FIRST TIME SEEING - Blood Sweat & Tears - BTS 

Okay, so this is gonna be a long comment so bear with me! “Blood Sweat & Tears” is the title track of one of their albums called “WINGS” (2016). This particular song and entire album uses a plethora of references that link to one book: “Demian” by german writer Herman Hesse. This book tells the story of a young boy named Emil Sinclair and his childhood growing up during pre-World War I. He struggles to find his new self-knowledge in the immoral world and is caught between good and evil. Already we have some clues as to what this song/MV is about: the battle between good and evil and temptation. The video opens up with the members in a museum; notice how every member have symbols of innocence, such as a bike or slingshot; also each younger member is paired with an older member, their “mentor”, refferencing “Demian”. Jin, the oldest member, stands alone. He is gazing at the painting called “The Fall of the Rebel Angels” by Peter Bruegel the Elder. (good angels fighting Lucifer/evil angels fallen from Heaven). He is about to begin his journey towards finding his true self and identity. On the left&right, there is a white and a black door, which represent the paths Jin can go on: either continue the path of innocence, or go towards the path of sin, break out and become a mature being. A major part of this MV revoles around the story of Icarus. Now, If you notice at 4:22, Jungkook is on a swing, and behind him is the painting called “The Lament for Icarus” by Herbert James Draper. Jungkook is representing Icarus troughout the whole video. (V also represents Icarus but in a different form). The swing could represent Icarus being safe, the Icarus following orders (he is supported by a swing). Later we see a drop of wax dripping on JK’s finger (7:08). This is a representation of the fall of Icarus and foreshadows what will happen to him later in the video. The painting in the back also foreshadows his death. At 11:51, V is representing Icarus but also a fallen angel (this scene can also symbolize the fall of Lucifer: he rebelled against God and fell from grace, tempting more angels to do so in the process, thus connecting to the painting at the beggining “The Fall of the Rebel Angels”, maybe this is why he smirks after he falls down the balcony). Behind him we see the painting “Landscape with the Fall of Icarus” by Pieter Bruegel the Elder. This scene represents the death of Icarus (he ignored his father’s warning about flying too close to the sun, until the wax that kept his wings attached to his body melted…and he falls to his death-again we have the theme of temptation-Icarus falling to temptation). But…at 12:08/12:31 we see Jungkook again, but this time he is floating. He in this scene is dead, and him floating represents how Icarus started “floating” in the water after he drowned, connecting V’s and JK’s scenes. We also see feathers floating around and on the floor as well (being underwater). So the whole Icarus imagery in this MV comes in like this: stage 1: We see JK on the swing, Icarus being alive; stage 2: V/Icarus falls off the balcony; stage 3: The painting in the background (“Landscape with the Fall of Icarus”) foreshadows JK/Icarus when he is floating/drowned (him being dead/underwater); stage 3: the painting behind JK (“The Lament for Icarus”) foreshadows V/Icarus having no wings on anymore which is the final stage. Now, the kissing scene. (BTW, RM is reading a paragraph from “Demian” at 12:53, if you didn’t read the book, you will not get it; also, this scene portrays Jin letting go of the balloon. This can represent letting go of his childhood innocence, his youth and moving into adulthood) During the interlude of the MV, all the members run towards the exit except for Jin and V. If you notice, Jin has a very confused and scared look on his face while V blindfolds him with his hands. After that, a white statue with black wings appears: this statue represents the god Abraxas-the deity is a representation of good and evil, it is not good or evil, it is both (good and evil into the same word). After that, Jin walks closer to it, takes a look at it then kisses it. This scene represents how Jin has finally embraced both good and evil into himself (by kissing Abraxas), thus destroying the world of innocence he has lived in prior to this. We then see V with his wings cut off, giving a smile to the camera (him smiling could symbolize that Jin’s growth is complete, and he finally accepted chaos into himself which leads to self betterment-theory of Carl Jung: accepting your shadow). Again, Icarus but also a fallen angel. So this whole MV is revolving around Jin most of the time, he is the main protagonist of this MV (his path to adulthood, maturity and acceptance of an evil realm). The quote above the mirror at 16:17 is written in German (belonging to philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche) and translates as: “You need to have chaos in yourself in order to give birth to a dancing star” basically meaning that if you don’t accept chaos (evil) into yourself, you will not be able to grow to your full potential. At the end of the MV we see the old version of Jin, the one that was pure and innocent cracking, there is no chaos in him and so he cannot give birth to the dancing star. Other scenes that further strenghten the overall theme of the MV include 5:51, RM “drinking” the poison/temptation, 7:32, a “Last Supper” kind of setting in which all the members have an apple and a chalice, both signs of temptation; 11:46, again, a blindfold and an apple (forbidden-fruit) and so on. There is so much I didn’t say here, and also keep in mind there is also the BU (Bangtan Universe) consisting of a fictional storyline, this MV is heavy in that matter as well. Thank you so much for the reaction, and also, your explanation was on point! 💜💜😊

