Reacting to a young BTS - 'N.O' Official MV

[@joonscrab137]

I wasn't a fan back then but as someone who've been on kpop for years I can tell you that BTS were sooo different from what a kpop group used to be, I used to hear kpop songs talking about falling in love, catchy music and beautiful faces but NOT a song criticizing the education system or talking about teenagers issues, and this is why they got hate from media, adults and even kpop fans, bc they weren't fiting the image of a kpop group. And this is why I always say BTS IS MORE BIG THAN KPOP

[@enricobautista64]

Bitch..PREACH!! YOU SPIT FACTS!! LOUDER FOR THOSE PEEPS AT THE BACK LOL😂💜

[@noorhidayati4018]

Agree with you !!! And never regret to become their fans

[@janestylinson5431]

Omg I'm so into exo before and bts is so different so i ignored them lol. Guess who's whipped now and back in kpop after 2015? Me lol. (I joined 2018) I guess I'm matured enough to resonate with them.

[@omarkhaled9709]

Facts Facts like from me👍💜

[@LostCaroll]

@Dan Can you give me some examples (I'm not attacking, I sincerely ask, I would like to listen to it) except B. A. P, I don't recall any group talking about society problem. Maybe during the first generation. I think what is different is that it's more consistant and predominant with BTS than it is with any othes group. While other group would have a majority of love songs and the odd serious song. BTS is the other way around. (that's just my opinion.) And as they have more artistic freedom, it sounds more genuine.

[@bulletproofwings5352]

Back then I remember adults didn’t like BTS they felt like their songs were a bad influence on the youth. Media purposely shut them out and so alot of their old songs that were boldly criticizing never got the recognition they deserved. Which is why when they performed N.O, We are bulletproof:pt 2, and No More Dream recently I so happy bc now pple can actually hear their words that never got to be openly heard. Also yes another artist that also openly criticized the system is Seo Taigi (fyi he is a legend in Korea). His song Comeback Home and Classroom Ideas are big ones, also these are songs that BTS actually covered and got the chance to perform with him in his 20th anniversary concert in 2017, which was a huge honor. The meaning behind Classroom ideas is similar to N.O, so it fits with BTS’ message.

[@btsjiminface]

I became a fan in 2017, and one reason is because of N.O's lyrics. I saw the music video even though it was an old music video. I am also happy they got to perform N.O and We are bulletproof: pt 2 at a recent awards show. Little did I know they wanted to connect back to their beginning to hint at O.N and We are bulletproof: the eternal!

[@jray5907]

I was so happy when then performed their older songs recently, the boys that everyone tried to get to be quiet are now the most heard.

[@WonderingWildWanderingRose]

A tiny correction: it was Seo Taiji's 25th anniversary concert. 💜 I'd love to see him react to it after he does a bit of research on STJ's history & influence.

[@MidnightEkaki]

I don't think this is really true. I've been a fan since 2013 & at that time the only people who listened to BTS were kpop fans. Adults in Korea dont care about idol groups or their music no one listened to them, BTS were ignored for other reasons, because they were a poor try-hard group. No one cared what they had to say at all. I was quite frustrated when people wouldn't realise what they were trying to do and the potential impact of their music. Even many BTS fans back in the day didn't care and just cared about their looks & choreography or whatever and that frustrated me the most. So I'm very grateful these days people are now listening to their messages & are loved for it & get the respect they deserve (most of the time at least...)

[@vherz018]

im a baby army, the first time I saw bts I don't like them coz they are so perfect. Those faces. as a metalhead, I hate artist to gain popularity by face and not by their music. But I got it all wrong when I listen and open a bit and read some lyrics, I got hook, and the most important thing is they write and produce their own lyrics. So I feel the message they want me to feel. Aaaaaahhh sorry I'm really bad at grammar😝

[@daleladell803]

RM did an interview once saying how he and Suga wrote this song after watching a TV special about the strictness of the Korean education system and the extremely high expectations of Korean parents expecting their children to always be at the top of the class, get into one of the best universities and then get a great well paying job so they could then take care of their parents as thanks for raising them. I'm sorry I can't locate the interview. It was so long ago.

[@houseofalex]

NO lyrics 5:01 ~ 'In Seoul to the SKY' Fun facts: SKY is an acronym used to refer to the three most prestigious universities in South Korea: Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University

[@danetcaymo]

Whoa!!! Thank you for sharing!

[@elwindhale3501]

wah i don't know about that .. thanks for sharing

[@vaular]

And it makes me remember about the korean drama, SKY Castle. That was a great drama about korean education system and the effects to parents and the children in Korea. Specially for them in elite families.

[@tiesagust5406]

Really! Wow... good to know... Thanks.

[@enricobautista64]

@@vaular ..and Namjoon also loved that drama lol

[@wildatano1964]

Thats the very reason why bts is different from other kpop group Thanks to Bighit for allowing them to speak for the youth

[@aquariusfairy9984]

Wilda Tano my sentiments exactly! Very true. This is why BTS stands out and shines brightly

[@eri6130]

They were hated back then in Korea. It wasn't until recently that the general public started paying attention to them and all because the Korean media buried all their achievements up until 2017 when they could no longer ignore them (after bts officially made their US debut). Their peers Iooked down on them for opting the idol route, media wouldn't stop burying their every achievements even the one where bts surpassed the Big 3 groups way back in 2015. They were successful from the get go; they just never got the support and respect from the industry. People hated them because they were different; never afraid to speak up. And now people wanna throw the word "overrated" at them...it's funny.

