BTS Interview for VOGUE, HER Enters Various European Music Charts

[mc1a.livejournal.com]

BTS Is Back! The K-Pop Kings Talk Their New Album and Ever-Evolving Style

It was the comeback heard around the world: BTS, the international K-pop kings, returned this week with a brand-new album. For the group’s seven members, the last year has passed like a dream: winning their first daesang (a top Korean music award), a scene-stealing appearance in Saint Laurent at the Billboard Music Awards to pick up Top Social Artist, and a string of invitations to hang with stars like the Chainsmokers, Charli XCX, Ansel Elgort (anyone, more or less, passing through Seoul was apparently eager to catch some of the BTS wave). Now, with this week’s release of their fifth EP, Love Yourself: Her, BTS are poised to capitalize on that startling momentum.

The truth is that no other Korean artists in recent memory have been able to penetrate the U.S. market in this way; in turn, that international success has made them more relevant back home, where they were once a smaller act. They can thank a dedicated fanbase—appropriately named Army—whose frenetic devotion rivals that of Directioners and whose greatest numbers lie overseas. To further tap into it, they added a new meaning to the acronym BTS in July (the original, Bangtan Sonyeondan or Bulletproof Boy Scouts; the second, Beyond The Scene) as an alternate “brand identity.” More clear-cut, they hope to deliver a dynamic return by flipping the switch and revealing an entirely new side of themselves once more.

Love Yourself: Her is a musical and visual evolution of previous themes—of young boyish love, with the soft yet vivid quality of a waking dream. The first music video, for “DNA,” features gentle guitar strumming, basketball jerseys, and jumpers in bold primary colors; it received more than 20 million views in less than 24 hours, setting a new K-pop record. Today, BTS performed the set live for the first time on the show Music Bank in liquid silk shirts and simple trainers that let their fluid dancing take the spotlight.

Just ahead of the release, the members sat down for an exclusive interview with Vogue to break down their new look and evolving personal style. Despite a long day of filming and dance rehearsals, they were in good spirits, laughing and chattering happily. “Let’s go!” J-Hope said. Here, we do.

Tell us about the new visual concept for this album. What kind of style did you pick to express it?

Suga: It’s about boys falling in love. There are four versions of love, and we shot four different photos to show them. Though each one is different, the same feeling of love comes through in every shot. There’s a sense of playfulness, of friends hanging out comfortably at home in their free time, and that kind of fluttering feeling. Visually, we cover a lot of ground.

The lyrics and the music themselves are about finding your fate. In this album, we cover a wide range of songs: There are high-energy ones, very hip-hop ones. It’s quite diverse. To match it, the style covers a range of colorful, sporty, leisure, and boyish clothes. They go well together: powerful music, colorful clothes.

J-Hope: It’s very colorful and sporty, overall. I think there’s a slightly retro feel, too. Among the seven members, I think we each kind of bring out our hidden boyishness through our clothes.

Suga: It’s totally different. When we did You Never Walk Alone, we wore a lot of casual clothes. This time, it’s a lot flashier. Super colorful, yet more high-end and comfortable at the same time. More of that comforting feeling.

J-Hope: Right, this time we wanted to show more of that boyish style.

How would you describe BTS’s style in general, looking back across your work?

Rapmon: Just style.

Jimin: Truthfully, we have a very energetic style, I would say.

A lot has been said about the kind of individuality you hope to express as a band. Is that something that comes into play with your style, letting each member’s own persona come through?

Jimin: Of course; it’s important. With each new album, we do a lot of fittings. And each time we do those fittings, we talk a lot and always share our thoughts as we go. We put a lot of effort into looking for clothes that express ourselves and the feelings we want to express with each album’s concept. We want to show that, [but] without losing our individuality either.

V: I don’t think we have one signature. With each concept, we change it up completely and the styles have been so diverse. For “Boy in Luv,” we wore school uniforms. For “Blood, Sweat & Tears,” it was a range of suits and white shirts. As artists, we have to change our style to match each concept. We’re always changing, ever changing.

Do you have a favorite piece you wore for this comeback?

Suga: I loved all the oversize shirts.

Jungkook: Me too. There’s a loose, navy chiffon shirt I wore with slacks that was particularly light and comfortable. I liked that a lot.

J-Hope: I liked wearing those basketball jerseys, and those ultra-colorful sweaters, too.