It's hard to explain to people who didn't experience their evolution in real time, but this era was a COMPLETE cultural reset for BTS. Everything they did prior to this was "youth" themed... first with a schoolboy motif, and then a "lost boys" kind of thing. Suddenly, they hit us with the Wings album, which represented the messy and sometimes grim transition into mature adulthood... and it was full of themes and visuals about temptation, sin, etc. This MV was the first time we really saw them do "sexy" and we were SHOOK. Jimin (looking gorgeous in the blue velvet jacket) serving that intense smolder over the first few bars of the song, jungkook (who we all thought of as a baby before this) licking wax off his finger, V all smirking and devilish (especially in the live performance at the 2016 MAMA awards show, which oh my god I HIGHLY recommend watching)... we were not prepared, lol.

WOW 🤯 Your interpretation of this MV and song was so awesome! It goes to show your intelligence and genuine interest in BTS 💜

ARMY I take this opportunity to remind you that we need to reach 1B views for this masterpiece as soon as possible because it will be soon their 10th anniversary and as they go to military service we have to give them this gift 💜🙏

As a sidenote, Hermann Hesse, the author of Demian (which the entire Wings album references) was a friend *and* patient of Carl Jung (who inspired both Map of the Soul albums). That blew me away when I just happened across that info. 🤯💜

It is not actually possible to completely understand the meaning behind the lyrics without reading the novel Demian by Hermann Hesse. The lines narrated by RM are from the book, and the quote by Nietzsche is tied in as well. Although you do a really incredible job tbh.

I love your reactions, because I can really sense that you enjoy music with a bit of substance to think about and analyze. Your interpretations were so good and hit on all the major themes of this song. Not all BTS music has this many layers, but it is always thoughtful and meaningful, and the lyrics are always so poetic and lovely. If you like to read and haven't read Demian, you should. It's a masterpiece.

You have a lot of sensitivity Nick and you are an excellent observer of details, that's what I like about you.

Can you believe how they started out? Then to this. I'm sure they never invisioned themselves as dancing artists that paint across this scene. This IS a Classic. So very brilliant.

This is one of many of BTS pieces I never tire of watching, such beautiful art, even their Live stage performances are equal or even better than their MVs💜

I'm only 45 seconds into your reaction and I love it. It is a real painting called "The Fall Of The Rebel Angels" I love how analytical and observant you are with there MV's

wow, you are spot on with your interpretation! so impressed! 😁👍💜

wow , you are an amazing viewers of their song , you really gusses the right theme even before it started 👍

Wow! That video was incredible! BTS always comes in hard, huh? Spring Day by BTS still makes me cry when I hear it/watch the MV on a lonely day.

Film out was the song that made me a fan. But this song alongside with the video and it's crazy artistry is what made me ARMY.

Love your insight! This mv is part of the Bangtan Universe fictional storyline heavily influenced by the novel Demian by Hermann Hesse. Themes of temptation, chaos and self discovery. There are so many symbolic references in this video it is mind boggling lol. As a stand alone mv it's absolutely amazing but if you venture into the BU storyline and then re-watch again it will be a totally different experience. You picked up on alot your first watch! I had to re-watch to focus on the lyrics since I was so mesmerized by the visuals the first time through lol. 💜😊

Aren't you brave. Tackling this deep video. Find the explanation video. Oh, nevermind. You figured out a lot. This MV is a Magnificent Masterpiece. Stunningly Exquisite. If only others would give this group a chance. They are not a boppy Kpop group. They are Artisons!

