Few boy groups are successful internationally. BTS, One Direction and other successful boy groups are examples. The two groups are not American, but both have been successful in the music world. They can upload their videos on YouTube to gain international attention and go viral. BTS “Idol”, One Direction, and “Drag Me Down”, were their most-viewed music videos. They both have the same motivating song and beat, but their videos are completely different. BTS is a hugely successful boy group, as are One Direction. Their music videos have millions of hits. BTS “Idol”, the music video, is superior. It is more expressive, has more genre characteristics and conveys the song’s message. One Direction’s music video for “Drag medown” contains very little symbolism and does not correspond to the song.
The video helps to display the art. The message of most music videos is reflected in the content of the video. The audience would struggle to identify emotions and problems without symbolic content. BTS’s “Idol”, a music video, shows symbolism which shows their meaning and problems. The image of the rabbit on moon was one example. It is a Korean folktale and represents immortality. The translation of the saying is “the worse you get cursed, you will live longer” (Morin). BTS considers themselves to be rabbits in reference to the criticisms they have been subjected since their debut. The members are dancing in a transparent box when a shark attacks them. BTS, however, is unaffected by the shark and continues to sing “you can’t quit loving yourself.” The haters are represented by the shark and BTS loves what they say. When they sing, “ursoo’s awesome,” it shows that BTS is more than just a set. He is a unique individual and he accepts that. Their music video is full of symbolism. One Direction’s “Drag Me Down”, however, contains at least one significant symbol. Harry was instructing a slimmer Baymax on how to use its fingers. Harry could have been the only one to help the robot. The music video does not contain any symbolic content that shows how the audience overcame negative thoughts. It was just a cool video that showed NASA’s gadgets but had no relevance or meaning to the message. It was more important to focus on the art and message than ranking in the top 20 videos. The music video and song are influenced by the mood created. BTS’ “Idol”, as well as One Direction’s drag me down, both share the same genre characteristics. Both songs are catchy and upbeat, making you want to sing. BTS has a Pop/R&B-style and they follow these characteristics. BTS, with both rappers as well as vocalists creates something unique and melodious that is different from One Direction. You want to learn how to dance and follow the choreography. The music video is a multicultural mix of choreography, with African and Korean dances. The choreography is in perfect harmony with the lyrics and music videos. One Direction’s “Drag Me Down”, is a standard Pop music video. I didn’t like the vocals. They did not develop their own style, nor was it helpful that the verses were repeated. There was also no choreography, just awkward hand and jumping movements.
Every song has an intended message for its audience. A song is not a song if it does not have a meaning or underlying message. Music is not complete without the message. BTS “Idol”, as well as One direction’s “Drag Me down” are both great songs that send a strong message to their fans. BTS “Idol”, is aimed at anyone who has trouble loving themselves or accepting who they are. The song’s message is that you shouldn’t try to change yourself to please others. Everyone wants to fit into society and lose their individuality. One Direction’s “Drag Me Down”, however, is also a song that caters to all. In our society, social media is a growing influence. It allows anyone to make negative remarks without consequence. In reality, we must also overcome negativity in the real world from all age groups. They are promoting a message of overcoming negativity. Nobody can make them fall if they have the love of someone else. Although both songs are full of great meaning, they use different expressions. BTS “Idol”, lyrics, do portray their emotions. Suga raps about:
I am the one who is being fingered
I don’t really care.
Your criticism can be based on any number of reasons
What am I?
What I want is clear to me
I never gon’ change.
We can all relate to their response when they receive criticism. BTS does not care what critics say. They want their audience not to care what other people think and to keep living life to its fullest. One Direction’s “Drag Me Down”, however, was incredibly repetitive. The first verse and the second verse were identical. It didn’t make it easier for the audience members to understand One Direction’s message about overcoming obstacles.
BTS “Idol”, One Direction “Drag Me Down”, and BTS “Idol”, were distinguished by their different genres, content and messages. BTS’ “Idol”, however, is better. It delivers a song’s message in a way that matches the video. The music videos were the best form to meet all the criteria. Contrary to One Direction’s “Drag Me Down,” the song has little symbolic content. Its video is also not connected to the song, and its message is lacking. The audience didn’t understand the obstacle or how they overcame it.
