The Kulture Study: BTS "Interlude: Shadow" Comeback Trailer MV

[@formoftherapy]

wooooo im not late am i?

[@sarochisa]

Yes you are,they already drop the mv 'on' and you not react yet to Outro Ego and Black Swan Edit : Im not mad or angry dude what happen with y'all lol

[@miaoruuu3366]

You're soo behind tbh

[@tamarlevy5949]

fashionably late

[@Natasha-uk3us]

Dw, everyone else was just early.

[@lunesface5123]

Yeah kinda 🤣🤣

[@MVD.]

Heads up for the eventual listening party: Shadow on the album is an extended version with an extra verse after the first chorus, so don't skip it haha.

[@lhtlinh3192]

Max definitely looking forward to it

[@Grinning_shark]

I was about to comment the same thing! That 2nd verse is really important so I'm glad your comment is so high up.

[@arorei]

They will, just like LY:A

[@claranguyen2738]

Suga once said he cried in the shower out of fear after an American award show because of how big they have become. He also mentioned the fear of not living up to their fan’s expectations. They had exceeded their original goal and had moments where they felt lost. Then they said their resolution to that thought is that they are being given so many opportunities to do so much more. Taking the optimistic view.

[@psychedelicacynical]

that's crazy, can't imagine being them

[@cypher3143]

Claire Nguyen I’m really proud with yoongi with him being honest with his feelings. It might be a long road for him but he is still here and I will always be there for them as they are to me.

[@claranguyen2738]

Reina Jancorda Love him so much.

[@haylyryanlilyjane]

It really break my heart to know that wow. I wish nobody would have to ever feel that much weight on them.

[@hmaroni9572]

It has to be scary af! Imagine all the pressure and expectations!

[@shaquillatarisa5110]

Everyone be forgetting that he says "dont let me down" too

[@iridescentdemon]

Its like afraid to fly afraid to fall sort of thing

[@xerilaun]

😭

[@TaliseSnyder]

When I first listened to the song it honestly worried me. The lyrics are so painful and they seem very sincere.

[@dani2086]

Its not about the dark side of fame,though. Its more about that fear of losing everything. Dont be worried. Its okay

[@dani2086]

Well thatd how i interpret it

[@therealdid]

@@dani2086 i think this has nothing to do with losing the fame but the fear of haing too much of it

[@dani2086]

@@therealdid that makes sense too

[@minihwas]

I always worry when I hear their sad lyrics, it's just because I love them so much I don't want them to hurt. But don't worry, they're making progress

[@LouellaBelle]

I honestly felt like this song was one of their saddest songs when I first heard it. Suga has always had such a way of conveying feelings anyone, anywhere, at any point in their life can feel and relate to. It's a true talent.

[@hmaroni9572]

LouellaBelle yes he has a talent as a gift, and that is his way with words

[@sweetrupturedlight]

Yoongi has always been honest about not really craving the spotlight. He wanted to be successful but not famous. The end of the MV has him confront himself and realise that he is both people and that they can coexist. The entire theme of the album is about the past, the present and their future. Without spoiling, MOTS:7 is really BTS accepting their place in the world - which is at the top - but realising that they aren’t alone. They’re not just 7 - like they were when they debuted and it felt like they had only each other. I hope that makes sense. To your point, as I said, Yoongi has been honest about the price of fame - and while I believe Shadow does lend it self to truths, I don’t believe it was meant to be autobiographical or 100% literal.

[@투루-l3e]

i really don’t see the ending as comforting... the music and visuals become darker and the lyrics are aggressive. what’s comforting about your worst fears saying “you’ll never be able to get rid of me”? and it’s definitely about himself. even recently yoongi said he cried after the amas because he cracked from the pressure. this song gets me hyped but also i kinda wanna die bc it hurts bad lmao

[@sweetrupturedlight]

@@투루-l3e Watch yesterday's press conference. He literally confirms that in the end, you have to coexist with both sides of yourself - the light and dark. I'm not trying to analyse his state of mind. Im not a psychologist. Im repeating what he has said himself. Again, their work isnt 100% autobiographical, but its about their journey and their struggles.

[@nanikkaryawati5782]

@@sweetrupturedlight i'm agree with you 100%, SUGA lyrics about his honest journey

[@myheartwillstopinjoy8142]

@@sweetrupturedlight I can't help but being scared 😅 I have history of serious agressivity against myself and this song seems to me like it's totally that which is terrifying

[@niconiconick]

So this is how its like to be in the future

[@marwakaddari5287]

Nick lmaoo

[@stevekujo8716]

Yes

[@wanderingtin]

Ikr! 😂

[@xerilaun]

Lol

[@jakeyboy4797]

OUAHEBWMAPXIJWBQBAGAYSIOFKRNEBWV ETBKRICUXOQPQLNWBWJSOODKDKRBTBT

[@paulihhh2042]

I see the suga on stage as the present one, and the one in the crowd his past self