I love your take on BTS. Great perspective. And you're a great baby ARMY

Interesting. There was a very popular group called " Blood, Sweat, and Tears" in the late 1960s.

When you asked is it Jungkooks voice? It's Taehyung's (V) voice

You're right that there is a lot to unpack in this video and song, but I should tell you that you have come very close and gotten a lot of it right. There is a little more but there's no shame and not getting everything the first time. In fact I've never seen a new reactor to the song ever come as close as you have. The way these guys write is like no other group. They are just different. There simply is no box that they could be put in.

this is based on the book Damein. RM read it, told ARMY and it sold out, LOL. Literature teachers across 7 continents thanked him. This defiantly one you should watch the explanation video of. SO cool.

@Nick Forell Hang in there. You are doing fine and no wories on my side on identifying them, at this point. I just love your genuine intrigue and curiosity and i can feel the honesty and deep curiosity in your anaylsis. I always love when the "Awe" of a reactor is so honest and genuine it bleeds though and is physically felt on though the screen. I honestly can see that you feel their art and honestly want to understand the layers. Its honestly a lot more rare to find that in reactions than one would think. Trust me I have been ARMY since before ARMy was formed and been with them since they stepped foot on that Debut Stage almost 10 years ago so I have seen my fair share of reactions. Keep doin what you do, and ARMY will have your back One this I reccomend when I introduce people to Bantan to help with teling member apart, is to try to learn them by voice(Maybe I throw down a challenge....? ;) ) and movement styles. It helps with the music videos and performances. Color coded lyrics can help with vocal identification. Can be tricky to pick up in the beginning but consistant, especialy when they change style and hair so often. But dont worry, keep falling down the rabbit hole, I swear its nice down here :), and one day you'll be able to itentify them by their shadow or sillohette....lol But in all honestyI really do appreciate the genuine care and honest respect you give to the art our Bangtan 7 bless us with. Borrahae

That was V’s voice not JK. 😘

This is the coolest, craziest, sexiest, and creepiest BTS video ever. I love it so much. It is a work of art. This album Wings is also a work of art, with solos from each member (2 from Jhope), including my favorite BTS song, First Love from Suga. 🎹

Thank you for your reaction. Yeah it's deep. If I may suggest, sometimes it's easier to watch the MV twice during a reaction. The first time without the subtitles, take in the imagery of the video and the music. Second time turn on the subtitles and then you can break it down. With BTS' MV's like this sometimes it's easy to miss something if you are trying to analyze the video and the lyrics at the same time. Looking forward to the next. Thanks again! Incidentally I bought the book Demian and I'm going to go grab it now.

Looking forward for watching you. Today is sad day for Army, JHope today left us for enter in the military service.

Your analysis about alluding to music and their own path is spot on. Also the lengthy analysis already done here explaining the Demian connection etc. is excellent. Also it has underlying BU storyline references. Like most of their work, it’s layers!

I love this song sm!!💜

Here are all the art pieces included in the mv: - Pieta (Michelangelo) - The Fall of the Rebel Angels (Pieter Bruegel) - Landscape with the Fall of Icarus (Pieter Bruegel) - The Lament for Icarus (Herbert James Draper) - Baroque Fresco (Giuaglio Quaglio) - Perseus with the head of Medusa (Benvenuto Cellini) - Livia Drusilla as Ops, goddess of fertility - Laocoon and his Sons - Crouching Venus - Venus de Milo - Venus at the Forge of Vulcan (Francesco Solimena) - Ares Borghese - Diana of Versailles - Angelus Novus (Paul Klee) - Regimental Band (Darsie Japp) - French fashion photograph (Henri Manuel)

Their dance practice video for Blood Sweat and Tears is realllllly good.

Esta canción como letra video y concepto me parece que marco su carrera es como un antes y un después! Saludos

How to tell BTS members appart by Miracle Kpop is good and fun to watch.

Surprised that of all the reactors to BTS, you have nailed the pin on the head! Yes it's the war between good and evil (temptation)! The quote by RM was from the book Damien.

