Witnesses recall how BTS 'collapsed on the floor' backstage after exhausting show: 'They were carried away'
YouTubers Lovend uploaded two videos to their channel reacting to BTS' 'ON Kinetic Manifesto Film' as well as their performance of 'Black Swan' live on 'The Late Late Show with James Corden'.
In the videos, the duo shared some stories of getting to see BTS up close and personal during their 'DNA' era in 2017. In the 'Black Swan' reaction video, one half of the duo talks about getting to watch BTS practice.
"It was during rehearsal, and I wanted to see them up close. So I stood on the side, and I was admiring their dancing. I thought 'they're so cool, they're such professionals'. But then suddenly, Jimin looked at me and smiled! I thought to myself, 'What! Why are you signaling me?!'"
He continued, "But then I felt someone's presence next to me. My co-worker has been a fan of BTS since their debut. Her favorite member was Jimin. They kept meeting each other during performances and got to know each other through conversations they had."
"The co-worker was watching the stage next to me, and she had a mother-like smile on her face. That's when I realized Jimin was looking at his friend, not me! I was just writing a novel in my head!" he finishes, bringing a sad and hilarious end to the story.
In the 'ON' reaction video, the duo talks more about BTS' dedication to their craft, sharing another story about the 'DNA' era, particularly one performance during a year-end music program that BTS was performing at.
"I was backstage, and of course they had rehearsals and practice, but what really shocked me was when BTS was on stage, they were so powerful and perfect, but when it all ended they said thank you and gave their final greetings, waving to fans as they got off stage, and as soon as they were no longer in the camera frame they all collapsed on the floor. The staff was fanning them, cooling them down. Suga was literally supported by staff members, who linked their arms with him to hold him up."
He continued, "It was obvious that they gave 100 percent. And then, they were carried to the waiting room." The other Lovend member responds, "It would've been touching to even someone who's not a fan," adding "the fans don't see it happening though, do they?" to which the first responds "since it happened backstage, the fan's would never know."
Commenting on the incident, the duo adds that the level of quality in the content BTS puts out is very obvious because of how hard they work to create it, stating "They're always looking for progress, and that's why they're making progress and taking it one step further."
They end their videos by cheering BTS on, saying they're rooting for them and adding "We're proud of you BTS!"
As much as their dedication is to be admired, it does call into question the extreme conditions under which South Korean idols are expected to perform. This is hardly the first time an idol has collapsed after a performance.
Members of f(x), SHINee, Girl's Day, Vixx, Red Velvet, GFriend, and many others have all been seen collapsing during or after a performance, often needing to be carried away by staff.
Goo Hara, who took her own life last year, was seen fainting on stage during a 2013 performance. She was tended to backstage, and simply returned to continue the performance.
Members of top groups like Exo and Super Junior have also been seen throwing up during performances - only to get back to performing right after.
In addition to health concerns, dangerous working conditions plague the industry. Most recently, Red Velvet's Wendy was hospitalized after sustaining injuries, including multiple broken bones, after falling off a stage eight-feet high during rehearsals for SBS' Gayo Daejun event — which happens around the same time as the aforementioned 'DNA' performance from BTS.
The accident occurred because the stairs Wendy was meant to climb down from were not set in place and the required fluorescent markings that increase visibility were not present, causing her to lose her balance. She was also not the only idol who fell or injured themselves during this event.
Many idols have also been injured or lost their lives due to road accidents, usually a result of managers trying to shuttle them from one appointment to the next while disregarding road safety.
One of the most tragic ones involved the members of Ladies Code. Two members, RiSe and EunB, passed away in an accident while Sojung was severely injured.
The other members recently opened up about the horrifying incident, which occurred on Sojung's birthday, adding that they regret not eating the cake they'd bought to celebrate because they were scared of gaining weight — another aspect of the harsh conditions idols are forced to live under.
As BTS continue their unprecedented rise to the top, it's important to consider just how much of a toll it could take on them mentally and physically.
Hopefully after their current 'Map of the Soul: 7' promotions, which have already included a global art project, appearances on several talk shows, six music videos, and an online global conference apart from a Grammy performance and much more, the group will get some downtime to relax and recuperate.