BTS Releases 2.0 Music Video Paying Homage to Park Chan-wook’s Oldboy

BTS released the music video for “2.0,” a track from their fifth album, at 0:00 on the 2nd. This video draws inspiration from iconic scenes from director Park Chan-wook’s film “Oldboy,” creating a unique work that blends noir aesthetics with humor and captured widespread attention.

The music video is set in an old hallway and elevator. Dressed in suits and sunglasses, the members exit the elevator to enact a scene reminiscent of a noir film. However, playful props and makeup that contrast with their outfits—such as V with a beard, JIN holding a “good son” sign, Jung Kook wielding a taekgeukbochae, and SUGA holding a daso—ensure the video retains BTS’s signature upbeat energy.

In particular, the one-take performance set in a narrow hallway evokes the famous “jangdori action scene” from “Oldboy.” The flashing lights in rhythm with the music, combined with the members’ coordinated movements and BTS’s choreography, create a distinctive visual experience.

The core of the video is the “2.0 LOADING” sequence that takes place inside the elevator. The members preparing for a transformation by changing clothes in this enclosed space symbolizes their entry into a new phase labeled “BTS 2.0.” The transition from an old building to a luxurious penthouse metaphorically represents BTS’s journey from rock bottom to where they are today.

The members recalled, “It was very fun as we were able to showcase our evolved performances while also paying homage to a film.” They added, “We especially remember the makeup we used to portray the ‘old BTS’ in the beginning. We were too busy laughing at each other’s looks to do anything else.”

“The 2.0” is a track that combines unconventional hip-hop and trap rhythms, reflecting BTS’s current state after going through changes and growth. Lyrics such as “Who keeps jumping over the hurdle all the time?” openly display their effort and confidence. This song proved BTS’s global musical strength by debuting at position 50 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 main song chart (as of April 4th).