When BTS announced the Festa 2020 schedule, fans knew “We Are Bulletproof: The Eternal” on June 12 would break them — and it did.
Once the clock struck midnight in South Korea, BTS dropped the animated music video for “We Are Bulletproof: The Eternal,” which contained references and Easter eggs from previous eras. And as expected, it was an emotional rollercoaster for ARMYs across the globe.
The meaning behind BTS ‘We Are Bulletproof: The Eternal’
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When Map of the Soul: 7 was released in February 2020, BTS fans instantly connected with “We Are Bulletproof: The Eternal.” The song took a different turn than “We Are Bulletproof Pt. 1” and “We Are Bulletproof Pt. 2.” Nonetheless, the new track still continued the band’s narrative since debut.
The song reflects on the BTS’ past struggles. However, it also celebrates the present and future of the seven members — RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. But ultimately, if you take a look at the meaning behind the lyrics — such as “We were only seven, but we have you all now” — you’ll see “We Are Bulletproof: The Eternal” is a love letter to ARMY.
References in the BTS ‘We Are Bulletproof: The Eternal’ music video
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When BTS dropped the “We Are Bulletproof: The Eternal” music video, the band solidified their love for ARMY. The animated video opened with RM in his “Boy With Luv” outfit walking in the old Big Hit Entertainment practice room. He sees his former self in the mirror, dressed in his debut outfit from June 13, 2013.
As the MV continues, BTS fans are taken down memory lane. Flashes of previous music videos go by, including “No More Dream,” “We Are Bulletproof,” “N.O.,” “Danger,” “I Need You,” “Run,” “Young Forever,” “Blood Sweat & Tears,” “Not Today,” “Spring Day,” and “Boy With Luv.”
There are also a few other Easter eggs that go beyond previous music videos. At the start of “We Are Bulletproof: The Eternal,” there’s a moment where “BTS” and “Solo” are written on a wall in the background. Of course, it could indicate the seven members choosing this path. It could also be a reference to the prank where Bang Si-hyuk asked RM to choose between a solo career or the band, and the leader instantly chose BTS.
Meanwhile, a purple whale comes to save the seven members from the darkness toward the end of the MV. Then once they reach the highest point, the whale explodes into a sea of purple lights. The whale represents “Whalien 52,” which is a song about loneliness. Then the sea of purple lights is ARMY.
At this point in “We Are Bulletproof: The Eternal,” BTS references the “Born Singer” performance during The Wings Tour The Final. The band also highlighted the ending speeches during the concert, where the members broke down thanking fans for their support.
In the same shot, J-Hope is seen holding a golden award as tears runs down his face. So it’s likely the MV referenced BTS’ Artist of the Year speech from MAMA 2018, where the band revealed they considered disbanding. However, they continued moving forward. And as they say, the rest was history.
“Earlier this year, we had a really difficult time mentally. So we talked together and worried about whether we should disband or not,” Jin said at the time. “But I’m so relieved that we found our resolve again. And now we’re able to have these great results.”