There are many explanation vids for this MV. Suggest you watch some, like xCeleste’s.

The reason for many Jin focus in mvs is due to something called the BTS Universe, or BU. It is the fictional storyline created in 2015 that runs through most mvs

It's just so important to remember they've full artistic license over what you see and hear. every concept video screams 'This is ME - BTS....see who I am, what resonates with me, what I face, how I'm struggling through it, and the outcome of my struggles.' I love how they use cues from old writers and artists to reveal their concepts. Their ability to re-tell a story is breathtaking. ** I agree with all the opinions of the writer you've pinned. Even with all they've said there is just so much more that could be added. It makes you realize just how brilliant and creative BTS is. Also, I think BTS has a strong respect for German writers/poets. Remember the German script over Jimin's body was from the German writer Rainer Maria Wilkie. ** When you consider their ages at the time these concept videos were made - it blows your mind to see such deeply profound, content and imagery. And they say it so eloquently. ** Where all the other artists are pushed to be squeaky clean... BTS tells you.. yea-no..life isn't like that...and certainly not for 'us' (them) Let us show you how we see things. in closing, I'm very happy you decided to delve further into the concept videos because 1st. It makes them fresh for us once more, for those of us who may have not seen them for some time. 2nd. taking that second look also means the possibly seeing the concept from a fresh perspective. To think once they're all enlisted - we've to wait until 2025/6 to see new collective creative content. (oh the pain) I'm looking forward to seeing more of your reactions in the future. - St@nce

I’m actually shook that you got the idea of this MV/song right on the first watch. This was a mess in my mind for so long when I was a baby army 😂

You the most detailed reactor /breakdown I ever watched, love your reaction ❤️

You should watch their dance practices and behind the scenes of making of the mv. For one song they release a lot of content 💜

BTS " From nobodies to Legends 2019" 💜

I love your reactions. It feels genuine and you always get the meaning behind the lyrics . It's amazing ❤

Recommend: First watching the “color coded lyrics “ video (to read the English translation and to see which person is singing).. It will help you learn/recognize each member’s voice better. Second watch the “music video”, if available (this way you don’t miss what is happening in the video). You can show both reactions together in one post. 💜

Love your channel and I really appreciate your compassion. I think that might be a Hieronymus Bosch painting in the very beginning. It sure looks like his style anyway. He lived in the 1500's and was a Dutch/Netherlandish painter. His paintings are very weird and hallucinatory. I swear the dude was on mushrooms or maybe ergot lol. *Just read one of the comments below by nighthawk326, the painting is actually "The Fall of the Rebel Angels" by Pieter Bruegel. Thanks yet again for another wonderful reaction/interpretation. I'm not a fanatical fan of BTS but I do like some K-Pop and they sure have incredible voices, impeccable choreography, costuming, make up and very catchy songs! Of course, it goes without saying but they are beautiful men to behold as well. It's unfortunate that the K-Pop industry is so abusive, check out Lives of Idols and 9 Muses Of Star Empire, both on RU-vid for a peek at how rigorous and punishing it can be for people training to be idols. There are also stories of sexual assault & suicide which are maddening and heartbreaking. Anyway... Ooh, they are alluding to imbibing absinthe AKA "The Green Fairy". Absinthe is a trip, I don't drink but have had absinthe a few times in the past and it's like no other alcoholic beverage. The blend of herbs adds something special to the overall effect. The history of absinthe is fascinating, check it out sometime if you're interested. It is definitely included in this video for a reason. I also get Dorian Gray vibes when watching this video. I think my favorite song of BTS is Mic Drop but this one is awesome also. Take care!

Thanks for an interesting reaction. Blood, sweat and tears is one of my favourite MVs. I've watched it lots of times but see something new each time. As you say, there's so much to unpack. Take your time. It's not a race. 🙂Borahae. 💜

Red hair is Jhope not Suga. Black hair is Suga (he plays the organ) Blonde hair is Taehyung (V) Silver hair is Jimin Brown hair is Jungkook You recognize RM and Jin fast 👍🏻

Great reaction! I have been an army since 2016 and I can't imagine how wonderfully intense it would be if I became an army in 2023. 💜

Love your reactiion and analyses of this iconic BTS song and I think you're spot on with it!