Rapmon: There was a really big windbreaker that I liked because it was so big.

V: I liked everything, but the accessories most of all. Particularly all the rings and earrings, I liked those the most.

Jimin: For me, it was the bright red shirt from “DNA.”

Who do you think has changed the most since you debuted?

J-Hope: V?

Suga: V has changed a lot, and Jimin changed a lot.

Rapmon: Jungkook, too.

In what way?

Jimin: We’ve all gotten old.

J-Hope: Our maknae line [the youngest members] has changed a lot. They are the youngest and looked it when we debuted, but now, they look more grown-up.

Jin: Like Jimin. Overall, his face changed from cute to sexy.

What do you want most for this comeback?

Suga: To make the Billboard Hot 100 is my dream.

J-Hope: Let’s get it! Dream!

Rapmon: I would like all the members to be healthy.

J-Hope: Health!

Suga: It’s the most important thing, really.

Jimin: I would like to be 3 centimeters taller.

V: For real. I want to have wide shoulders like Jin.

Jimin: Me too [laughs]. For real.

Suga: If everyone could be happy, I would be happy.

J-Hope: Peace!

Jungkook: For me, I’d like to travel a lot. Anywhere would be great. And if I could learn to speak English and Japanese well, that would be great, too.

J-Hope: I also would like the members to be healthy and happy. And everyone else, all our fans.

Any last words for your American fans?

J-Hope: Of course, American Army.

Suga: No matter what, our American Army is so big, and we are so very thankful to them. From now on, we want to put on even cooler performances, be cooler, be better, so look forward to it. Please, always look forward to it.

V: Thank you! We love American Army so much!

V
Tell us about your personal style. What are you into lately? In my case, I like to pick one piece that pops against everything else. I like flashy shirts, or I’ll wear a simple shirt with a fancy necktie. I also like vintage pieces, more standout ones. I’ll go to certain boutiques and look for clothes without labels. You can find a lot of nice unbranded shirts, and I wear those a lot. What is one item you can’t live without? I like old-school, vintage-style glasses a lot. As for accessories, I really like them all. Who is your style icon right now? I don’t have a big role model at the moment, but later on, I would like to channel [actor] Ryoo Seung-bum [who is known for his unique style].

Jimin
Tell us about your personal style. What are you into lately? To be honest, I don’t think much about style, or “oh, this is my style,” that sort of thing. I follow my mood, which is so different day to day. Generally, I like a wide range of styles, but lately, I’ve been reaching for comfortable, simple things. Simple slacks and shirts. What is one item you can’t live without? I like accessories a lot. Hats, caps, beanies, I like all of them. I also look for special standout earrings, rings, necklaces . . . I like to layer them on heavily. Who is your style icon right now? I don’t have one exactly, but I like to look on the Internet for cool, well-dressed people and get inspired that way.

Jungkook
Tell us about your personal style. What are you into lately? Are you familiar with the term paealmot [fashion-know-nothing]? I don’t know anything about fashion. So for me, I reach for anything comfortable. I wear a lot of athleisure and workout clothes—sweatpants and sweatshirts—as I like to stay active. What is one item you can’t live without? I don’t like accessories all that much, except for hats. I like bucket hats and beanies a lot, and I sometimes wear rings or bracelets. I’m the kind of person that if I put it on once, I’ll leave it on forever. Who is your style icon right now? I am my own role model. I want to follow myself.

Jin
Tell us about your personal style. What are you into lately? I like to dress warmly, comfortably as I go around. Naturally I like easy fashion. My style is clean, polished, and gentle looking. Or you could say I prefer to wear big sweatshirts and hoodies. How much interest do you have in fashion? “How do I mix and match these things together . . . ” I tend to stand in front of the closet worrying like that. What is one item you can’t live without? I like silver accessories. I think they suit me well. Who is your style icon right now? [Actor] Kang Dong Won. The clothes he wears, it’s the fit and style I like.

J-Hope
Tell us about your personal style. What are you into lately? I’m into streetwear, and more colorful looks. These days, bags have become more of a thing for me—these mini cross bags are so great. What is one item you can’t live without? I like hats a lot—bucket hats, sun caps, beanies, and fitted caps. And like I said before, I like bags a lot. I like shoes that stand out, too. Lately, I’ve been wearing a lot of running shoes, the kind that look good with very wide pants. Who is your style icon right now? I like A$AP Rocky. How to put it . . . he dresses on-trend, but he also dresses for himself. He’s made his own style. It’s hip, but has a clean, polished kind of feel. That whole A$AP Mob style, I like.

