Bring The Soul: Docu Series Ep.1

Episode 1: Challenge

"Pressure? Pressure"

by 

Shufei Chen

Following the release of 'Bring the Soul: The Movie', a docu-series was also released exclusively on the Weverse platform. The first episode went out this Tuesday 27th August 2019.

Although both the movie and docu-series focuses on BTS on tour, both have their differences. Things became deep with my review of the movie; it's safe to say that reviewing the series will have the same effect. So join me on the ups and the downs, the messages and the gifts that the docu-series brings to us.

From the name of the episode 'Challenge' there's no doubt that this episode would oversee some of the struggles that BTS face starting their Love Yourself tour. Throughout the episode we constantly see the challenges that BTS face when rehearsing and performing for their first ever stadium concert at the start and there's no lie - it is tough.

It begins with how they felt about the tour and their upcoming concerts and ending with their thoughts after they had performed with a few ups and downs along the way, it was clear from watching it that this is what they really wanted to do.

But for me, the message of this episode wasn't really about how they felt or what they were thinking but more about the pressure surrounding them.

Starting the episode Namjoon repeats the word 'pressure' many times and throughout the episode through not just their words but their actions, pressure is constantly mentioned both implicitly and explicitly.

Pressure was the main theme. Pressure is a challenge that is hard to overcome. Pressure is what makes or breaks a person, a performance. It is what fuels a dream.

In the episode, Namjoon talks about how the foundation to what they are doing is no different than when they first debuted but the difference being that they are modifying what they are doing. He mentions that there is pressure but instead of fearing the pressure, he'd rather stay true to himself. The pressure of performing in a stadium for the first time and the pressure to make every performance count; make every performance perfect.

Yoongi mentions how there's pressure because they've been to venues of all sizes from the smallest to the biggest, so the pressure to perform consistently at  any venue is high.

Jungkook says how a mistake whilst performing may be small but in the outside world that one tiny mistake is a huge mistake. So the pressure to not make any mistakes; to make each performance perfect is there.

But ultimately, they show and tell us that this pressure, this challenge can be overcome. How? Through the support of ARMY; of each other. That's what turns their pressure into adrenaline and happiness. The fact that they are enjoying what they are doing. The fact that this is their dream. That this is more than just a job. Due to these factors, the pressure they feel is less than what they would expect.

Taehyung says that fun turns into stress if it becomes work. But touring is more precious than work. While Namjoon says that their exhaustion is directly proportional to the thrill that the audience feel. Through these words and actions it shows us that BTS, although may be feeling the pressure, may be feeling tired, but knowing that there are people there with them, that there are people who are supporting them and standing by them, it makes them feel alive and the challenges that they face don't matter anymore. 

"You and I, If we're together we can smile" 

We hope you enjoyed this review, what did you think when you watched the episode? Why not leave us a comment below, or if you'd like to be a guest contributor to our blog you can email us at shinara.btsradiouk@gmail.com

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Image Source: Weverse