[@eri6130]

@Dan no they were hated for many reasons (ofc not everyone and their Mama hated them) but generally for simply being from a small company. People already knew of bts before they debuted so they even got hate way before. Like I said the general public only started opening up to them recently. I don't think I had seen a positive article about them back then because people(media,gp) were busy bashing and laughing at them.

[@pamplemousse52]

@@eri6130 As Korean, actually they were not hated in Korea.. they were just not famous. Not just BTS, Koreans have stereotypes like boyband in US. Plus, hiphop artists blame them. and other big companies(especially SM, YG) hate BTS by using journalism. Rumors about bts are mostly from specific fandom..😐 Normal Koreans did not know them except idol fans

[@karinacruz8849]

I've been an ARMY since 2013, and all I can remember is them being nowhere, the media didn't talk about them

[@btsawayoflife2532]

kMedia is worse than U.S. payola.. BTS have been political since debut & they swept all the rookie awards in 2013, 2014, BUT kMedia only talked about groups from "big3". hence, their political songs werent talked about it withtin the gp, as u wondered in this reaction. media & broadcasting companies hardly ever let the boys on TV unless u r from big3. one of the reasons BTS have so many contents on yt. they never falter under the interstry injustice but discover a new way. always inspiring👍

[@sneeki78]

I’m Korean and been an Army since 2014. In 2013-15 when some of their songs were really politically bold, BTS were not big. They were considered to be one of rookie idols, thus not gaining public attention with their brilliant songs. I remember it was ‘dope’ that they gained public attention-not only among fans- with their highly political lyrics and started being appreciated their old songs like NO, no more dreams, Silver spoons and so on. Also, Korean people, including young generations, are very into politics and social issues due to our history of gaining Democracy with our own hands in recent history. Not like U.S. where people are very careful or even taboos talking about politics(as a Korean, I still don’t understand what ‘politically correct’ means), Koreans are not hesitant to speak out their political views. BTS is not the first group who out spoke about political, social issues either. Pop culture in Korea is highly related/contributed and used for the political situation here in Korea. BTS were blacklisted-rumour says it-by previous government due to their bold criticism in political/social issues, especially after the ‘Spring Day’ MV released though.

[@iwubfood1]

Are you living in South Korea or in USA? How was BTS blacklisted? Were they punished in some way or banned from public comments, speaking about politics, etc?.

[@sneeki78]

iwubfood1 Rumour says that they were blacklisted. It’s a secret list made by previous ruling party that they listed many artists-Parasites’ Director Bong Jun Ho was on the list-who expressed skeptical view towards the ruling party or government leader. It is not a public list, but somehow the list was leaked and people were shocked about it. Listed artists, producers, directors, journalists, actors and actresses had hard time being rejected to be invested in their projects, rolls and shows and stuffs. BTS was not on the list leaked, but again rumour says it so. For sure BTS was attacked by young supporters of extreme right wings such as Ilbe.

[@iwubfood1]

Yes so it’s only rumors about them being blacklisted because from what I’ve seen on video is BTS is everything in South Korea. They won all the awards there and are the biggest ambassadors for South Korea because they are so popular internationally and helped to bring wealth to their country. But I also heard BTS was ignored and wasn’t taken seriously by their own country until 2017 or 2018 when they saw how popular they were internationally. Any truth to that?

[@sneeki78]

iwubfood1 they are huge now. Although there’s haters still exist, but that’s the shadow of being super successful. I think since 2017, they are the top on the business, and from 2018, everyone in Korea knows BTS, literally everyone. They now are in the position of being a national figure, like Yuna Kim, Heungmin Son, Bong Jun Ho, where people in general feels proud of, that represent S.Korea in a very positive way. We have long-history of broadcast companies(mbc, sbs, kbs and so on) being a ‘Kap’ which means they want to have a control and power over entertainment companies and idols, also a big lables have the similar power to the small companies. BTS and Bighit has been a victim of these old system, where they are still trying to change the map, rather overturn this disgusting system. However, the incident with mbc has proven that it is still a rough journey. I’m proud of their efforts and being a fighter for the greater good/ transparent entertainment system but at the same time hope they don’t burn out. As much as they’ve tried, the change is quite slow. But I do have hope that it will be changing positively.

[@empresski7059]

Thank you for the reaction! Note: At the beginning of the song it mentions "In Seoul to the SKY, would parents be happy?" SKY refers to the 3 major universities in Korea, kinda like an Ivy League equivalent. I enjoy your perspectives so much.

[@Soho389]

Agree with the other comments just want to highlight how this treatment led to the creation of some of the content you are currently watching on Patreon. The media backlash and favoritism to the “big 3”mainstream groups is the main reason we have soooo much great YT content from BTS. The Runs you are watching evolved because they were often mistreated, overlooked it simply barred from being on the media sponsored shows. So, Bang Pd said we’ll do our own thing. And look at them now...outselling the world..literally.

[@dhy2109]

Everytime I hear this song, my mind goes to remember "JK trot version" 😍 JK was 15 yo in this mv. If you notice the lyrics, there is line "in Seoul to the SKY" SKY are 3 top university in Korea. Seoul Univ, Korea Univ, and Yonsei University.

[@abhinponi1030]

Yess.. I just sang it..and my kids laugh remembering that jk moment also..

[@carolinagold3959]

trot version RULESS!!! actually every songs trot version they ave ever done rules.. N.O and boy with luv specially lol

[@reesabts3694]

Hahaha I thought I was weird. I keep hearing it 😂

[@haerang7717]

Korea's education fever was high, so schools had Late-night study hall(야간자율학습) until 10 p.m. (sometimes 11 p.m.) It has been abolished since 2017.