[@KhawChing]

I'm a bit torn on what I see. I think it's 2 halves of himself, but the exact distinction on which half is what is where I become conflicted. I want to say the half on stage is the confident performer putting on the show for his fans with all bravado and the half in the crowd is the scared of the limelight afraid of failing half. At the same time I can see the stage half being the afraid of failing and of the attention trying to tell himself this is what he wants (hence it getting so dark at that part). While the half in the crowd is the more egocentric version saying, yes there is a part of you that wants that and if you can learn to live with and accept me/it then your mind will be more at peace. Or maybe it's a present verses past self as you expressed. Maybe a mix of a little of many things in each. Past, present, introvert, extrovert and so on. Guess that's why I like Suga as an artist so much. He can give his songs an emotional impact that can leave a person reflecting on what was said.

[@nikolahetn944]

I absolutely love this song, for me it's simply a masterpiece I really love Yoongi’s style, his songs are always amazing. But yeah Shadow is very sad, I wholeheartedly agree. These are his true thoughts and the other members as well. They talked about how much pressure they feel and Yoongi said something about crying in the bathroom because he was so scared (I think when they were to perform at the bbmas) so yeah :/ After listening to Shadow I (and many other armies) felt guilty because we love and support them but at the same time we cause them pain. But I read someone's thoughts about this and I think they're right: that bts released Persona first, the album about love for their fans so that we don't feel this way. They don't want us to feel bad but just wanted to show us this much darker and scarier part of themselves (or rather their lives). They always talk about their love for us and it's obvious how genuine they are. I'm always amazed by how sincere their music is it must take a lot of courage to talk about things so personal. The whole album is incredible. They really outdid themselves I really love all the songs, even on first listen, which doesn't happen to me often. Really hope you're gonna make a first listen, I'm always interested to hear your thoughts and thank you for great reaction! Ah, last thing. I'm pretty sure the second Yoongi is his shadow and he's talking to himself.

[@burningshadows01]

I thought that was the AMAs? But I honestly don't remember which one so PLEASE don't think I am trying to correct you. I remember that, him talking about that and it broke my heart, I remember watching an interview after they performed and Namjoon had his hand over Yoongi's shoulder and had pulled him close and you could tell that was Namjoon trying to help calm Yoongi down. It is very interesting but if you watch you can see all the little things that they have learned about each other or know about each other and how they work hard to keep each other happy, calm, etc. I agree with you about the albums and what you think they mean. I do think that is a big part of it. And I do think it takes so much courage to talk about the things they do especially considering most groups don't take on topics like this. I also agree that the Yoongi in the crowd was talking to the Yoongi on the stage.

[@nikolahetn944]

@@burningshadows01 Thank you for sharing your thoughts ^^ by the way, what's your favorite track on the album? ;)

[@burningshadows01]

@@nikolahetn944 I think I am gonna have to say Black Swan, second favorite would be ON but I didn't have much time yesterday to really listen to the album enough to get a good feel for the other songs. I did enjoy all of them so I know I will find other ones that I will pin to my favorite pile. My best friend and I often do this thing where we will pick our favorite song from each album, favorite solo from each member (mixed tapes not included, those we do separate) He has frequently had to tell me choosing three songs does not in fact count as my one favorite track. 🤣💜 What is your favorite track on the album?

[@nikolahetn944]

@@burningshadows01 I'm pretty bad at choosing favorites cause for some reason it makes me feel guilty, but at the same time I'm kinda obsessed with choosing 😂 right now I think I love Shadow, ON, Friends, Louder than bombs, Respect, Inner Child and We Are Bulletproof a little more than the others so yeah... I know I picked a lot, but it's really hard 😌 I guess we could say that I totally understand you on picking more than one song 😂

[@burningshadows01]

@@nikolahetn944 I totally understand!

[@jaja231]

At the end, Suga in the audience is his shadow, so at that part his shadow is rapping to Suga, telling him I'm you and you are me etc.

[@rosi4792]

nah, you're not overreacting and i'm glad you said that. i can't even imagine how he feels bc it must be a bittersweet thing, fame.

[@SereneSSBeam]

I'm so hyped for the listening party 😁

[@nmsch9]

Mrs. 사리나 Ramos will there be one

[@larzspace]

yeah will there

[@hopedays8809]

people tend to focus on the "dont let me shine/fly" part but forgets about him singing to also "dont let me down". Its kinda funny seeing this reaction now cos the album's out already cos the album is described by rm as their diary so there's truth in those lyrics. like yeah bts might feel burned out too as what this song may tell and they purposely made the next song after this, black swan which continues this topic where they also sang how they will still push themselves to not get completely swallowed by the 'shadows' i really love their storytelling😭

[@babydoll2k5]

Suga in white: past Suga, telling us what he wants Suga on stage: the Suga struggling with the spotlight and his shadow Suga in the crowd: Min Yoongi's Shadow himself.

