All About BTS’ “Map of the Soul: 7”

Ever since BTS announced their comeback, people have been going nuts waiting for their new album, “Map of the Soul: 7,” which will release internationally on February 21. Yes, the group’s loyal fans, ARMY, are patiently waiting. But news outlets worldwide also are chomping at the bit, writing almost daily updates about the group’s promotions.

Unlike many acts that provide media outlets with early access to their music for review purposes, BTS has chosen to give everyone access to “MOTS: 7” at the exact same time. Depending on where you live, it can be a reasonable hour (6 p.m. in Seoul). Or, it can be something you may want to set your alarm clock for (4 a.m. in New York City).

Someone who has heard some of the new music, though, is songwriter Ellis Miah, who worked on “Inner Child” with the group. The wait is worth it, he said.

“BTS at this point is much more than a pop band,” Miah said in an exclusive interview with KOCOWA. “They are a force of nature. Their energy brings smiles and excitement everywhere they go. To be involved in that, in any capacity, is wonderful. It’s a huge honor.”

As with their previous album releases, the telegenic group has been hard at work promoting their work with appearances on numerous popular programs, including a handful in the U.S. They kicked off the new year with a short set on “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.” They followed that up with a hilarious guest spot on “The Late Late Show with James Corden.” (If you haven’t seen RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook playing Hide and Seek with Corden and Ashton Kutcher, you are missing out on one of life’s great pleasures!) They also taped “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” at New York City’s Grand Central Terminal that will air on February 24. And on February 25, Corden will air his famous “Carpool Karaoke” segment with BTS that is sure to include fun shenanigans.

Of course, BTS are seasoned professionals who know how to ham it up with the best of them. But something I’ve noticed over the past two years is that their best U.S. guest appearances have a distinct Korean flavor to them. Sure, there are the usual interviews that can be a little on the boring side. But hosts like Corden and Fallon up their games Yoo Jae-Suk style, making it fun not only for BTS, but also everyone watching.

With that in mind, we decided to take a look at some of BTS’ most memorable appearances on Korean variety shows. Songwriter Miah said that he will look back on some of the group’s previous appearances as well.

“I love watching shows from around the world and will be keeping up with the boys and their projects,” Miah said. “They always shine in everything they do. I’m really looking forward to it!”

Here are some of my favorites that I will be rewatching until “Map of the Soul: 7” is out!

“Running Man” (Episodes 265,  300)
RM had appeared without the rest of the group on Episode 265 of “Running Man.” That episode was devoted to idols renowned for their brain power and RM literally is a genius. The entire group appeared in Episode 300. Their mission was to go against the cast members to see who could stack the most boxes of ramen onto their respective trucks. The winners would have the honor of donating all the food to charity. Can you guess who won? It won’t be surprising if I tell you that both teams cheated. For many BTS fans, though, their favorite moment was when Kim Jong-Kook (aka Sparta!) manhandled some of the guys to prevent them from cheating and inadvertently lifted up JK’s shirt!

“Idol King of Cooking”

When it comes to cooking, Jin is the chef in BTS. All the other members acknowledge it, too. When the producers of “Idol King of Cooking” put together their show, of course they asked Jin to be on their show!

“Idol Star Athletics Championships”

Many idols are friends with one another. After all, who aside from their own bandmates know the demands of their career?  On “Idol Star Athletics Championships,” fans get to watch their favorites compete against each other not on the music charts, but in the sports arena. At this meetup, BTS competed to win their third consecutive gold medal in the 400m relay. I knew Jungkook would be their strongest and fastest competitor, but keep an eye out for Jimin,  J-Hope and Suga, too!

“Law of the Jungle” (Episodes 247, 248, 249, 250, 251)

Jin’s a natural comic, which shouldn’t be surprising to fans of his Dad Jokes. He appeared on five episodes of “Law of the Jungle” and was praised for his showmanship. He acknowledges that he gets easily scared and plays it up for laughs. But if you were to get trapped on a deserted island with anyone, Jin would help you survive. He not only caught, prepared and cooked food for his castmates, but he also brought ARMY bombs that they used as flashlights. Ingenious!

“God’s Workplace”

J-Hope and Jimin had one mission: Help sew 100 pairs of summer shorts. You read that correctly. The guys quickly learned how to use the sewing machine and were praised for their dexterity. It turned out the show was going to use the shorts as bonus items to help sell one of the other guest’s CDs, which wasn’t doing so great. How’d they fare? The shorts sold out in less than 60 seconds on a home shopping network!

“The King Of Mask Singer”

Jungkook wowed “The King Of Mask Singer” judges with his pitch-perfect version of Big Bang’s “If You.” BTS’ golden maknae didn’t win the overall title, but he charmed the judges with his maturity and spot-on vocals. “I came on the show, because I wanted to have a coming-of-age ceremony,” he said at the time. “I’m still really lacking vocally. I’ll continue to grow and become a singer that melts hearts.”

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