A Response to the Pandemic
In November 2020, BTS released BE, their most intimate and self-produced album to date. Created during the global COVID-19 pandemic, BE was a reflection of a world in crisis. It captured feelings of uncertainty, loneliness, and despair, but also hope, comfort, and resilience.
Unlike their previous large-scale concepts, BE was deliberately minimalistic and personal. Each member contributed directly to songwriting, production, visual direction, and even design elements, making it one of BTS’s most authentic works.
Concept and Themes: Disconnection and Hope
BE embodied the paradox of isolation and connection in unprecedented times.
- Loneliness and Uncertainty – Songs like “Blue & Grey” expressed depression and anxiety.
- Hope and Resilience – “Life Goes On” reassured listeners that the world would move forward despite hardship.
- Self-Reflection – Tracks like “Fly to My Room” captured the confinement of daily life under quarantine.
- Togetherness – “Dynamite” celebrated joy and fun, providing a bright escape during dark times.
The album served as a time capsule of 2020, preserving the emotions of an extraordinary year.
Track-by-Track Highlights
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“Life Goes On”
The title track and emotional centerpiece of BE. With gentle acoustic instrumentation, it carried the message that even amid pain and uncertainty, life continues. Its music video, directed by Jungkook, showed BTS in everyday, relatable settings. -
“Fly to My Room” (내 방을 여행하는 법)
Sung by Jimin, V, Suga, and J-Hope, this track captured the experience of quarantine: being stuck in one place, yet finding new meaning in it. -
“Blue & Grey”
A heartfelt ballad originally intended for V’s mixtape, it described the color of depression and yearning for happiness. Its sincerity resonated with many during the pandemic. -
“Skit”
A conversational interlude capturing BTS’s reaction to their Billboard Hot 100 No.1 achievement with “Dynamite.” -
“Telepathy” (잠시)
A funky, upbeat track about staying connected with ARMY even when physically apart. -
“Dis-ease”
A playful yet reflective song about work, burnout, and healing. J-Hope’s influence was evident in its funky rhythm. -
“Stay”
A unit track (Jin, Jungkook, RM) that expressed hope to remain connected with fans across distances. -
“Dynamite”
The English-language single that became a global phenomenon. Its disco-pop sound, vibrant visuals, and joyful energy made it BTS’s first Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit.
Best Songs of the BE Era
1. “Life Goes On” – The anthem of resilience during the pandemic.2. “Blue & Grey” – A vulnerable expression of depression and longing.
3. “Telepathy” – A funky reminder of BTS’s bond with ARMY.
4. “Stay” – A hopeful message of connection.
Reception and Legacy
BE debuted at No.1 on the Billboard 200, making BTS the fastest group since The Beatles to earn multiple No.1 albums within a year. “Life Goes On” also became the first Korean-language song to debut at No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing BTS’s status as global history-makers.
Beyond records, BE was a lifeline for millions. Its themes of vulnerability and hope mirrored the emotions of the pandemic, offering solace and encouragement at a time when the world desperately needed it.
Wrap-up: Healing Through Music
BE was more than an album—it was therapy. In a time of collective isolation, BTS offered comfort, reminding listeners that though we may feel separated, we are never truly alone.
For ARMY, BE remains a deeply personal album that reflects shared struggles and resilience. For music history, it proved that BTS were not just entertainers but compassionate storytellers attuned to the world’s emotions.
As we continue this BTS Classic Albums & Best Songs Series, the next step will be Proof (2022), an anthology that celebrated BTS’s first nine years while preparing for a new chapter.