[@stehlopes980]

People dont know how much I love this MV . In my opinion is the best of old BTS

[@sunrayu]

The education system in Korea (especially at that time) was CRAZY! The way the Korean school system works is: a student’s acceptance into the best/ most prestigious school, depends on how high a student’s grades/ scores are. So Parents would often force kids to study around the clock and pressure them to get good grades. Students were so stressed that many committed suicide (South Korea actually have the highest teen/ adolescent suicide rate because of this). Seeing that this was a huge issue, and since BTS’s concept is to protect youngsters from pain and prejudice, BigHit and BTS came out with this song. Needless to say, parents and the general public hated them, because they felt that BTS were bad influences. But it’s because of songs like N.O. that got me into BTS (I was studying in college at the time and understood exactly what they were saying, felt like they were singing this song for me.

[@eddencheezee]

*SKY* is an acronym used to refer to the three most prestigious *Universities* in South Korea: *Seoul National University* , *Korea University* , and *Yonsei University* .

[@marar8045]

BTS has been political since pre debut. Just check School of Tears, a pre debut song that deals with pretty much the same subjects as No More Dream and NO. Their subjects and views have grown and widened with time, age, and experience, but they’re the same they’ve always been.

[@ginouclint7845]

RM's pre-debut song about voting is amazing too. That's about the time when I got into them actually

[@mpgisbtsarmybaefighting2838]

I smiled while reading your comment where you said "they're the same they've always been"💜 👍

[@MidnightEkaki]

Yoongi also did a predebut song "518-062" with his crew Daegu Town about the 1980 Gwanju Democratic Uprising incident. He didn't rap on the track it was another member of their crew but he produced the song (though if you listen closely you can hear his backing vocals in the song). If you haven't listened to the song you should first read about the history before looking up the lyric video on KZbin en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gwangju_Uprising its quite a powerful song I really love it.

[@ginouclint7845]

@@MidnightEkaki true how could I forget that when recently that lyric shout out from ma city was making the news in Korea because of the meaning and historical event behind it. Thanks for adding that.

[@mpgisbtsarmybaefighting2838]

@@MidnightEkaki wow!

[@DeviHC]

Korea is a highly competitive society. Students are not encouraged to do hobbies other than studying. High school students are forced to study from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Weekends are no exception. Parents hope their children will go to top 3 universities in Korea, located in Seoul. That's what makes me happy, parents tell their children. Adults tell students that it's harder to come out in society, you're happy. They say that making a lot of money with a job to show off to others is the happiness of life. Self-development, the pursuit of happiness, is marginalized. Children are taught that finding and exploring their talents is worthless. They learn that studying is the only way to survive and the only answer. Competition also takes place in schools. A friend is a hindrance to my grades and is recognized only as an opponent who has to fight and win. Students are already mentally exhausted because they are limited in their hobbies to relieve stress. *There is a nationwide exam for college admission in November, where an annual suicide occurs by a student who doesn't get a good grade. *A famous incident in Korea - a girl who jumped off a rooftop saying 'Are you satisfied now?' to her mother forcing her to win first place. She had just received her first-class report card. Korea's college entrance rate dropped from 82%(2005) to 69%(2017). Before the 2000s in Korea, the story I told was 'ordinary'. There is now much less regulation on students now than before. Students' stress is relatively recognized, and talent development and hobbies other than studying are also encouraged. But it won't be comparable with the United States.(41%(2009) to 48%(2016)) Since Korea does not have natural resources, it had to focus on human resources. Because everyone studied, a person who studied more could get a better job. After the war, the parents sold most of their property so that their children could enter the university. (50s to 80s) That was the only hope because everyone was poor. However, as competition accelerated and one could not get a good job by graduating from college, more conditions arose and the final appearance correction became a competitive. However, economic growth has slowed and the number of unemployed has increased So, as in the lyrics of BTS songs such as 'N give up Generation,' young people began to give up some of the things they expected to enjoy in their lives. And we began to admit that we had reached the limit. Speaking of "life with dinner time," more and more people want to quit inefficient competition and live like a human being. Korea is an astonishingly fast-changing society for Americans. Korea gained independence, fought wars, achieved incredibly fast economic growth, fought dictatorships and won democracy. And now we are hoping for a world where we stop excessive competition and talk about dreams in a healthy spirit instead of students who no longer dream of the future. Thank you for reading it.

[@chuehyun710]

I'm a fan since 2015 so I don't really know how the general public of South Korea thought of bts back in 2013. But I've heard many said their parents disliked bts because of the messages they trying to deliver through no more dream & N.O haha. It's interesting cuz many parents now view bts as some role model for their kids bc of the messages and charity they've been doing 😂 Ps. What happened to your reaction to no more dream? I didn't get to watch it haha

[@Aliphsi17e]

Parents are ok with BTS now and see them as role models because they are successful and have money (Generally speaking). Even some of their parents. I remember an interview way back then when an army was between following her dream or study what her parents wanted, joon and yoongi told her once she started to make money they would leave her alone and support her, worked for them.

[@Zeel_BTS]

@@Aliphsi17e damn the harsh reality...it makes me wonder how Joon and Yoongi feel about their parents being supportive now when they weren't back then...

[@Aliphsi17e]

@@Zeel_BTS Only they know, but I don't think they hold any grudge, they are just probably happy their parents are proud.