Suga
Tell us about your personal style. What are you into lately? These days I’m wearing a lot of Jordans, those sneakers. I’ve been wearing a lot of slippers, too, and comfortable clothes in general. I really like that kind of oversize fit. What is one item you can’t live without? I also love accessories, especially bracelets and rings. King rings, the really big ones. I’ll wear a lot of them at once. Who is your style icon right now? Like Jungkook, I don’t really have one. I just look for what I like and what I feel comfortable wearing.

Rapmon
Tell us about your personal style. What are you into lately? These days, I’m most into staying comfortable. I do have a lot of interest in Japanese brands, so I’ve been looking at cool Japanese hyungs [older brothers] and carefully studying their style. Brands like WTAPS, Visvim, I like a lot. What is one item you can’t live without? I like hats. As for a favorite . . . I like all of them, though? Really. I wear hats all the time. Who is your style icon right now? Cool hyungs I look up to, even people I pass on the street in Seoul. People dress so well here, it’s easy to get inspired.


BTS Achieves Impressive Results On European Music Charts

BTS is showing worldwide success with their newest album!

The group’s mini album “Love Yourself: Her” entered United Kingdom’s Official Charts at No. 14, breaking their personal record of No. 62 with “WINGS.”



The title track “DNA” also placed No. 90 on the singles chart.



In addition, the album ranked on other European album charts including No. 13 on Sverigetopplistan (Sweden), No. 19 on Ultratop (Sweden), No. 19 on IRMA (Ireland), No. 56 on Top of the Music (Italy), and No. 57 on the Offizielle Deutsche Charts (Germany).

Congratulations to BTS on all the achievements!


Source: VOGUE, StarNews via Soompi

MIC Drop is also at #16 in the iTunes Top 20 Songs and HER is at #5 in iTunes Top 100 Albums in my country. OP is impressed.

Vote for BTS at the Asian Artist Awards! Check the tag for previous BTS posts!

Comments

[ms-minniemaus.livejournal.com]

If these achievements are not enough to convince promoters in Europe to actually try and bring them here...idk anymore. I'm not hoping for a concert in our country tho, OP lmao

I’ll go to certain boutiques and look for clothes without labels That's why we see you in Gucci all the time, Tae?

Jin: Like Jimin. Overall, his face changed from cute to sexy Jin knows what's uuuup <3

[mc1a.livejournal.com]

I'm not hoping for a concert in our country tho, OP lmao

I snorted. Who is tho?

"I’ll go to certain boutiques and look for clothes without labels That's why we see you in Gucci all the time, Tae? "

That's code for: looking for Gucci pieces from old collections lbr

[meggicchi.livejournal.com]

During the comeback show he showed his closet and showed off a bunch of unlabeled shirts saying it costs him $5 lol. I think most of the Gucci he wears are gifts from fans so he wears them during public appearances where fans/fansites will see it.

[katheli.livejournal.com]

SLAAAYYYY

and COME TO EUROPE!!

[lemonadetea.livejournal.com]

Forgot to add: Jimin is rly out there tryna kill his stans, he wore a deep v-neck and said he'd try to show as much as possible lmfao.
Somebody needs to stop this boy before he kills me.

[ms-minniemaus.livejournal.com]

Forgot to add: Jimin is rly out there tryna kill his stans, he wore a deep v-neck and said he'd try to show as much as possible lmfao
I DON'T MIND AT ALL, not sure I'm going to survive but I DON'T MIND

[lightframes.livejournal.com]

Outback seems random lol. I guess it was close to the station.

[callherblondie.livejournal.com]

I think it must be bc Jungkook wears a lot of Japanese mainstream brands like Muji & Uniqlo, their clothes look good on just about all Asians.

/ded at them treating 600 fans to Outback Steakhouse, I love that shit, esp the bloomin' onion. I remember my Korean friend telling me that her family would always go to Outback for special occasions lol

Jimin is rly out there tryna kill his stans, he wore a deep v-neck and said he'd try to show as much as possible
Jimin stans pls come and collect your man

[revedesnuages.livejournal.com]

I just read that the boys treated fans to steakhouse because filming took 24 hours...if that's true, that's ridiculous, they must be so exhausted :/

[lemonadetea.livejournal.com]

Jhope talking about liking bags and missing a prime opportunity for "did you see my bag." I don't know him anymore.