I couldn't believe that you deciphered most of it. I had no clue at that time when it was released I was very young at that time I was literally 12 that time hahahhahhaha. It's just as this song implies, you had to break your innocence to become you. That's why he cracked, giving birth to a new him.

Pieta is the name of the scilpture.

I think your interpretation is excellent. I haven't read the other comments yet but I am sure they have said that B, S and T is based on the book Demian by Herman Hesse, about a young boy losing his innocence. I thoroughly recommend watching an explanation video, in your own time if you prefer, however, I think you captured the essence and your theory is definitely one I can relate to. Tge live performance of this at MAMA 2016 I think (I will check and edit the comment - checked and correct) is spectacular with fantastic acting by Jin and V.

Nick you are so intelligent and I really enjoy your reactions.

I really enjoy your reaction and thoughts, you're doing fine with your interpretation. The pin comment already said a lot of things about this MV, and it's a lot to digest. I just want to say that in this Wings era, right before this Blood Sweet and tears, BTS released a short film for each member/fictional character. A intro for their solo songs. The 7 are about Damian story and concept but also BU related, and most of all, it's very personal to each member storylife/feelings/struggles. The short films// and solo songs, are Begin (Jungkook)), Lie (Jimin), Stigma (v), First love (Suga), Reflection (RM), Mama(J Hope) and Awake(Jin). Pure art, I hope you will react to it someday. What's made BTS a group like no other is that through their music and albums, they share their growth, thoughts, and history. But trough books, thinkers, poetry, psychiatric concepts, they transcend their personal storylife and struggles and made them relatable for everybody, sharing powerful social or personal messages. All their discography since day 1 is meaningful, and same for their solo albums right now : so personal, so honest and so relatable !

Excellent musical analysis Nick, A beautiful journey awaits you to discover this incredible Talent in the name of Angelina Jordan, unique and wonderful voice, tone and timing, thank you and good life from Italy, Massimo

Please watch the dance practice. You will be amazed because this is one of their hardest choreography. Every movement was so precise! 💜💜💜

A Classic!

I think you will enjoy to learn the multiple references in this song... Hope someday you find time to dig in. Until then enjoy the music n visuals.

the painting that Jin is looking at is foreshadowing..... the painting. The fall of the Rebel Angels.....Bruegel. 1562.

👏🏻😃👏🏻😃👏🏻 for understanding the song/video!

Wow! yes there is more info about the meaning of this video, there are some very good explanation videos, but man, you got it right from the get go. The main theme is temptation, and the boys have talked about it. The explanation video will give you all the names of the paintings and sculptures, and the meaning behinde each one of them and why are they in the video. The first painting Jin is looking at is the fallen angel, and if you see Jin has two doors on each side of the painting, a black and a white one.... Check out the explanation video you will love it. ✌🏻💜

When you dropped the fake love reaction i immediately knew that you have to check out blood sweat and tears too. The aesthetics 🙏🏻🔥

There’s absolutely no way you can understand this MV without knowing the BTS Universe plot. 😂 you did touch on some of it though. So interesting. 🤔 Jin being the main character and sacrificing himself etc.

I recommend Jimin's 'LIE' next ... You will get a better context why he had released 'Set me free Pt2'

This is my favourite reaction to this video because you actually had something of substance to say. You should also know there is a Japanese version of this music video and it’s completely different.

Based off a book by Hess. Temptation and success can create chaos

There is a video showing the making of this........Jin is the central character in the BTS storyline

Just got here. Gotta get caught up. Hi all.

💜🤗💜Hi Nick. This is one of their most stunning. I’ll leave all the symbols to others. That is not a real place. That is a set with beautiful props made in their shops. The voice you missed was V. He has the very short, choppy, platinum hair. He is the angel without his wings. 💜🥰💜

Got tied up. Hate I missed the live but watching now

Ironically, the blood red screen matched the siren sounds.

