BTS 'Love Yourself: Answer' Review by Ruthann Ochoa

To all those who have not heard of BTS or K-Pop, they are a South Korean boy band made out of 7 artists (3 rappers and 4 vocalists). BTS are one of the many well-known groups in South Korea, and a lot of people think that they are an ordinary boy band. However, they have broken many barriers in the music industry for Asian artists in terms of representation, such as being nominated and winning awards for the BBMAs  performing and presenting at the Grammys - paving the way for many aspiring Asian musicians. Their music touches issues like mental health, politics, self-love and the pressure today’s youth get from society.  BTS started from little beginnings, coming from an entertainment company that didn’t have many successful artists and groups; this in turn inspires newer groups and fans to keep on trying to achieve their goals.

The ‘Love Yourself’ series consists of 3 different albums: Her, Tear and Answer. The main theme of the albums is the fact that a person can’t love another person without knowing how to love themselves first. The success of the Love Yourself series put BTS in the spotlight, earning them the title of Global Ambassadors for UNICEF (#StopViolence) and the leader Kim Namjoon to present a speech in front of the United Nations.

On the last song of the album, 'Answer: Love Myself' some of the lyrics lyrics read:  

“Why do you keep trying to hide under your mask, when even the scars made by my own mistakes make my constellations.”

Reading these lyrics made me feel very reflective. Let’s face it- most of us have worn too many a fake smile to pretend that we’re okay. But here, BTS are saying that enough is enough, and although they may be imperfect with all the scars of their mistakes, they can still be part of something better and more beautiful. BTS are reiterating the idea that although a person may think that their previous mistakes and ‘scars’ (may it be physical or emotional) are ugly, those are what make us worthy and beautiful enough to be considered stars in the constellations they call themselves. These scars allow a person to reflect on their history and become a better person.

As part of the fandom, I understand why people may have contrasting opinions on this style of music and I understand that everyone is different.  I often get questions and statements such as, “You don’t understand what they’re saying” or “Why do you listen to them?”

I listen to them because I enjoy their music and their lyrics. They inspire me to smile, to live in the moment and to be a better person.

Coming from the leader of the group himself, Kim Namjoon, said in his United Nations speech:

“Maybe I made a mistake yesterday, but yesterday’s me is still me. I am who I am today with all my faults. Tomorrow I might be a tiny bit wiser, but that’s still me too.”

Overall, I give this album ★★★★/★★★★★

Love Yourself: Answer's tracklist

1. Euphoria

2. Trivia  起: Just Dance

3. Serendipity 

4.  DNA

5. Dimple

6. Trivia 承: Love

7. Her

8. Singularity

9. Fake Love

10. The truth untold

11. Trivia 轉: Seesaw

12. Tear

13. Epiphany

14. I’m Fine

15. Idol

16. Answer: Love yourself