Love Yourself - End of an Era

Source: Twitter

Love Yourself - The End of an Era

By

Shinara Hussain

With the last bow taken, and final waves of farewell at ARMY, BTS brought to a close an era that urged you to Love Yourself.

Despite the sweltering heat, they gave their all at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. Never one to give half-hearted performances, no matter how exhausted they may have been, they did not once let the smiles leave their faces. 

Army's also gave their all, with fan chants so loud they could be heard by many relaxing in their homes far from the stadium.

Playing over 40 sold out dates, across 12 countries; not to mention Dome concerts across Japan, the Love Yourself tour began on the 25th of August 2018. A grueling 8 month schedule, that has been jam packed, and included several injuries, BTS bring to a close a very successful tour, which has brought them many new fans, and taken them to new heights, both as artists and individuals. 

And the end could not have been timed any better. Fans were barely gathering themselves as BTS had just left the stage, when every ARMY's phone pinged with a notification. It had hit 12 am KST, and with that BigHit had just dropped the teaser for BTS' comeback single - 작은 것들을 위한 시 (Boy with Luv) featuring Halsey... which surprised everyone. A collective scream went up in the stadium, and judging by how loud ARMY were during the concert, I'm pretty sure everyone heard them... including BTS!

The Korean translates to 'Poems for small things'. Heavy hints were given during the awards season as to the name of the new era, and possible title to the track, which eagle eyed viewers had noticed. The teaser alludes to the Skool Luv Affair era, with BTS taking up positions in how they ended Boy in Luv, except the hands now show the sign for 'I Love You'. It seems they are going back, to rewrite their past.

With record pre-orders of the album and with just 5 days left before the album and MV are released, excitement has been building up. DJ's have been teasing ARMY on Twitter with the promise that 'they are not ready', and the attachment of a high profile western artist, many of us wonder, is this finally it? Will BTS now get the airplay they have deserved for so long?

We don't have to wait too much longer for new tour dates as their Love Yourself - Speak Yourself stadium tours have already been announced, with tickets sold out. We suspect the new tour will incorporate songs not just from the Love Yourself era, but also the new Map of the Soul era. The UK looks forward to welcoming them once again in June with 2 sold out dates for Wembley Stadium!

I wish to say Thank You to BTS for the Love Yourself era. For opening yourselves up to us more than you ever needed to. Your fears,and hesitations; your aspirations to do better through your philanthropic work and Love Myself campaign with UNICEF in turn inspired many into reflecting on what matters in life. On seeing the best in themselves, doing the best for ourselves and for others.

For now however I would like to say goodbye to the iconic era that was - Love Yourself

(All images and music are the property of BigHit and BTS)

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