The group BTS, returning as a full lineup, released a short-form mini documentary "KEEP SWIMMING with BTS" that conveys the value of "consistency."
This project is a campaign based on the message of the title track "SWIM" from the fifth full-length album Arirang (ARIRANG), "let's keep moving forward." In an era that values sensational achievements, it reflects on the "sustainable everyday life" and the weight of effort hidden behind results. The documentary calmly portrays an individual's footsteps, philosophy and daily life. Rather than moments of dazzling achievement, it spotlights the unseen, quietly repeated times of endurance such as practice, work and training. The video looks back on the moments each person "KEPT SWIMMING" and says that not stopping in itself is already sufficient progress.
It is refreshing that the song's message is expressed through the life of a master representing a field. The subject of the first documentary released on the 3rd was director Park Chan-wook. He introduced himself as "not a difficult writer" and said that when he writes a script he is not bound by location. But he emphasized the importance of communication, saying, "rather than agonizing alone I keep talking to people and asking questions." He went on to say, "conversation is always the best shortcut to judgment," implying that he repeats the process of asking and listening.
The second video offers a glimpse into the philosophy of Korea's first fashion designer Nora Noh. She recalls the time she first entered the U.S., reflects on the thing she did best in her life and then talks about the future. She says she hopes the name "Nora Noh" will continue forever and conveys the value of "KEEP SWIMMING," saying, "you have to try until you actually do it. No one can force you to do it." The attitudes of these masters resonate with BTS's message and are receiving a strong response.
The upcoming lineup that will carry on the campaign's message is also generating anticipation. Stories of people such as national snowboard athlete Choi Gaon, who quietly ride the waves in their respective fields, will be unveiled one after another. The short-form mini documentary "KEEP SWIMMING with BTS" can be viewed every Monday and Friday at 10 p.m. on BTS's official YouTube channel.
Arirang is an album that encompasses BTS's identity and the emotions accumulated over their journey. The title track "SWIM" sings of an attitude of continuing to swim forward without stopping amid life's waves. Rather than fighting the incoming flow, it expresses the will to calmly pass through at one's own pace as a "love of life." Particularly, RM took charge of most of the lyrics, writing sincere words.
[Photo] Provided by BigHit Music (HYBE).
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