BTS' 'MTV Unplugged' Performance Made Me an Emotional Wreck

In the 2004 comedy Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy there's a brief moment depicting the aforementioned Ron Burgundy bawling into a payphone as he declares "I'm in a glass case of emotion!"

The entirety of BTS' appearance on MTV Unplugged was that glass case of emotion and I was the bawling Burgundy.

Following weeks of immense anticipation, the group made their Unplugged debut on February 23rd broadcasting from Seoul, South Korea straight into the hearts of their beloved ARMY. As fans eagerly awaited performances off their recent album BE (Essentials Edition) including their Grammy nominated "Dynamite" and Billboard Hot 100 hit "Life Goes On", there were a number of delightful surprises sprinkled throughout the program which led to why I became as emotional as I did.

Let's Discuss The Setlist

The setlist for their appearance consisted of two tracks they've previously never performed live with "Telepathy" and "Blue & Grey" plus a cover of the seminal Coldplay hit "Fix You."

It's interesting to note just how perfect of a song "Fix You" fits into the themes found within BTS' music; that is, striving to find comfort when all seems lost. The inclusion of this cover is even more significant as V once mentioned how much he has admired the band and would "like to collaborate with [them]" in the future:

BTS remains meticulous in every component of their performances with their setlist certainly being no exception.

As twitter user @joonvais effectively articulated:

The show beginning with the debut performance of "Telepathy" lulled fans into an excitable moment shared with the boys as they happily strolled around the vibrantly nostalgic room only to have this carefree moment shattered by yet another debut of the touching ballad "Blue & Grey."

From the opening few notes of "Blue & Grey" as V croons "where's my angel?" I lose myself. While wiping away my tears as he concludes the song, we're then met with the group preparing to sing "a surprise" for the ARMY which is where their cover of "Fix You" comes in.

BTS knows at this point any fan watching is an emotional wreck.

You simply cannot reunite SUGA with the Seven making them whole again, debut the performances of two(!) tracks we've been eagerly craving (here's to hoping we get a live performance of "Dis-ease" soon!), and continue by singing this iconic track we have all dramatically listened to in the car at least once while it was raining without knowing the impact it will have on viewers.

And just as they know what will warm even the coldest of hearts, they conclude with two embodiments of pure solace: "Life Goes On" and "Dynamite."

The following is a brief recap of their respective performances and I am now an emotional wreck again.

1. Telepathy: "In the days that feel the same / I’m the happiest when I meet you."

Kicking the event off with my personal favourite track off BE is the deliciously upbeat bop "Telepathy." After spending a few months in recovery following shoulder surgery, SUGA marked his delightful return to the septet with the song he worked on during their time on BTS In The SOOP.

Adorned in their comfy Donald Duck fits under a Nostalgic Night neon sign, the group joyously sang while surrounded by foosball tables, arcade games, a stop sign and Friends-inspired couch, just to name a few.

Seeing them all together as a cohesive unit on a track we've never seen them perform before was legitimately enthralling and such a fantastic start to the special.

[Translation from: doolset.]

2. Blue & Grey: "The meaning of my tears that are reflected on the mirror / is the color that is hidden under my smile, blue & grey."

V provided some insight into the process behind "Blue & Grey" by explaining the significance behind the aforementioned colours:

“I tried to express my inner sadness and uncertainty, so I translated the feeling of burning out as ‘blue’ and the sadness of not being able to see the ARMY as 'grey.'"

As they sing in a brightly lit space surrounded by blue flowers and wearing their best grey fits, the group debuts the introspective track as the space becomes enveloped by the colour blue by the halfway point.

It's difficult to not feel yourself welling up as "I just wanna be happier" is sung and while the boys gaze around the room as the performance concludes, the tears began streaming down my face... Which is incredibly apt for the next song.

[Translation from: doolset.]

3. Fix You (Cover): "Lights will guide you home / And ignite your bones / And I will try to fix you."

I think it's safe to say the moment Jungkook began their Coldplay cover with "when you try your best but you don't succeed" they were referring to my inability in controlling my sentimentality.

Jimin discussed how much "Fix You" became a source of comfort for them and so "we wanted to prepare this cover to comfort you as well."

As the roaring bridge hits, a member from the Rap Line (consisting of RM, J-Hope and SUGA) is paired off with a Vocal Line member (Jin, Jimin, V and Jungkook) to deliver each of the remaining lines harmoniously together. Beginning with Jimin/RM to SUGA/Jin (who hits an unbelievable high note while in a seated position) following up with V/J-Hope and ending with Jungkook/RM.

V concludes the song with the lyrics "lights will guide you home..." which is a clear indication of Coldplay's clairvoyance as they apparently knew just how synonymous ARMY Bomb Light Sticks are with BTS.

4. Life Goes On: "Close your eyes for a moment / Hold my hand here / Let’s run away to the future."

Accompanied by Ghost, the same live band that joined them during their SNL & NPR's Tiny Desk appearances, the group returns following their Coldplay cover with their 2020 anthem "Life Goes On."

It's always captivating watching BTS perform live but specifically with "Life Goes On" because of how significant it is for the group and ARMYs alike. It was written specifically to help those struggling during the pandemic and allowed fans to further understand how this unprecedented time in history has also affected the boys themselves. It was also the first non-English speaking song to debut at the top of the US Billboard Hot 100 - a monumental feat BTS strove to achieve and they earned it tenfold.

[Translation from: doolset.]

The song continues to be an immense source of comfort for ARMYs around the world with this particular performance holding a special place in my heart. Not only because of how important of a song it is... But because Park Jimin manages to look like an actual angel sent to Earth:

5. Dynamite: "Shining through the city with a little funk and soul / So I'ma light it up like dynamite."

• Grammy nomination.
• No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100; the first all-South Korean act to top the Hot 100.
• Song of the Year.
• Breaks YouTube record for most views of a music video in 24 hours.

Whichever way you want to slice it, BTS' "Dynamite" is an absolute smash hit and the perfect song to end their setlist with. Decked out in their all-white (cup o' milk influenced?) attire, the boys belt out their disco-inspired jam with massive smiles and genuine happiness.

Their energy is astronomically contagious and as someone who thinks staying up past 9pm should be reserved for special occasions, BTS' consistent domination of every single one of their performances certainly falls under one of these momentous junctures.

They conclude their 30-minute Unplugged special with every member saying their goodbyes and wishing the ARMY well for the new year. The group continues to hold onto hope that we will all see each other in person one day and so long as they remain optimistic, as will I.

The Fan Response is Overwhelming in the Best Way

#BTSUnplugged became an immediate trend on twitter during the special along with numerous related hashtags including "Bangtan", "Kim Seokjin" and "OMG JK."

Here are some of my favourite reactions to the special:

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