[@ninkakitty]

His artistry and lyrics floor me every single time. There's this sense that every word has been ripped from the depths of his soul, thrown down in challenge. He's achingly vulnerable and intense, literally ripping his heart out to pour it into his music. And then his gorgeous, raspy voice spitting those lyrics like fire, or slowing them down to slide onto the track like honey, it's genius. He lives and breathes his music and it shows.

[@pocketpuertorican]

Really missed your BTS reactions - I always love your commentary! - Suga in the crowd is his shadow, as you suggested! Also, the verse in the beginning, is what he thought he wanted in the past and now that he has it, he is scared. - Regarding the lyrics, some of the thoughts/feelings have been shared by Suga previously in conversations and in a letter to the other members so I think it does reflect what he is feeling as he has talked about it previously. He is always brutally honest in his songs. Honestly, it breaks my heart but I am glad he has the other members for support.

[@monakii8099]

the way Suga rapped "I wanna be a rap star" was very quiet and it seemed like he was not confident with his career, but the way he said it at the end was more loud and confient, but the person singing at the is not suga, it is his shadow, to truly accept yourself, you have to accept your shadow, if not you wont be able to be at peace with yourself, think of a shadow as a flaw

[@emelirodriguez5371]

yeah Suga is talking with his shadow, according to Jun's theory of his book map of the soul, he said that everyone has a shadow, and of course, part of being a human being we have a dark side that at the end we need to accept. Also a shadow follows you wherever you go. So basically Suga is showing his true feelings about being famous and the dark side of it, which is true. I think many artists suffer too but I like that Bts is showing us that being famous is not only wonderful, they also feel pressure and pain. That's why in the end Suga said 'we are one body' 'You are me and I am you' because regardless of the dark side of it or 'shadow' he needs gradually to accept it bc is part of him. So I really love that they are showing us this side of themselves too.

[@x.con_artist.x]

Just wait till he listens to the rest of the album

[@thaynapinheiro6904]

PD uses they/them pronouns

[@99txgh]

@@thaynapinheiro6904 thanks for letting people know, I had no idea 💜

[@odette1252]

I think he really does think like this, they all do because this is the shadow they brought to life being at the top, and this song expresses all their thoughts. But at the same time they try not to be ruled by their shadows by accepting them and accepting their position as humans and stars. Should we be worried? As people who don’t face their hardships because we are not in their position, we can’t understand their feelings, but BTS always puts out songs to heal themselves or others. The real problem is the society who puts so much attention on superstars, there are saesang and extreme fans who invade their privacy, they are extremely controlling and the media and journalists treat stars not as humans, but as products. Too many times these people at the top have neglected or took their lives, so I think BTS talking about it it’s a very important thing for them but also for the society and their fans or admirers. Thank you for the reaction, i’m looking forward to see your comment on the Black Swan MV! (Sorry if I made mistakes I’m Italian)

[@marwakaddari5287]

This song is a masterpiece

[@roselynnaga1111]

Yoongi is just awesome & love his sincere & honest way of delivering his msg through his music & lyrics as always never disappoints....

[@daniahnaya7677]

You should listen to the full length version, it slaps hard🔥💜

[@TaliseSnyder]

This is probably my favorite song on the album. The lyrics are amazing and the video as well

[@jennifercarney8657]

Honestly I feel like minyoogi is probably the most mysterious of the BTS members but when I heard this I was omg he's actually giving us a real glimpse into his mind. That's when I realized how strong my bias was. I can't help but admire the strength it takes to to share the flaws in ones mentality. But society needs this more than anything. We need to shed the stigma of shame for not having perfect mentalities.

[@wanderingtin]

PD... you have no idea how long I have been waiting for this! 😭😭

[@LanNguyen-qh7wb]

So glad its on spotify now so I can listen to it on repeat 💜

[@99txgh]

Shadow is part of Dr Jung's theory in his book "Map of the Soul" (persona, ego, shadow and self), it represents your darker inner self that you hide behind your persona, Jung states that you must accept your shadow as part of you. Most say that the distorted part in the song, is his shadow speaking to him saying "I'm you, you are me" (4:05) and that "we are one body" (4:12) and that he must accept both parts of him even if both sides conflict ("sometimes we will clash"). I love that Yoongi wrote his verses with such a clear understanding of Jung's theory (what the album and song is based on) as well as linking his own experiences and thoughts of fame, passion etc. into. Tbh, BTS has always been good at that, e.g Wings album being based on Demian by Hesse, the lyrics they self wrote show a clear understanding of the themes and concepts of that book e.g. temptation, youth etc. as well as adding their own experiences and commentary of it in their solos It's interesting learning about the shadow of ourselves, and then listening to the distorted part of this song with the lyrics, it becomes much clearer

[@allons_y1001]

They presented us with 3 out of the 4 on MOTS7, I wonder why there was no 'Self' track?