[@hananana1155]

Aliphsi H actually many korean parents still dont like them for stupid reasons like jk and jimin tattoos lmao, knetz are harsh and malicious without reason to everyone especially to idols, but in general no one can really say anything with valid reasoning against them now cuz they became huge and they are literary nations pride now.

[@nhmfadudu5992]

You really need to watch the live performance of this... The one from hyyh concert epilogue... They didnt do the dance but performing with live band, it give different vibe and strong emotion.

[@wila6976]

When everybody say NO, just keep going ON. That's BTS. 💜

[@jecyleemonterona4301]

kpop groups usually use and perform songs provided by their company and that is true to a general extent. bts is different because they actually produce their own songs. this song talks about korean educational system and i think one of the reasons why they weren't accepted by the mass is because of the meaning behind their songs. many criticised them for that. i remember watching a video where rm said he reads a lot of books and tries to stay aware of whatever's happening so he could write a song that people would relate to. not many people listened to their songs before so rm felt compelled to write a song that would gradually tell us the message. a song that we can only understand if we listen to it more and more, which is why their songs now aren't as direct as it used to. anw, direct or not, i love them regardless

[@jecyleemonterona4301]

i remember, EXO was really popular then until Kris Wu filed a lawsuit to SM Entertainment then followed by Luhan and Tao. idrk the reason behind it but i heard it's about SM treating them like robots or stuff like that (correct me if i'm wrong) BigHit is different. bts is really close to Bang PDnim and u don't usually see that in the industry. thanks to Mr. Bang for allowing bts to have freedom. they are who they are now because they had someone who stuck on their side and guided them to the path they chose to take esp since they were separated from their family for a long time

[@lux3226]

N.O stands for No Offense. "In Seoul, to the SKY" - SKY stands for the top three universities in Korea: Seoul, Korea, and Yonsei. In Korea, the suicide rate is extremely high, especially among teens. The reason is due to the highly stressful atmosphere - you MUST succeed, you MUST make money, you MUST make good grades, you MUST go to a good college. Parents, in their attempt at bettering their children's futures, have sacrificed their childhood happiness for a better adult tomorrow. Kids have no time for friends, no time to relax, no time to do anything but go to school, study, and many even have after school jobs to help their families. They're ranked academically at school, with public lists to promote competition, they're constantly tested, and between the loneliness and stress, many don't make it past the "difficult" stages of school and study. And those that do, discover that things don't change once you become part of the work force, the same stress, loneliness, and pressure remains. Many of BTS' earlier songs focus on this, to let it all go, to not allow yourself to become trapped in the dreams of others for your own life. That you're allowed happiness, friends, and mistakes. That it's all part of growing up and learning. Which is why, at the end of the song Fire, Suga's final line is "I'll forgive you". Because living an imperfect life is a forgivable offense. N.O is a rally cry for the youth to join them, to decry harsh society, to make change happen.

[@annabanadya5263]

This song and No More Dreams are the ones that make me an Army. Their honest lyrics are so relatable with reality, especially No More Dreams that talks about how society change us into someone who has "no dream" and just do what we're told

[@zagork78]

It's THAT song, N. O. (it's meant for NO Offense) that made me wanna dig into BTS' whole discography. DOPE caught my attention but I wondered if it was another 1 hit wonder group, so I went back to we're bulletproof pt 2 which impressed me a lot too, & N. O really won me over. I wish ppl would give more love to that song & MV

[@undefinedlanguage1228]

Tbh I still get goosebumps listening to this song. They are very2 brave to put out this song at a time when nobody is speaking up about it. Idk if you’ve seen it, they performed this song at the 2019 MAMA. It was so cool to see this song being performed again and the aura they bring this time.

[@toomuch5484]

I still remember back then in school after I listened to this song. I was going around telling my friends about this song because I was so inspired by the lyrics but sadly none of them give any interest. even my friends that like kpop, they weren't interested because bts was a small group back then, they stan popular groups instead.

[@naikamathurin2610]

omg i remember back them when i use to force my older sister to listen to this music because I was OBSESSED

[@erdak4053]

I miss this era.. when they are young.. we as an ARMY, asian ARMY was struggling to make them known for the west, helping each other with K-ARMY to translate all the song in the 1st album, this ERA was the most touching moment for old ARMY like me.. and now, ARMY HAS BEEN BIGGER AND BIGGER, thanks to BANGTAN SONYEONDAN.. It's easy now! But I'm happy for my fandom.. back then, we only have each other K-ARMY(DIAMOND), J-ARMY AND Asia ARMY(MALAYSIAN,INDONESIAN,PHILIPPINES,THAILAND,SINGAPORE) WHO HELPING EACH OTHER FOR RECOGNITION BTS TO THE WEST!! Did you know something EXO-L BACK THEN ARE OUR FRIENDS, WE HELPED EACH FOR OUR BOYS (BTS AND EXO) BUT NOW WE ARE RIVALS, WE ONLY HAVE RESPECT BECAUSE WE HAVE TO MOVE ON.. some new ARMY maybe know or not but this is WHAT WE BACK THEN ! Been stabbed from the back, been death and RISE AGAIN LIKE A SUN and WE SURVIVED from the attacks because BTS saved us, loves us!! Thanks for this meaningful REACTIONS DT.. ITS BEAUTIFUL! Love y'all, PEACE!

