BTS Prepares For New Comeback With Release of “MAP OF THE SOUL O:NE” Concept Photos
HYBE Corporations are slowly picking up speed on BTS’s new comeback rumored to drop sometime mid-May. The album titled “MAP OF THE SOUL O:NE” is a continuation of their Map of the Soul series. It is rumored to be the end of the drawn-out trilogy. BTS began Map of the Soul in early 2019 with the hit “Boy With Luv”—the title track of their “MAP OF THE SOUL: PERSONA” album. Since then, the group has released two other comebacks: “MAP OF THE SOUL: 7” which included the main track “On,” and their infamous “BE” album, the musical embodiment of their journey as global superstars.
The news of BTS’s upcoming release hit Twitter after the group’s business account dropped a few of their concept photos. The full collection can be found in the group’s “Concept Photobook” that was revealed on Weverse. This app is a social media-like platform designed for select artists to interact with their fanbase. Additionally, BigHit Entertainment founded and launched the program in June of 2019 after the first Map of the Soul album came out.
#BTS MAP OF THE SOUL ON:E CONCEPT PHOTOBOOK Preview cuts CLUE VER. [PERSONA]
— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) April 20, 2021
(@ https://t.co/qVaDySADWf) pic.twitter.com/96QE7Uiqi4
Alongside these concept photos, the company also revealed two versions of the new album: the clue version and the route version. Each includes a sleeve and a photobook, a film card, a fold concept paper, a folded poster, one photocard, and a lenticular card. Lastly, there is a concept photobook special set planned to be the final addition to their album which is sold separately. It is jam-packed with all sorts of BTS picture cards like a postcard, square photocard, hologram photocard, and poster set.
#BTS MAP OF THE SOUL ON:E CONCEPT PHOTOBOOK Preview cuts ROUTE VER. [YOUTH]
— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) April 21, 2021
(@ https://t.co/s9Zr2HCQUl) pic.twitter.com/77w4GEvAwr
#BTS MAP OF THE SOUL ON:E CONCEPT PHOTOBOOK Preview cuts ROUTE VER. [EGO]
— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) April 21, 2021
(@ https://t.co/jEWovsb8wz) pic.twitter.com/saOf69MqWv
Finally, the setting in their pre-released photos implies a mix of many different genres: hip-hop, pop, and even a dash of retro sentiment. Moreover, BTS gathered a few theatrical shots. For example, V’s stance on the rope ladder with his extensive jewel-encrusted makeup look. On the flip side, Suga and Jungkook emit a darker, bad-boy look. Nevertheless, BTS has never tried a combination of such contrasting themes that can bring a refreshing spirit to the eight-year-old K-pop group, who has succeeded time and time again to set a precedent in their industry.
Maknae line speechless @BTS_twt pic.twitter.com/2ZhqyuotGN
— Soo Choi 💜 (@choi_bts2) April 20, 2021
BTS’s Twitter and Instagram will be posting daily updates as the comeback season approaches. ARMY will also stay active on all social media platforms to support the boys and express their anticipation for more of BTS’s great music.
Columnist | K-pop Stan | Tweet me @senaho5