[@Chuuxcx]

I BEEN WAITING FOR THIS BUT ALSO CONGRATULATIONS ON OFFICE UPGRADE

[@erinmiddleton1314]

Thanks for the reaction! In regards to your final commentary, I guess we can never really know for sure where he’s at mentally, it seems as though this song might be more on the therapeutic side. The end part is him his shadow talking to him - like, you wanted this, so let’s do it. Outside of this song, I’ve observed that he actually seems happier and more comfortable with being a performer then he did when I first became a fan. He smiles a lot and is more outgoing. I hope outward appearances are a reflection of truth.

[@kryssyb3368]

It's already been 6 years as an ARMY. Will I ever stop loving everything about Yoongi and his insane talent? Answer; nope.

[@breakdowncrossover]

i think the second part is his shadow talking to him telling him to accept that there IS a dark side and he should accept it and keep going. i feel like the lyrics point to that direction too but it‘s just portrayed in a very dark way, which we know is yoongi‘s style in general

[@OpaShroom]

I believe the begin lyrics were his desires back in 2013 and his lyrics saying “don’t let me fly, now I’m afraid” are his words right now. He realized how hard it is to have his job, he wants to be a “normal” boy but at the same time he loves what he does. The phones obviously show unhappiness, there’s so much more I can go into but that’s just some of it.

[@nelpacapio6591]

Why do I love BTS... FIRST MUSIC + MESSAGE... like a sharp knife it can plunge straight into your heart.

[@danielaaguirre7429]

I believe the lyrics really portrait what they went through last year. Specially Suga, he was very overwhelmed by every step they took ahead like AMAs, Grammys, stadiums etc. He also seemed very happy but I think it was scary to see how things go on so fast,

[@Jldan22]

I know this came out a while ago, but I still want to leave my thoughts. I liked BTS from a distance for years - loved their music, they always seemed polite, creative, brave, but they scared me. I've been into Korean music since 2005, so I've been through some of the worst moments in K-pop, and I could only look at BTS with immense worry and anticipation. I didn't know how they'd be OK, how they'd be healthy, with all that pressure. And songs like this only made that worry grow. Since Black Swan, I couldn't resist anymore and looked into them properly, and they're my favourites now. What I found is that they've never hidden their 'shadow' side from us, it's in their music, but over the years you can really see how they're tackling this head on and developing healthy ways of coping. Yoongi especially will give the rawest lyrics, and they're sometimes alarming. I'm glad I wasn't a fan with his first mixtape dropped, because I think I would have felt very anxious at the time. On reflection though, you can see he's actually tackling his worries and there's always -something- in his work that says 'this is the reality, but the reality is that I'm growing as a human too and I'm getting better at coping'. As someone who has been in the depths of depression, I found his honesty the most helpful thing - by sharing how he really feels, he's helping people who are going through the ringer. BTS as a whole can see the dangers of their success, but they dedicate a lot of their energy into learning how to cope with it, and it's inspiring to see. It's where their 'love yourself' message comes from, and why it is such a genuine message and not just pandering. Finally, thank you, PD, for actually saying those things at the end. It's important as listeners that we hear the dark messages too, and I appreciate you responding to Yoongi's words with concern and intrigue, it shows what kind of person you are in return that you wanted to start a conversation instead of just being like 'that was dope, please subscribe'.

[@larissinhafadinha]

Congratulations PD on the new office, I hope Form of therapy continue to grow more and more. thank you for the Shadow videos, can't wait for the listening party

[@vher5696]

Others say this song is sad.. I see it as beautiful and inspirational. He accepts his shadow as we all should. We need to accept ourself and stop fighting it. We will always have our doubts and fears but that’s just a part of life. Don’t fight it and just accept it and become the best you can be. Not perfect but the best of your capability. This is one of BTS best messages.

[@ehbprd8783]

My eye started to twitch when i saw that dynamic mic

[@98TMT]

BTS's best Intro. Suga hit deep. I don't think you are overreacting. There are definitely times when the boys have to feel like they have to much pressure. But the album as a whole is a reconciliation with both this dark side and ideas and the more positive ones. I think the boys have done an amazing job with this album. It has exceeded my expectations.

[@peachukit]

his "i wanna be a rapstar, i wanna be the top..." is his mindset before he became famous and once he got all of those wishes he realized how lonely and scary it is. all of yoongi's dark thoughts in being a famous artist are represented as his shadow. towards the end of the song when yoongi's shadow starts talking to him in the words "yeah i'm you, you are me, now you do know" and so on, that is when yoongi accepts the shadow because it's just a part of who he is now.

[@roosm8791]

I think the "I wanna be" lyrics in the beginning aren't an initial dream, but something he still wants. To me, the whole song seems to be about the to conflicting sides of him: on the one hand, he wants to get bigger and achieve more; on the other hand, he's scared of the heights he has reached (His shadow). These two sides coexist together and clash sometimes. I don't think it is necessarily a warning that he doesn't want to get bigger. Like he said in an interview: "You must face your inner shadows but resist becoming submerged into its depths. You must face it and move on forward."