[@katyownsyou]

thank you for finally listening to their old music, i'm pretty sure this music video was filmed on jungkook's 16th birthday! i hope you listen to their first song next, also they performed this again at mama last year which is v cool to see them do as adults

[@-68]

Also they came out swinging cz Bang PD always encouraged them from the beginning to talk about things that affected them. Things that they’re going through. That’s why you see so much diversity in their music. As they grow, their music grows with them, reflecting their feelings at that point in their lives

[@valyrialana]

The only other group I could think about that have done this kind of concept before is B.A.P, my fav group from 2012-2015 before I became an ARMY because of HYYH. They debuted in 2012 and disbanded in 2018. B.A.P's songs are also very versatile and have really good messages so I kinda think of them as BTS' predecessor. They were also from a small agency company.

[@sandymartinez5434]

I love a lot of the older music videos, especially Dope and Not Today. This video is BTS signing about the touch Korean school system. The is so much pressure put on Korean students to do extremely well in school. A lot of them in high school not only attend school all day but then attend a study academy in the evening.

[@caseytakanashi1397]

They were nobodies back then. People probably thought Bangtan was gonna fade away into obscurity. Joke's on them, Bangtan blindsided EVERYONE in the whole music industry. Kmedia was and still is in the big3's back pocket. It's unfortunate but not many people know of their old but gold songs. They had that hot-blooded youth in them you can see it in their performances. In any case they performed all their old songs last year award shows so BTS wins again. I'm 2018 ARMY and I love ALL their songs. They stayed true to their words. They may explore different sounds but their words remain true. I can't tell you how proud I am of them that they never wavered. Their integrity and sincerity is admirable.

[@notkarit]

Funfacts: SKY was the acronym for the 3 top universities in Korea. Seoul National University, Korea University and Yonsei University where parents want their children to study. This song is special to me because I became an ARMY this time. Anyway, JK was 13 back then, international age. 15 in korean age. BTS wasn't accepted fully back then and talking about such topics was taboo in Korea.

[@sunnysunshine2607]

I was just a fan of BTS music but my perspective about BTS totally changed after reading lyrics of N.O Now I'm so proud that I stan a group which can churn out awesome music along with solid messages. 💜

[@mouina1111]

Oh they're really young 🤗 still remember when i 1st watchef all d young BTS MVs after i watched #bloodsweattear as my 1st time i fall into BTS...they really trying hard get into music industry tat time but they made it as themselves. I really proud of them! 👍🏻👍🏻💪🏻💪🏻 #BTS #ARMY

[@theajane6444]

Social criticism was part of them from the get-go...😀. Again, as you have already noted: Their range!

[@vaishalibhakta4755]

I remember when media broadcasts would cut bts out from being on tv or shorten their performances, because they weren't from the so called big3 and instead were from a very small company. Also I hope you understand korean schools are way more different than the U.S, South Korea has one of the highest rates of suicide commitment, most of it coming from students because of the pressure and school system. U.S youth can relate to this song but not as much as the youth in Korea. South Korea students are pressured into being number one, have to take many classes even after school(it's required), get judged if failed, and have to know what your future is depending on your education, the school system is very very strict, and much more. Rm has an iq of 148, but he never failed to realise how schools in Korea need to change. Bts are rebelling and empowering what the youth(students) feel, but sadly back then because they were mistreated, they barely got to share that message, the media and other people were scared cause bts were speaking up, and they were different from other groups(big3), so they shutted them out. But little did they know that led to bighit's smart idea, which was using social media and KZbin. Bts then started making their own self made shows such as run bts episodes, burn the stage, etc, because they were mistreated on many korean shows back then as well. I really do smh to those people who didn't respect bts back then but do now.

[@Maraaha55]

I always loved this song and its sentiment. I'm what is generally disparaged these days as a boomer, but everyone conveniently forgets how radical we were and how we genuinely improved things for the current generations. However this means that this protest really chimes with me. I always thought they looked odd, but that's in part an accident of time and place. They were finding themselves then, and so was the agency : I don't think any other idol group was breaking this ground then, or now. The fact that this song is STILL powerful attests to just how radical it was when it was first released. I love it, but I can imagine it shaking the establishment to some extent, and parents! Thanks for your reaction as always

[@unluckyomen13]

This is one of my favourite songs by BTS!

[@corazonsalangad9680]

One of my fav BTS video. They look so young and eager. Love it 💜

[@cynaken]

I’ve been stanning BTS since 2016 and I’ve got to say that admist their success in the west in 2017, and even after winning their 1st billboard music award, they weren’t considered the top boy group is Korea. It’s THAT corrupted there. In 2017, groups from the big three triumphed BTS’s reputation and it took bts to do MAGNIFICENT things (like winning a bbma 3x in a row) to finally be realized as a class group. It was insane and armys were so frustrated back then.

[@glossy-jimin]

N.O was actually my first real touch with BTS back in the day. I used to really love B.A.P but kept up with all the upcoming groups as well. I had heard No More Dream when it was released but N. O was the song that really stuck with me because of it's message (also I love the classroom scene visually). I took a big break from kpop in 2014-2018 because I got so sick of all the fucked up things happening in the industry. The reason why I listen to BTS nowadays despite still hating the industry is because they really don't represent any of the bad sides of it. I don't necessarily even think about them as kpop, I just think of them as a group I like.

[@stehlopes980]

Please react the dance practice of the sbs performance in 2013. Its old but gold

[@missochin4414]

Never forget to check NO MORE DREAM out as well. And I think you have to watch the live performances too. 💜💜💜

[@luzcartagena6869]

Ummmm, they weren't popular in Korea until like yesterday, euphemistically speaking. Think about it. Young, brand-spanking new from a dirty spoon, almost bankrupt company. Did they get push back? OH BOY did they!!! Still do, to a certain extent, but they're in a less vulnerable position. I think you should watch BTS Hardships again with the perspective of someone who is not new to the group anymore.

