"Our music transcends language, ethnicity, nationality, and race.” (RM, Today Show)
BTS guest starred on the Today Show and discussed the reason behind their fame. The takeaway for this interview was language. Much like what RM mentioned, music has no language barrier. Music is a language in itself and something we can all use to connect with one another. BTS is a living example.
Race and nationality are of little importance to BTS. Fans from different backgrounds, nationalities, and skin colors were present on this day.
We at Dispatch were also present on the day of their interview. We set out to New York, Rockefeller plaza.
◆ "The stars of the show, BTS”
The Today Show is an American news and talk morning show that first aired in 1952. The show is under the network, NBC. The show is taped live from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM from Monday to Friday. BTS’s interview was also live, but the boys only showed confidence.
New York’s Rockefeller center and the 5th, 6th avenues were crowded from the appearance of BTS.
We had to go through a very strict security process in order to be allowed within the gates. It was comparable to airport checking procedures.
The weather may have been unbearably cold that day, but the fans were louder and busier than ever. Some fans were known to have waited outside for two days to see the boys.
The groups’ songs were played on a big screen. Songs such as “Idol, “Boy with Luv”, and “Mic Drop” filled the streets but not before the fan chants took over.
◆ "Army showing up once again”
Some fans have waited seven hours to see them. We interviewed Paulie (26), from France, who claims, “I came all the way to New York just to see BTS. I might cry.”
Today Show ‘s host Hoda Kotb remarked “If you haven’t already noticed, they are one of the biggest groups in the world and they have a crazy, loyal fanbase.”
BTS didn’t forget to express their gratitude for their fans. “Thanks for coming out to see us despite the cold weather.” “Everything we do is possible because we have all of you.”
When asked to explain the driving force behind their success, they didn’t hesitate to credit their fans. Jimin answered, “We’ve received so much love and support from our fans. We make music with the idea that we have to give back to them. So, we work on being their positive energy.”
The whole interview consisted of them talking directly to their fans. They communicated through air kisses and peace signs but also by mentioning them in every question they were asked.
◆ "Game ON"
The highlight of the interview was their new album.
Kotb also mentioned, “They’re on another level of success. The boys are here to talk about their new album, “Map of the Seoul.”
RM answered the meaning behind the 7 on the front of their album. “It’s been seven years since our debut. We also have a total of seven members. The seven also stands as symbol for good luck. It’s a number of reasons.”
“This album is a declaration of our destiny. Our destiny to be here today, how we made it this far. It’s an acceptance of our path and an illustration of our lives.” (RM)
Fans are already hooked on their album, “ON.” Sydney (17) from Queens, New York said “The messages behind their songs in the album are so raw, and sincere. I teared up as soon as I heard the song because of how beautiful it is.”
Unsurprisingly, their performances were met with innumerable compliments. Caroline from New York city (17) exclaimed, “The relay performance was unbelievable. They showed exactly what powerful means.”
◆ "A miracle in New York City."
“They have conquered the whole world”, “They have started a pop sensation”, “They are currently the hottest boy group” – The Today Show.
The New York Post notified fans of BTS’s upcoming guest appearance at another popular show, “The South Korean boy band is set to make its second appearance this year on The Late Late Show With James Corden, this time for the famous vehicular singalong segment.”
BTS are on a roll and possibly one of the busiest pop stars currently. They are set to appear on MTV’s “Fresh Out”, “The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon”, and “The Late Late show with James Cordon.”
Jimin exclusively told us, “All of the members really put in a lot of effort, and it took a lot of time to assemble. I hope it was worth waiting and it lives up to expectations.”
It’s time for domestic Korean fans to support the boys. BTS is set to hold a press conference for the “Map of the Seoul” album in Seoul, South Korea on the 24th at 2pm (KST).
<Photos by=Hojoon Lee(Dispatch)>
<Translated by=Justina Kim(Dispatch)>
