Music is our language, dream is our map: K-pop band BTS at online concert

In a year where all plans were marred by coronavirus pandemic, K-pop sensation BTS found a way to connect with and enthral thousands of ir fans around globe through ir 'Map of Soul ON:E' online concert.

first part of fully virtual show was live-streamed from Seoul on Saturday, with music group -- comprising RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook --reaching out to ARMY, ir fans, in an attempt to spre some cheer in se testing times.  two and a half-hour-long concert saw septet perform 23 songs, including ir multiple award-winning "ON", "Dionysus", "Black Swan", "DNA", "Boy With Luv" featuring Halsey and Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper, "Dynamite", ir first full-fledged English langu single.

BTS, whose full name is Bangtan Sonyeondan (Bulletproof Boy Scouts) and enjoy massive popularity across cultures as Beyond Scene, also completed seven years in 2020 since ir debut and as always, didn't forget to thank ir mirers.

" world wasn't easy with us when we started. y didn't let us in so easily. But we didn't stop. world has more than one path. Music is our langu, dream is our map. Singing different tales in different langus, we will march toger until end of time," leer RM said.

RM, whose real name is Kim Nam-Joon, said world will find a way through this ongoing health crisis, due to which 'Map of Soul' world tour was cancelled earlier this year.

"We'll find a way, we always have. If re's way, let's draw whole map again. We're still connected. Even if catastrophes come, let's believe in ourselves," he said.

'Map of Soul ON:E' was composed of songs of album series including 'Map of Soul 7', which was released in April.  "We got an upgre this time, through screens. w we can see your faces and hear your voices," Jin, whose real name is Kim Seok-jin, said.

show offered elaborate sets and performances, which were me richer by impressive visual effects and st manment, making viewer feel close to BTS despite geographical distances.

While audience at auditorium was empty, area was flanked by around a dozen LED screens through which thousands of fans from around world were both visible and audible. members too drew energy from seeing faces and hearing screams of ir fans.

"This concert has been designed to sing along with you. You are with us on screens and we can hear you, see your passion. I hope I'll be able to see you in person and hopefully make great memories soon," V, whose real name is Kim Tae-Hyung, said.

three rappers -- RM, Suga (Min Yoon-gi) and J-hope (Jung Ho-Seok) -- also hit a boxing ring as fighters battling it out while y performed angsty "Ugh!".

Suga said band was "concerned" wher y would be able to satisfy ARMY with online concert.

"But with your screams, I feel motivated. I'm sure re were things we couldn't show you. But things we could show you because it was online. I hope this is over soon, so that we can hang out," he said.

Besides group performances, popular South Korean music group also let members have ir own moment in sun through solo acts.

While RM, inarguably most eloquent one in band, sang introspective "Intro: Persona", dressing world from a podium before matching steps with background dancers in masks, youngest member Jeon Jungkook belted out aspirational "My Time".

Jimin, whose real name in Park Ji-min, romanced a mannequin as he sang suave "Filter", a commentary on social media set to Latin American pop rhythm, and Jin crooned romantic "Moon" as he stood atop a huge moon crater on a set which seemed suspended in .

V took audience to a carnival and introduced m to his 'younger version' through his song "Inner Child" as y went round and round on a carousel, whereas J-hope zoomed past his contenders on a race track with reflective "Outro: Ego".

Suga too got to rap out ar aspirational track "Interlude: Show", and as song ended seven emerged toger from black background to sing "Black Swan". Towards end of song, fans got an extended contemporary dance performance by Jimin as he took flight like beautiful blackbird.

Later, an emotional Jimin said he missed fans.

"This is what I've wanted for so long... Thanks for your support and encourment through screens. I hope we've conveyed all we've prepared and our earnest heart in it," he said.

J-hope said coolest part about show was that it was held "real-time".

"We thought of what we could improve and prepared a lot so we can give more joy to you. I hope this will soon be over so we can see you in person." Jungkook said he h a great time at virtual concert.

"This was kind of life we were happy with. I'm t sure when I can see you again but stay safe and wear your masks," he said.

According to organisers, performances were in "compliance with government guidelines on infection prevention".

Besides background dancers, members of on-ground crew at concert set were also seen wearing masks.

As show drew to its end, lights went out and with deafening screams of fans growing louder a mess from group -- 'BTS loves ARMY' -- flashed at arena.

second part of 'Map of Soul ON:E' concert will be held on Sunday.