[@xiaxiyan6158]

One thing I found really interesting about Interlude: Shadow was the mirroring of Intro: Persona. RM talks about how he just wants to fly, be free, to be himself, while Suga talks about how he's frightened of finally being able to fly.

[@ladynymue]

Sheesh PD. I missed your reactions! They are always something special. Thank you for sharing this with us!

[@squidy6637]

i see it as: on the stage is his ideal portrayal of himself with fans and also how he shows himself to fans (the ideal/expected form of fame) him in the crowd is the not ideal but more realistic life with fans (the hardships of fame, unexpected form of fame) and in the hotel is how he displays himself to himself, but it’s not necessarily what he truly believes which could be why he doesn’t say the lyrics as confidently in those shots, and you can also see the “fans” worked their way into his personal space, they are affecting how he sees himself (obviously this is all just how i see it and is probably not accurate)

[@TheBlbeemer]

Yeah this album moved me to tears. I love the song "00:00"!

[@HailToTheMeep]

Good commentary. Thank you so much.

[@YazzyPazzyJazzy]

this is probably my favourite song on the album because not only is the production incredible but the lyrics are so brutally honest and personal and i think we need to be reminded of the dark sides of their fame and remember that the boys are REAL people, they can seem almost invincible at times because of their talent but at the end of the day they are just regular people who need friends and love and comfort and rest and i just hope that they feel that they can reach out to friends and family when they need to. There is so much immense pressure on them and even for me as an army the sheer number of fans is so overwhelming it kinda scares me sometimes, so i can't even imagine how terrifying it must be for them. Of course we know they are grateful and excited about their success and the love they receive from fans but seriously they need to take it easy once in a while. As someone who has depression and anxiety and feels exhausted just going 10 mins down the road to get groceries it breaks my heart that they don't have much time to rest and just *be* without having to worry about someone staring at them/following them/invading their space if they go outside. I hope yoongi is doing better, the type of thoughts articulated in this song will be a constant struggle for the members during their career and probably long after, and thats why finding joy and quiet and privacy in little things and hobbies etc is so important for them, well for anyone really. I think the fishing trips are a great respite for him and jin and the other members have their own hobbies and interests too, i just wish they all had more time to indulge in them more often. Anyway sorry for the long rambling paragraph that probably no one will read but i just feel very strongly about this song and have felt more worried about the boys as of late.

[@AngelaSealana]

I think when he says you'll be "more at ease" when you realize we're one body... is showing a healthy way to deal with your darker side is to accept it as part of your reality. That kind of flows out of BTS' other album themes as well.

[@CudaBBB]

Nice, thanks for going back to the main screen pd

[@safirasnh]

When the beat changes, your face is priceless!

[@lyma4257]

Yes and wait for PENTAGON's Dr.BeBe reaction. Maybe it will have one because they are brand new now.

[@tamarlevy5949]

ahh pd i'm so excited for you to get to the rest of the songs, they're all pretty different and really good! as always, your reactions are my favorite

[@jimin-ssi7256]

We have a main title choreo mv now, 2 versions of black swan and whole album and outro Ego Mv lmao

[@vanessagutierrez5999]

It is how he feels !! He is fly to high that he is afraid to fell !! but in the end he accepted his destiny with his fears !

[@RlbS2]

He say please don’t let me shine, don’t let me down, don’t let me fly, now I’m afraid. Want to famous but also afraid to famous. Thanks for your reaction video, You are the only one that I still follow to watch their mv reaction video.

[@Jk-ey7mp]

What i know is that its about yoongi and suga his past self and him now "i wanne be rich i wanna be the top i wanna go win" and now "nobody told me how lonely it is up here, please don't let me shine, dont let me fly, im scared" and in the end his past self and recent self clash "im you and you are me do you know now?" "we are the same body we are gonna clash" its about his past desires and his desires now. he also said something along the lines of "we are gonna clash" which reminded me with ON the lyrics "i have to be insane to stay sane" "i have to be on both worlds"(something like that) and the weird red stuff on the door has the meaning of every time you grow you lose more of yourself every door the red square went into it also lost a little of itself but progressed

[@freeramenforsale]

I swear I always look forward to your videos because you're the most practical reactor that talks about the best points in every video

[@jjracha3672]

He really popped OFF, and so did my tears.

[@mahi-yg2fb]

I think those black hooded figures are his shadow and the set where he's sitting on the teal coloured floor with hooded figures below it there's a line that goes like "hmm yea shadow at my feet" so that explains that. and at the end where everything is getting distorted, it might be connected to the whole persona/ego/shadow thing (I mean the different concepts of mentality) these are mentioned in the book named map of the soul it's by a korean author

[@sweet_sugary]

Mots 7 is one of BTS best albums! I never expected it like this but I love every song! Shadow is one of my favs!