[@mariacabrita8369]

The lyrics “ in Seoul to the SKY “ is actually a play on words S.K.Y is an acronym for the top three universities in korea which all students strive to get in , the competition to get into those universities is very high , which causes immense stress and pressure ,I forgot the name of most of them but I think one is Seoul national university?

[@tiab12]

They were so unknown at the time so media didn’t talk about them. Their message reached their small fan base, but no further. If this topic was sung about by rookie groups from bigger companies, for sure there would’ve been backlash.

[@adi9803]

I'm in high school rn and when I heard this song a few months ago( Imma new Army) I was kind of shocked... listening to this cuz the song is literally my and most of the students life here in my country too just as Korea.

[@mg2883]

You will never regret to support them because of their hardworks and love for their fans💜💜💜💜

[@annieho9233]

Mr Parker, it's time for you to know about BU and the Wings era! Enjoy your reaction! Stay safe and healthy

[@AramasG]

Basically a criticism of their school system which is gruelling long days and the pressure to have to get the top grades not just from parents but employers too. Job competition is so tough that for many unless you score in the top % you’ll not even get an interview. Also saying that parents shouldn’t push their dreams onto their kids by making them study in subjects that are soul destroying. They’re encouraging you to find your own dreams or walk your own path and don’t be afraid to say no to others expectations.

[@4AMReflections]

In their early days they never got the recognition they deserved, because they were new and media repeatedly shutting them down in the eyes of people, and now after making their name everyone recognizes their old songs. They were standing for youths since the start.

[@melanieortiz889]

OMG YOU ARE NOW CHECKING OLD BTS SONGS!!! I THINL I NEVER CLOCKED SO FAST TO WACTH A VIDEO!! 🔥🔥

[@JoobieLoobieSoobie]

Did anyone notice??? Look at 05:11 of this video. You will see J-Hope bend at the waist just like the ON video starts, but in the opposite direction. More proof that the ON kinetic manifesto choreo is a compilation of all the choreo that has come before (come prima).

[@JiJiparadise]

The lyrics:In soul to the “SKY” here the SKY means the TOP three University in Korea. “Seoul National University、Korea University, and Yonsei University. Most of the politicians or important businessman are from SKY. And Korean parents would try everything they can to push their kids in SKY. There was a very famous kdrama named”SKY Castle” in 2019 criticized this issue and got enormous feedback then.

[@flame-ks5wc]

Hey DT! first of all, I'm really enjoying your reactions and seeing your journey of becoming an army! :) something that I can really recommend watching is the kpop episode on Netflix explained! it's about 17mins long and does an amazing job explaining the history of kpop, and it also covers the aspect of criticising the society! As someone else mentioned already, Seo Taiji really is a key figure in all this, and I think BTS took a lot of inspiration from him/them :)

[@nicholecachero5527]

Bts is the first kpop group to break the norm in the music industry they speak their minds through their music

[@nellies-taekook-journals]

Some of their first songs (before they debuted) were written in reaction to a documentary that exposed a corrupt school (and government) system. Within 2-3 years the leaders of that government party were out of office due to decisions that led to the Sewol Ferry disaster... (big article on Wikipedia) There is a youtube video about it as well but it happened after that song came out. Rap Monster, SUGA, and Jin (yes Jin) did a rap song called "School of Tears" The lyric video is also here on KZbin.

[@Берутольдо]

"No" is my favourite Bts song.The meaning , the beat, the rap and vocal sound just amazing.

[@deniseleblanc8129]

I heard this song ages ago and thought, "WOW! This is pretty rebellious." Now I work teaching online, and I work with Korean adults and teens and I think, "Holy sh**! I can't believe they had the balls to say this! My students would FREAK!"

[@JKLA09]

When the first time i heard this song, i cried.. Bcs what they said in the lyrics was true af, while i thought it was a normal life we all live in.. I didn't know that i can say NO to what my parents or society told me to do, that's why i cried at that time :)

[@shepardcommander5174]

Back in 2013 the public hated them. It was only us Armys that saw something in them, so we pushed for BTS to be more well known, and for people to feel and truly see that special something in them too. They were ignored and laughed at. But their hard work paid off

[@2112jodi]

YES finally i have been waiting for this one! I will forever love this song.

[@eupetrosarktou7866]

JK had just turned 16 (using our type of reckoning) when this MV was released. He was born on September 1, 1997. He joined BTS in 2011 - I'm not sure which month - and would thus have been 13 or 14 at that time. N.O was released on September 11, 2013, 10 days after his 16th birthday. Don't let the Korean method of counting years confuse you. Korean age is always 1 or 2 years ahead of real age. Everyone is considered to be 1 year old at birth, and on New Year's Day (NYD hereafter) 1 year is added. The Korean age doesn't change at the birthday. So: JK was born Sep 1, 1997, he was then 1 year old. On NYD 1998, he became 2 years old. On NYD 2011, he became 15 years old (this is what is referred to as his Korean age when he joined the group). On NYD 2013, he became 17 in Korea. And this is his Korean age when N.O was released. We would say he turned 16 ten days previously. I hope I've made this clear. Don't hesitate to ask if this doesn't explain well enough. But don't ask me why the Koreans use this system of counting! Here's a simple method for calculating your Korean age: If your birthday has passed: Your Age + 1 = Korean Age. If your birthday hasn't passed yet: Your Age + 2 = Korean Age. ###

[@annarasmus8737]

Really glad you checked this out! 🙏🇫🇮

[@purplejeon2653]

On their early age...their really direct to the point especially on social issues ...and yes...they got alot of backlash...public criticism...and alot of hates....perhaps people out their are not yet ready for that kind of songs in a kpop group....but bcos of their strong desire in music...later after 3yrs to be exact...when they finally got this solid love frm army's all over the world..they slowly recognised and as an artists...it's funny bcos...they've been recognized first in foreign countries than their own....2017 when SKorea finally had an eye to them....

