BTS say their ARMY is studying Korean language, culture as they promote new album 'Map of the Soul: 7'
BTS has had a massively successful year already with a Grammy performance, appearances on 'The Late Late Show with James Corden' and an upcoming special episode on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon'. They have been religiously promoting their upcoming album 'Map of the Soul: 7'.
Continuing their promotional run, the band held a global press conference online via their YouTube channel and discussed their album in more detail. As part of the conference, the group was asked to talk about why their music and Korean culture, in general, which has a massive global interest.
RM responded, "We received this question a lot and sometimes we joke and just say that our music is really charming, but I think that this is a chance to be serious about the answer." He continued, "To be honest, I think there are many complex factors at work here...I think what is at the core is what makes it very powerful...Our albums and our songs are all individual stories and very personal but I think we live in an age where this story can resonate with people around the world. So these are not just the concerns or the feelings that we have ourselves and just in Korea, but I think this is something that our generation and everyone around the world can really relate to and resonate with them. We try express this with our music and through our dance. I think this is what people find to be refreshing and charming."
"And the question also included a little bit about Korean culture. We know that ARMYs around the world are studying about Korea, studying the language and culture because of us and I think that it’s an honor and we’re very thankful that this is happening around the world," he added.
Speaking about the name of the album Jin said, "We also felt that ‘7’ was the appropriate title to use for this album." Seven is special not only because the group has seven members, but also because it is the number of years the group has been active in the KPop industry. That makes it a special number not only for the members but for army as well.
Jin was also asked to comment on his mandatory military enlistment. He said, "I know many people are curious about this topic and all I can say is that no decisions have been made yet. I believe that military enlistment is a part of my duty and I am ready to accept it whenever the country calls me in. If something does become confirmed, I hope to show my best to everyone."
Many fans were upset that the question was included and pointed out that Jin has responded with the same comment every time the question has come up. Since the questions were emailed in prior to the show, it appears Big Hit Entertainment chose to include it in the session, leaving fans wondering what they were thinking.
"This wasn’t even a real-time question so I don’t understand why Big Hit included it in the list of questions. If you know that nothing has been confirmed, why add it in? Jin looks so distraught after answering this question," tweeted one fan.
The conference has already taken over Twitter with #WeLoveYouBTS, #JinOurMoon, and #7Conference occupying the top 3 trending topics on the platform.