[@mhuston865]

I think the distress over becoming more successful is a real fear. When I think of "Boy With Luv" and the music video, I think of the section during RM's rap. To me, that section almost sounded like BTS asking ARMY for permission to "come down" to the fans' level. They knew they were on this wave and, knowing that waves eventually crash, they were rightly scared. Knowing that they would eventually head into a downward slope in fame, it seemed as if they were asking for reassurance from their fans, offering their thanks, yet seeking to get into a controlled glide downward rather than crashing on some rocks. After all, ARMY would be loyal to them, just as they were in the beginning. So while BTS appreciates the mass appeal, they ultimately remember that they rose to fame on the wings of their fanbase. Even if newer "fans" (quotes on purpose) leave or mock them, they will still have ARMY. Even the choreography in that video, the boys gather around RM, RM's arms go backward--like that of an airplane--and the group kneels down smoothly. It is a visual representation of of them "coming down" a few feet from their cold, soaring, dizzying height to a more comfortable level. Jin then throws the rose to ARMY in a form of gratitude. I am glad they are using their platform as a healthy outlet of expression. Of course there are perks to their fame but it makes sense to have some anxiety over the other side. In this video, I was rather struck by Yoon Ki nearly running off the edge of the stage. He is bewildered for a moment, getting his bearings, even as the harsh stage lights stab downward onto him. I found it sad to consider that many times, they see mostly phones in the audience rather than seeing fans' faces. As the group progresses, I hope they continue to find a healthy way to live with their ego, shadow, and alter-ego.

[@kathyyang3855]

I like this song. I happen to think that it's simply about a person defining what they envision their life to look like in order to feel successful or what they think will bring them happiness in the near future, but there are obstacles, challenges and consequences. In this journey there are some who will cheer for us, but also many who don't think or want us to get there. We affirm and we make our move, but we doubt/fear we won't get there so we don't know how much effort we should put into it so we don't become disappointed if we don't reach it in the end and/or we eventually make it there, but we doubt/fear we are not ready for the next step and/or we fear that the grandeur we become the more greed we will start to have and/or the higher the expectation becomes, we fear we won't live up to it. The climb is great, but it doesn't mean we will always stay at the top and when we fall short, it might not feel so great. But, when there are so many watching, some will always be with you no matter where you are, but in the greater scheme of things, there are many that are waiting for the moment you fall, so they can step on you. So seems that affirmation, doubt and fear are some of the shadows that lives in all of us.

[@tomyannguenther2978]

The contemplation of how Jung's theory is really what keeps our boys mentally healthy. If they can know what is going on they can handle it better. I am so happy they find knowledge as useful!!!

[@myheartwillstopinjoy8142]

This song legit scares me. The second suga that appears (when the tone changes completely) seems to be very agressive and mocking towards the first suga, the colors and the effect too are scary. It feels like this song is reminding me that this man I really love and support lives some things I can't even begin to relate to (fame, toxic fans, fear of losing everything he's won...) and it makes me feel so far away from him, to the point where it's not even funny. Like, this songs screams "you really don't know him". It's a scary reality check that all people I see around me have deep, dark thoughts that I can't see or even know of, thoughts I can't begin to relate to, thoughts I can do nothing about. It also explains how deeply one's own self can hate itself and harm it so bad. Like, for me, that Angry suga is talking about the young, scared suga. Even when he lists his wants "I wanna be...", it seems like he's repeating them in an obnoxious way and making fun of him and his dreams like "lol, you think you can do that!?" or "You though those dreams can make you happy?!" . People can tell us we can't do it and we're bad, but the worst enemy of everyone is their own self that always critisizes them and makes them feel like they can't achieve anything and that they're losers. This song really found my deepest fears and traumas and poked them really hard. Heck, it hit them! You're a genius, Min Yoongi.

[@mochipjamas]

I think if this song happened just randomly in the course of more general BTS music, I would definitely be worried. However, BTS has been talking about the theme of this album for quiet a while, and it's based (I'm sure you know) on Jung's Map of the Soul. The shadow in Jung's theory is our dark side(s): our fears, our greed, the things we don't show to the world or even like to face ourselves. Suga is expressing SO MUCH of that with this song. He's facing demons both external and internal. Since it's keeping in the ongoing theme of this era, I think this isn't a cry for help so much as laying bare in the name of this exploration of deeper levels of the members and the group as a whole. You'll see more of this theme in a slightly different vein in Black Swan, and we get some resolution going through Ego and then ON. I highly recommend checking out just an overview of Jung's Map of the Soul, so you see that is actually a map of where BTS is going in this era. Thanks for the reaction, and congrats on your new studio!

[@caramelunicorn8023]

I don't know why but when it got dark I got tears in my eyes.

[@fallenpandora5598]

They hinted that alot of this song was about his deep inner thoughts....like the kind of thoughts u have but don't actually want to act on. He feels this way but not all the time which is why he keeps going... But he is acknowledging those voices in his head that say those things to him.