Lmao at Jin saying Jimin went from cute to sexy. I'd say it's more cute to sexy but still cute at the same time.

[callherblondie.livejournal.com]

lol I am really behind on everything this comeback but what does that line 'did you see my bag' even mean? When I watched the Comeback perf of Mic Drop, I thought the lyrics were mistranslated and it was supposed to be 'did you see my back'

[jyusou.livejournal.com]

Aaaaand Vogue finally joins the list of panderers, surprising approximately...no one.

It's a good interview. I personally like Jimin and Jeongguk's fashion choices the most. And Taehyung, as expected, continues to confuse; clothing without labels? Boi if you're gonna talk the talk then walk the walk as well /throws another coin in a fountain and hopes his Gucci closet burns/.

[meggicchi.livejournal.com]

nah they've been thirsty for army's rts since the bbmas, and shamelessly tweeted the same article every 5 days for 3 months lol (im slightly exaggerating jsyk)

[meggicchi.livejournal.com]

i like that some of them seem to really be into fashion and have defined styles, most men i know irl all wear the same billabong tees and cargo shorts and whenever they have a nice shirt, it's most likely bought by their gf/mom lmao.

I like Jin's style the most, oversized hoodies are my thing.

[pourtant.livejournal.com]

jin looks so huggable with his wide shoulders and big hoodies, it hurts me

[ironicmustache.livejournal.com]

i like rapmon's (usually) and jungkook's choices the most. i'd say they're closest to my own style - no flashy prints or cuts and no loud colors. i loved when tae used to wear his hand ripped shirts (lol), but i dont love whatever he's into now.

[black-swan87.livejournal.com]

I died in that comeback special when they showed jk’s closet and it was literally 97 million white t shirts. He’s like a cartoon character.


I’d love to raid Jimin’s jewelry closet, he always has really nice jewelry

[mlmello.livejournal.com]

YES re: jimin's jewelry. he really knows how to use it and it compliments him so well.
all his rings..... <3

[mc1a.livejournal.com]

I like Jimin's style. That's what I like to wear but I don't have fans to shower me with fancy clothes/accessories and my closet is half H&M lol because that's the only decent store in my city. But then again I don't really go out much so who needs fashion.

[mc1a.livejournal.com]

ms_minniemaus Shower me with presents. My birthday is coming up.

[musicnkisses.livejournal.com]

Since no one's mentioned it, BTS is projected to have a top 10 album in the United States, the first act to do so. They missed the top five by a little over a thousand units SPS.

[mc1a.livejournal.com]

I saw someone mentioning it on twt but it didn't have a proper source so I waited for the official news. I also saw predictions that they will enter Hot100 with DNA.

[sunlight-kisses.livejournal.com]

i live for BTS in earrings

esp jin and his dangly earring god BLESS

[lemonadetea.livejournal.com]

I want Jin's dangly earring for myself so freaking bad, but I'm sure it cost more money than my entire wardrobe.

[lostintheechoes.livejournal.com]

this post is giving me life after the shit show of a day i had today. i love you all, thank you.

[callherblondie.livejournal.com]

Vogue's interviews always read so tone deaf and shallow. Pointless outdated publication that should fold.

ETA: so this doesn't come across totally negative -- BTS remains adorable though

[black-swan87.livejournal.com]

Lol I personally enjoy your negativity

[callherblondie.livejournal.com]

I'm starting to worry about Yoongi's sanity, all the constant dye jobs are seeping into his brain. I thought maybe he was the one who maybe wasn't completely sold on the CS but then in the comeback show he called them the Mokers Brothers or something stupid like that and keeps talking them up in press stuff. Yoongi, you had one fucking job to not be a dumbnuts douchebro and right now I give you an F for effort and an F- for taste.

[callherblondie.livejournal.com]

So I haven't listened to BTS's new album yet and when I do I'm gonna skip over the CS song, but does it sound something like this:



So disappointed still in BTS for collabing with these faux musicians. Especially disappointed in Yoongi bc I thought he actually cares about music and anyone who cares about music wouldn't be ok with this shit.