.”
The concert also included solo stages for every member.
“Jungkook cried during the making of ‘Begin’. He spoke with tears in his eyes and remarked ‘The two things I’ve wanted to do since I was young was singing and dancing. Seeing my other groupmates going through so much for me makes me upset and so thankful.’ We all broke out in tears afterwards.” (RM, 2016)
The first to start the solo stages was none other than Jimin. He sang his signature track, “Lie.”
RM preferred to get into the mood for his solo performance. He sang “reflection” with his eyes closed. He was said to have written the song as he dreamt of peace. When RM yelled “Love Myself!!”, the fans screamed back “I love you!!”
Suga did his part with “First Love.” He combined two unusual musical styles. He played the piano as he reminisced over his childhood and rapped to the notes of the piano.
J-Hope sang his signature solo song, “Mama.” The song is dedicated to his mom over her unconditional love.
Next up was V. He sang his personally produced song, “Stigma.” His low, rusty voice made the song all that much flattering.
Last but not least, it was time for Jin to close off the solo songs of the day. He sang his song “Awake.” The responses to his vocal skills did not falter in comparison to the other members.
◆ Story 3... “No giving up.”
“What we experienced soon after debuting was criticism and nothing but the cold, hard reality. We weren’t able to dream at night. The road was a dead end. We lay restless for a while but never gave up.”
As time went by, BTS’s story became more known to the public. The cold days were long gone but BTS hasn’t forgotten everything that’s shaped them who they are today.
School luv 3, The most beautiful moment in life part 1, Wings, I need you, and Danger were also a few of the songs performed that day.
Unlike their other hip hop influenced, rustic songs, “GOGO” is a fun and upbeat song. They even had room for a little Christmas cheer with their song, “No More Dream.”
This concert wasn’t just filled with old, nostalgic songs. They didn’t forget to add their fun recent songs as well. Their highlights included “DNA”, “Fire”, and “Run.” Their performances included the use of laser and their usual, impressive choreography.
“There were often moments that led to a downfall or prevented us from evolving. However, our fans have been the best support system. Let’s all clap for our fans. We’re going to hear it without our earpieces. Thank you so much.” (BTS)
“It’s a relief that we didn’t give up. The four years we spent, working on ourselves didn’t go to waste. They ended the concert with their hit single, “Blood, Sweat, and Tears.”
◆ Story 4...”Finally, Oasis.”
“We stood up again. We were suddenly running. What awaited at the end were the dreams of seven young men.”
BTS crossed the isolated desert and came to find an ocean. The road wasn’t easy but through blood, sweat, and tears, they managed to push through.
This was their last concert of their tour. They performed around Asia, the U.S., and Europe. Although the nationalities of the fans at each concert, differed, the only relevant fact here is their shared love for BTS.
Suga initiated the classic wave from the audience. On Suga’s mark, the crowd of fans moved in a way that resembled a wave from the ocean.
There was a special event from the fans as well. When BTS left the stage for a little bit, the fans called out each of the members’ names. They soon followed the chanting of the names with their fan song “23”.
“We can’t help but stare in awe. You guys are beautiful. Thank you for singing along with us. Let’s run this road together just the way we are right now, so none of us ever feel lonely again.” (BTS)
And just like that, the concert came to an end. They rode a moving cart that took them from one place to another. They sang “You never walk alone” and “Best of me.”
◆ Story #5... “Moving together”
“In order to reach an ocean, we must cross a desert. We are now in search of another desert to cross. Together, we advance.”
BTS had secured the title for “world stars.” The Seoul final tour had come to an end, and they bid goodbye to the six thousand fans watching them eagerly.
The responses from the rest of the audience were explosive as well. They visited Chile, Brazil, Chicago, Bangkok, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Australia. They visited nineteen cities in Australia alone.
The fans were satisfied with the story of BTS. A fan who went by “Kim Minji” remarked, “The enthusiasm they consistently showed throughout the concert is amazing.” “Every minute and second of the concert was deeply moving.”
BTS kicked off promotions for their 2018 tour in Korea as well. During January 13th to 14th, they held fan meetings at the Sky Dome under the title “Happily Ever After.”
<Below are messages of BTS talking to their fans through tears.>
"Today is the last day and we’re so sad to see it end. It feels something like a graduation. We are happy because of all the support our fans gave us. Thank you for being with us.” (J-Hope)
“Even though I feel like I want to cry, I don’t want it to end on a sad note. People around me are proud of me. This is all our fans’ doing.” (V)
“I guess the last is really, the last. The results are all made up of our fans. Thank you very much. I think it’s beautiful how we’re ending this with tears in our eyes. I’m very happy right now.” (Jungkook)
“I didn’t think there’d be any more reason to cry. ‘I hope our music transcends all barriers.’ I’m glad we’re able to be of help with our music." (Suga)
“Let’s stop crying. Thank you for waiting for us. Let’s clap for all of the encouragement we received from everyone here today. I hope our members stop crying too and give a standing ovation.” (Jimin)
“I was really happy for the past three days. I woke up even without the manager’s help. My eyes would open automatically. This is how big of an influence all of our fans have on us. We’ve received a tremendous amount of love from our fans.” (Jin)
“I was scared when I first debuted. I remember us conversing with one another about what we’d have to do for the public eye to like us. The memories of us having that topic of discussion were the majority of our careers. Pain is inevitable so I confidently assume there will be times in the near future where we will feel blue. There will certainly be more challenges to our careers as well. But because of our fans who’ve made this all possible, I will be okay in times of sadness and fear. We (BTS) will be okay. (RM)
<Photo credits=BigHit Entertainment>
<Translated by=Justina Kim(Dispatch)>