[@gwenevellyne184]

many school-age children are stressed out because of the time, system and standard of education which is very heavy ... in Korea you have to get used to seeing children still in school uniforms at 12 o'clock at night who have just left the place of study or school (G-translete)

[@i2harry]

The screen is so colorful in the back! First time seeing it on 🤣

[@utapurinsesusama]

I recommend you watch their live performance of this on MAMA 2019, its even more powerful now with their current stage presence Also, check out the video essay "You're wrong about kpop" by bby gang (Elliot Sang), its about the history of kpop in the wider frame of Korean society and of course BTS is in there too, you'll be able to see where they fit in in the big picture.

[@blaublaubeere]

One of my favourite songs by them, this has such a great energy and as a topic its still very relevant in many countries I'd say. Also...I might love Yoongi's rich house wife look a bit too much ;D

[@naura-dy9ot]

hey thank you for your reaction,you can react another N.O live performance on MAMA 2019 bc that was so awesome,really great performance from them n i love that tho

[@capwice_anddd_friends8497]

I really do appreciate your reactions 😁

[@btsjiminface]

Yep, I see in your eyes that the song affected you just like how it affected me. They are so powerful.

[@kreesttab4954]

Really love this song! I also love your reaction.. always like your reaction to every bts video you make 💜

[@adjortaliz]

All I know from my korean students before..they are pressured to study all the time and needed to go to good universities..they are also pressured to follow what is being told them to do or so. Elders are allowed to give punishments..it is just based on what my students shared to us

[@강세영-i6x]

I'm Korean mother. I have two kids. They are students. Since I got to be Army and listened to bts music, I have tried to understand their situation and to listen to their opinions. My kids and I get along very very × 100 well. But my husband is different from me. Like parents of bts song 'NO' , he thinks getting good grade and going to good university make our kids' life happy. He always talks about their study and urges to study. I want him to change so he can talk about their real dream someday.

[@iwubfood1]

When did you begin to listen to BTS? Is it true that not many people pay attention to BTS until they became popular internationally and they began to get attention in your country of South Korea in 2018? Also, did you plan to go see BTS concert in April before it was canceled? Do only females in South Korea go to concerts because I see only females and don’t see any males going to BTS concerts or do males only go to rock concerts?

[@강세영-i6x]

@@iwubfood1 I don't know exactly. My first BTS song was 'Spring Day'. I heard the song by chance and I got to like the song. Frankly, I didn't know them at that time. I just thought Spring Day was different stlye from Korean idol song. Since I liked S.D, I have listened to other BTS' songs. And~~,you know, I like them, become Arm. In Korea, it is very hard to get bts concert ticket. It's War!!! In my opinion, there are many male fans but usually male fans don't have the passion to join the WAR. We call the concert ticketing 'Piketing'. Pi, Korean word, means blood. I wanted to go to bts concert. But I couldn't. My kids didn't help me ㅠㅠ. My daughter doesn't like bts. My son likes just a few bts songs. He likes MaMaMoo. I think BTS got very very big popularity in 2016, Blood, Sweat and Tears. In Korea. Of course, they were popular before but not much.

[@gracesarmiento4057]

Their first two years right after debut they have started to voice out their opinions in their songs starting from their debut song NO MORE DREAMS, NO, RUN. the dark and wild era was a very aggressive BTS. I think they intended that style to wake the present generation on some issues that they ignored and blindly just following whatever adults tell them. I’m Asian and I’ve seen it happen during my youth. I’m one of those lucky Asian youth whose parents cared about how their kids feel so the pressure was not as what my friends were going through. The adults always tell us it’s for our sake and our futures sake that they are making us do all the strict studying and extra drill class after school but the truth is not everyone is meant to be doctors, engineers, lawyers.... but parents always forces their kids to these professionals even if the child’s talent is to be something else.

[@kazumiyuka7698]

dip note: in the lyrics, they say in Seoul to the sky which means top 3 universities in Korea "Seoul University, Korea University, and yonsei university" that's what Korean parents want their kids to go to this top 3 only it's like brand families are afraid to feel embarrassed if they kid won't able to go this schools cuz they really not care what their kids dream but for them is more imported of what people's thoughts. that why they study so hard that's why families push them so hard kid gets too much stress about it that's why suicide level on teenagers is so high in Korea.

[@levee888]

Please watch J-HOPE's explanation behind "Bangtan sonyeondan" (BTS) during their early days, you'll get to know more about the N.O era, even during their No More Dream as well.... 💜💜💜

[@KMHSeattle]

How to find this?

