BTS’s New Song “2.0” Music Video Pays Homage to the Film “Oldboy”

BTS has released the music video for “2.0,” a track from their fifth studio album “ARIRANG.” The video features cinematic homages to iconic scenes from director Park Chan-wook’s film “Oldboy.” Set in an old hallway and elevator, the members, dressed in suits and wearing sunglasses, recreate a scene straight out of a noir movie.

The members step out of the elevator and confront characters with a tense atmosphere, creating a cinematic sense of urgency. However, props that don’t match their outfits quickly disrupt this mood. Unexpected items such as V with a beard, Jin holding a “good son” sign, Jung Kook carrying a taekgeukbochae, and SUGA holding a danso bring laughter to the scene. In particular, the one-take performance set in a narrow hallway evokes the sword fighting scene from “Oldboy.”

The “2.0 LOADING” sequence that takes place inside the elevator halfway through the video is the core of the music video. The members preparing for transformation by changing clothes in a confined space symbolizes their entry into a new phase as “BTS 2.0.” With the words “We’ve finally arrived,” they shed their previous identities and transform into the current BTS. The transition from the old elevator to a luxurious penthouse metaphorically represents BTS’s journey from rock bottom to where they are today.

The flashing lights in rhythm with the music, combined with the members’ coordinated movements, create unique visuals that complement their choreography. Subsequent performances throughout the abandoned building mark the beginning of a new chapter for the group. After filming, the members said, “It was very fun showing our evolved performances while also paying homage to a movie.” They added, “I remember the makeup we used to portray the old BTS at the beginning; we were too busy laughing at each other’s looks to do anything else,” reflecting on the joy of the production process.

“2.0” is a song that blends unconventional hip-hop and trap rhythms. It depicts BTS as they enter a new era after going through changes and growth. Their confidence is evident in lyrics like “Who keeps jumping over the hurdle all the time?” The track debuted at position 50 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 on April 4.