Please watch the explanation video. This video and the Spring Day videos are the two that really need one. 💜💜💜💜

This one is so fun to watch people who dig into symbolism attempt to grapple with... It's so dense! You're aware the whole time that you're missing things 😂 And you said "temptation and evil" in the first 30 seconds so.... I think this is going to be fun. Edit: I looooove watching people stare in stunned fascination at everything after the organ interlude. The long slow movement towards the kiss and the reveal of V as the fallen angel - by the time they get there they've built up so much tension that you're just caught in it. You didn't disappoint. It's a long ways off, because you should wait until you know their earlier work and their story, but I'm really looking forward to when you get to We Are Bulletproof: the Eternal. I hope you stick around long enough to get there. (For real, that one and Yet to Come are both part of a conversation with ARMY that won't make sense from the outside, so it's good to wait.)

I asked my 10 yo daughter about the painting and she called it "chaos'. Fitting I think

Watch Xceleste's explanation!!! It is amazing!

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

You need to take a leap from the stunning backgrounds and check out "Idol". You won't be disappointed.

Yes it is about temptation/losing innocence ....DKDKTV make "explained by a Korean "videos for us in English ....just insert the tiltle before "explained by a Korean "DKDKTV

Nick: Renaissance is all about Temptation Me: 👁️👄👁️ Nice! U rlly are great! U missed a lot, misinterpreted some but u also knew a lot! Amazing reaction ❤️❤️❤️

BTS watching their BS&T video for the first time, alternately admiring and teasing each other about their new more mature looks: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-GzS5g9UldGY.html From left to right in that video: S = Suga, black hair J = Jin, light purple hair JH = j-hope, light orange hair JK = Jungkook, brown hair V, black knit cap RM, brown/black hair JM = Jimin, blond hair

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-v8z1TtlY1no.html The dance practice - the choreo is full of Easter eggs related to the song's themes. See if you can pick some out.

3 rappers

You're doing great! This video is good for hearing the differences in their voices, while watching some iconic scenes and close-ups from mvs, concerts, and music award shows. And for that reason, some reactors don't want to see it and spoil the surprises. Up to you! your START with: BTS - Learn To Tell The Members Apart! [CC]* --- ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-YkP4sJnCH10.html * The title has [CC] in it, but when I turned on closed captions, nothing happened. It isn't geared for learning lyrics anyway. In every clip, the member's name is in the top left corner in tiny text, so I'm mentioning it here. If a song piques your curiosity, you have the tiny title in the lower right corner.

Nick Forell welcome to the ARMY FAMILY💜💜APOBANGPO aka BTS FOREVER,ARMY FOREVER💜💜💜and BORAHAE,or i purple you aka i love you💜💜💜this is common greeting betwen ARMY to ARMY 💜💜💜and who your bias is,mine is jungkook,bias means the more members your like or more favorite😁Thanks for your Reaction,well done,Borahae💜💜

You remind me of Justin Baldoni lol...great video!

😍😍💜💜💜💜

You lmow that you can watch Bts react to there own Mvs, the reacted to this Mv,

Wow you got right to the point before it even started 😅

we got you. German no problemo. there is no shame in.... watching a lyric video before hand. if you want to research about what it is or the piece of symbolism. Taylor who made BTS guide works for Orig entertainment and her owner felt this blow his mind, too. He has a big focus on camera work so it's a lot. okay. we're here for you. ah, Jackpot Army is a patient reactor. Drop in there

Its going to take you a while to unpack this one. There is sooooooo much. And it is wonderful. Enjoy!!

11:48 it's V

Can you please react to Jin's live performance of Epiphany, it's magical!!!!!

Please react to Jimin's Like Crazy.

Think the painting is the war in heaven when Lucifer and his angels tried to overthrow GOD leading to Lucifer & his crew being pitched to hell. The devil by the was was named Morning Star as he was the brightest of all other angels.

Here’s a detailed explanation to BTS Blood sweat and tears ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-5tlgAUE6yjg.html

The voice was Tae and the high part first is Tae then jk with Jin and jimin

That was blood tears ana sweat, not Blood Sweat and tears

I'm rewatching these reactions and I forgot how you kept getting j-hope and Suga confused. You really liked j-hope but you always thought he was Suga. 😉

BTS….is not what K-pop is. They never were.

FYI not a real museum.......... a set by their staff...Too many windows for a real Museum

No es jonkook es V