[@bellatrala4892]

i believe this is a portrayal of how he and the rest of bts are feeling on top of the world right now, but it is part of the story of the journey of learning about yourself, accepting every part of you, even your shadow, and becoming whole, which the rest of the album shows. shadow is the interlude and also the point in the album where the new songs start because the first five are from persona

[@kianajones3323]

ok i realize u just dropped this lol but PLEASE react to the ON kinetic film ANDDD do a listening party to the new album on here. i'm begging you. it's so good PD and i can't wait to see what you think!!!

[@hax5081]

The part when the bass came is actually suga's shadow replying to him

[@hayleylow]

We i think of yoongi’s raps, they are always those hard slaps of reality. I feel like this is his truth, he mentioned before that he didn’t want the fame (and he did also pointed out the excessive use of phones during concerts in a vlive) But in the end, during the beat change, it felt like his shadow part is telling him, that we are one, no matter where you are, you fears and darkness is still a part of you.

[@melissa8592]

i love yoyr reactions, and that you carefully take your time to watch the mv first and then analyse the lyrics, most people don't even pause they just talk and they lose a lot of details that can influence in their perception of the song in general

[@bbangmankim4764]

I feel like the hoodie figures are not only the 사생 or fans, but also himself. There is a huge group of people out there watching every single move of BTS, and later in the video you find SUGA as part of the crowd. In addition to the fans pushing him "higher" and "higher", SUGA himself may tell himself that he needs to be greater and greater.

[@Neptune153]

3:52 PD just WOKE THE FUCK UP

[@Mikachu2407]

probably my favourite thing BTS has put out to date. It hits different.

[@michaelscarnscott]

Suga has said before he's felt like they are too famous now and it's scary. I don't think you're reading too much into it. BTS has always made me feel emotional, but this song hit differently.

[@loveIetter]

the door is inspired by an art piece by anish kapoor, the door basically shreds a part of itself with every smaller door it enters

[@slothyyy9047]

i see the trailer as yoongi onstage (the start) and when the beat switches up its his shadow rapping to himself saying "i am you and you are me" and that "you cant break away from me" which shows that he has to accept the two "personas" of himself

[@mariakim2523]

Thank you so much for the reaction PD! Been waiting for your reaction ever since BTS first revealed those tracks for this album. I really enjoy your reactions all the time. Congrats on moving into a new studio office!

[@brynmarie9655]

I think Suga in the last half takes on the persona of his own shadow. When it transitions the lyrics talk about “I am you, you are me”, and when this part begins the lighting become darker and he is now in the crowd, on the ground, whereas the first half when he establishes the presence of his shadow the lighting is bright and he is placed on the top of the box (shadows cast themselves under you/on the floor).

[@tangerinejess2984]

Listening party???

[@biscothtshikuna892]

I think it's what he really feels. As much as we do not want to admit it. Bts said that this album is their true feelings that they are trying to convey.

[@savannahr.c.1901]

So first, these aren't just Yoongi's words. They're BTS's words, this is how all seven of them feel. And they spoke about feeling this way at the start of 2018 when they discussed if they should disband or not. So like, this isn't surprising to me, but is worrying. However, I think BTS sat and discussed the message they wanted to convey with this album and this was it was. They wanted be truthful with their fears and anxieties. So yes, worrying, but also, this all feels very planned out.

[@tomyannguenther2978]

No one could present this viseo better then Yoongi...he is magnificent!!!

[@rainbowng1814]

i think this is why u have the listen to the whole album because they address the fact that these problems are their destiny and they're ready to take them on.

[@-KingBeast-]

The Spotify version is the full song and it’s so good

[@doraaaa0613]

i mean of course it's his true feelings and a reflection of what he went through, he's known to be very honest and reflective of whatever happens in his life. but that doesn't meant that it's all he is, this song is just a part of him, a piece of him. bts have said that theyre in a better place now, so i hope they truly are. i think this is definitely how he felt at some point, and probably how he feels even now sometimes, because fame is scary and not easy to handle, but it's not his whole story or his whole experience. also this song was written in the past, so i hope that hes in a better place now. he seems happier these days but we're just outsiders who only get a small glimpse into his life. i hope the best for him and am so grateful that he's willing to share his fears and deepest parts of himself with us.

[@Kunoichi42]

The idea that shadow-Suga represents the fans never occurred to me but it makes so much sense! At the beginning, he's in front of a hotel room door like the other hooded figures and in the crowd with them later. Perhaps instead of Suga rapping to the fans, the ending is the fans rapping to Suga? Saying that Suga doesn't exist without the fans so they are one and the same even if they clash (fan expectations won't always align with his personal desires)? This interpretation is seriously blowing my mind, thank you!

[@puaplaza3470]

Suga’s video represents the price of fame and the emotions of loneliness, depression and anxiety that go hand in hand when a group like BTS is at the top. Suga’s journey towards the goal of what he believes true success is seems to change as he finds fame and fortune don’t necessarily equal happiness. Although this issue is not new to artists in the music industry, it is really worrisome.