[@multifandomchica4life397]

Old army throwback! 😃 such an underrated song..one of my favs

[@dragutzu92]

To tell you the truth I'm a fan of BTS from 2013 I liked soo much NO MORE DREAM, and it's true that they are the first kpop to do this kind of songs. Let's say I'm a into kpop from 2009 and I now quite a bit of kpop songs and bands. They were great from the very beginning

[@sleepingismyhobi5181]

South Korea has one of the highest suicide rates. Since 2007, they were in the top 2 for a long time. They ranked 1st in 2010 and 2011, which is when BTS were trainees and preparing for debut. A lot of it is from teenage suicide, with students losing hope in the face of the VERY STRICT education system in SK. Another factor is the high unemployment rates among the youth, especially those who just finished college. BTS has been addressing these issues with their songs for a long time. They have a lot of substance and meaning in their songs when u dig deeper ☺️

[@ophelia6298]

they performed this song and we are bulletproof part 2 in mama 2019 you should react to that

[@mahra8359]

i swear this song helped me a lot back then and yeah EVERYBODY SAY NO

[@rammaiellecastillo6851]

React to their N.O performance last year at MAMA 2019

[@rammaiellecastillo6851]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZXVgGCfiph6osk

[@hanat5010]

Some of their songs are banned from performing for example “Am I wrong” they performed it twice I think and never after, and it is a powerful song They talk about some ministers and the former persistent (she was actually still the president)

[@MrKaibaoh]

Someone gonna tell him about the BU and wings era yet? 😅😅

[@danetcaymo]

I'm excited for those! I'm also glad he"s starting at the beginning

[@nellies-taekook-journals]

Someone should warn him about how dark the BU is first... and how much of a K-Drama. Alternate Universe is a good description because their characters are almost totally opposite of their real personalities.

[@bangtananxiety]

I'm an Asian and I 100% relate to this mv. One of the huge reasons I became an ARMY and came to love BTS is definitely their encouraging songs.

[@delpizumelda6225]

Jungkook is still very young debuted He was 16 years old He worked hard leaving his youth and pursuing his dream I love so much him I love bangtan #Jungkook

[@LostCaroll]

So as everyone said they were hated. Kpop wasn't meant to be political and so the general consensus on making kpop groups was to make meaningless love songs, not all of them of course but yeah it was mostly like our western boys and girls band. BTS actually got blacklisted after spring days. (Corrupt government controlling the mainstream media and all of that.) This is pretty interesting actually, because, their way of consistently speaking up for their generation is what makes now BTS different of other kpop group since the first generation of Kpop (check GOD, HOT, Shinwa and Sesh kies, they were the picture perfect of what a kpop band was during the first generation) but if you look before that the precursors of Kpop was a band called Seo Taiji and the boys and they were singing about society issues and at the time they were the first musical act in Korea that was talking to and for the youth... So in a weird way BTS is closer to the roots of kpop than other bands that would now fit the modern definition of kpop. As a matter of fact, BTS were actually invited to perform for the 25 years anniversary of SEO TAIJI and they did a remix of the song COME BACK HOME. I don't know if you already reacted to this song, but you could react to the original version live as well as BTS version live.

[@LostCaroll]

@Dan well I didn't say they were first one and I was talking precisely about the Kpop industry, not "artist" that wouldn't fit in the kpop concept (as even Korean see the kpop band more as performers than artist). So no as we agreed before they are also not the first k pop talking about society issues but they are more consistent with it. And the black-listing... I remember at the time reading western articles about it. So it might be wrong. But what is true is that the industry was banned from refering to the tragedy and help the family victims which BTS did.

[@LostCaroll]

@Dan And Korea as a country might love it, it's quite fitting with their history but the government at the time not so much. And to be fair it's still a confucean country where you shouldn't stir too much trouble and follow the rules and order. So I would say that the mainstream and main part of the society isn't really into artist stirring trouble with the order. (I'm talking from the point of view of a foreigners who live in Korea so I might be wrong)

[@LostCaroll]

@Dan Yep I totally agree with that. And it's maybe why they are so interesting as they used the idol formula as a media to bring up issues in a much larger scale.

[@dialenmapula1304]

Did u know that this MV got alot of hate when it was released and it might have been their last MV bcoz of company bankruptcy... good thing that they didn't give up and believe in BTSxArmy's power

[@naya_btsxarmy2635]

Lyric "in Seoul, to the SKY. SKY in all caps because its an acronim. SKY are 3 most prestigious university in Korea. Seoul University, Korea University and Yonsei University. In Korea it is said that you set for life if you graduated from one of these three universities.

[@randaewing1160]

As I recall nobody took them seriously. They were mostly laughed at and thought of as try hards cringe. So I don’t think any institutions thought of them as a threat. I’m not 100% about all of Kpop but the last time a group confronted society was back in the 90’s Seo Taji and the Boys were kinda the first kpop group merging western sounds. Then the music companies in Korea saw how popular they were and tried to create their own groups but it moved away from confronting society and just became more trendy sounds dancing looks until bts

[@hananana1155]

yes. totally agree with ur whole comment, I was thinking about seo taiji too . back then teenagers werent actually considered powerful audience for music, when seo taiji started to speak out for youth he literary started the wave . he kinda is like a father of kpop.

[@irmawatiagoesman2143]

Finallyyyy..! 👍👍 DT, please react to live performance of Let Me Know, Hold Me Tight, Converse High, Move, House of Cards, Outro Tears, & more of BTS song from early era.

[@layandinidahanayake3839]

I think you got Jin and Jungkook mixed when you mentioned JK look so young towards the end

[@dramaqueen8844]

I am not a Korean but understand Korean culture very much speaking about schools , corruption, social problems or mental health openly in Korea is like you have a large target on your back . Korea has a very strict standards like your age, school, family you don't disobey your seniors

[@bangtansonyeondan3295]

please react more to their old songs

[@michellesotelo3567]

Hope you react to their live performances after you watch the mv...