[@itsdontplay]

My interpretation of the beat switch is that it's his shadow that's rapping: the beat becomes base heavy and eery, his voice becomes distorted, his physical appearance is darker. His Shadow's lyrics are are focused around confronting Yoongi, who is ambivalent about the level he's reached, but he repeats the same ambitions that younger Yoongi wanted, to convince Yoongi that is what he truly wants, saying things like ""you'll be at ease if you admit it too"", as well reminding him that he cant escape, that "I'm you, you are me", "you can never break me off". I'm sure there's some differences lost through translation (non korean speaker). Also, I think Yoongi has a lot of respect for contemporary rap, if the creative decisions for the sets and outfits were his decisions, Yoongi's stage outfit draws inspiration from Drake's recent bullet proof vest look, as well as taking stage influence of the raised, cyan, translucent stage from Jay-Z and Kanye West's Watch the throne and The Life of Pablo Tour (Yoongi said "power" by Kanye would play if he walked into a room, in an interview with People), as well as the psychedelic effects commonly used in A$AP Rocky's music videos such as "Multiply", 'L$D".

[@lauramgod1998]

I'm pretty sure this song is about how BTS was feeling during 2018. They were feeling lonely and they even said how being "at the top" was such a lonely place. They've said that they are enjoying the ride now, not worrying too much if they are going higher or not.

[@lambdalady1jw]

Suga always delivers with a rawness and honesty that's unlike almost anything I've ever heard before. Idk if it's cause of too much concern because he seems so genuinely happy lately and even the other members have mentioned it. I think this are just concerns and real fears that he has, but i don't think he's in any kind of danger. Suga's always been introspective, so i think that's where he's coming from

[@Katara0403]

I think the second part is suga's shadow talking to the suga on stage. He's telling him that they are the same and he can't run away from him. He have to accept his shadow.

[@tsukki0]

Ya know Your reactions and analysis are the best for sure I was waiting patiently for your return to see your opinion in this BTS comeback

[@Bruna-vr7eg]

OMG i cant believe you actually posted i've been waiting for so looong THANK YOU

[@hrjs1gf]

I don’t think he’s overreacting when I read the lyrics i cried because it just talk about the suffering he’s going through ( maybe not) but the lyrics really did something to me .

[@burningshadows01]

I loved this song and I think Yoongi had to be the person to do the song Shadow, like how Namjoon had to do Persona and Hobi doing Ego. I agree with you about a lot of things since BTS songs tend to have so many layers. I see a lot of bits and pieces being very much about fans and how they act. How overwhelming it is and how people are always shoving phones/cameras/etc. in their faces. The fact that half the time there are some people who are at concerts are too busy filming with their phone instead of enjoying the concert in the moment. However! They named these two albums after the book by Carl Jung called Map of the Soul: An Introduction In it he talks about the Persona, the Shadow and The Ego. Here are some of the things talked about in the book: The persona appears as a consciously created personality or identity, fashioned out of part of the collective psyche through socialization, acculturation and experience. The Shadow exists as part of the unconscious mind and is composed of the traits individuals dislike/would rather ignore: repressed ideas, weaknesses, desires, instincts, and shortcomings. The shadow is the result of an individual's attempt to adapt to cultural norms and expectations. Then there is the Ego. The Ego is the center of the field of consciousness, the part of the psyche where our conscious sense of identity and existence resides. What all of this basically breaks down to (and I am very much simplifying it) The Persona is the part of you that you put on, the masks and such that you wear to fit in with society, it's what you've learned is acceptable through interactions with others. Then you have the Shadow which is the unconscious side of you but it is all your weaknesses, your fears, the things you don't want to confront and the things you want to hide away. However in doing that you are hurting yourself, your persona and shadow are basically battling each other. Once you face your shadow and basically bring your shadow and your persona to the same level of awareness (I may be saying some of this wrong so someone please feel free to correct any mistakes, I'm in pain and exhausted) But once you balance them out that is the Ego and in reaching that understanding of yourself along with some other things that are mentioned in the book you reach individuation. Individuation - the process of fulfilment of each individual "which negates neither the conscious or unconscious position but does justice to them both" Something super interesting, if you go back and watch Intro: Persona, Namjoon asks questions like Who am I? and other things like that, if you listen to Interlude: Shadow then you realize Yoongi is answering those questions. One of the reasons I feel like this is him confronting part of himself is in part the fact that you see him in the crowd and on stage but when he is in the crowd he says, "I am you and you are me.." I think he may have had these thoughts before and I know he was having writers block before they had took that break for a bit but I don't think this his him saying he is hurting or that things feel this intensely, I think it is showing struggles he's been through, commentary on fans and paparazzi. But I also think that it is him showing the darker side of fame, success as well as showing that no matter how bright things are, there are and will always be shadows. You can either try to run from them (and fail) or you can confront them and make yourself whole.

[@yunki7700]

you always get it... i love you pd