The Jungian analysis of symbols and visuals in the BTS’ Song Blood, Sweat and Tears

Bibi Aimen; Shaukat Ali Khan

doi:10.47264/idea.jhsms/4.2.3

Authors

Bibi Aimen Department of English, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan. https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2269-3039
Shaukat Ali Khan Department of English, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan | Department of Foreign Language and Literature, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu China. https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4542-008X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47264/idea.jhsms/4.2.3

Keywords:

Symbolism, Music, Wings, Bangtan Sonyeondan, Analytical psychology, Individuation, Archetype, Carl Jung, Cultural symbols, Symbolic architecture, Decadent literature

Abstract

This paper explores the significance of art, architecture, visuals of setting and different symbols in the song Blood, Sweat and Tears, sung and performed by the South Korean Music Band Bangtan Sonyeondan, also known as (BTS). The existence of different symbols throughout cultures around the world is an attempt to preserve what humans have perceived about themselves and the world around them in different phases of cultural history. These symbols are embedded in our cultural and religious behaviour. Such religious and cultural imprints have been examined in the lead song, Blood, Sweat and Tears, of the album The Wings, made and performed by BTS. Blood, Sweat and Tears is a piece of decadent literature. This song has attracted the attention of music critics and art and literature students due to its allegorical beauty and rich symbolism. The music video is loaded with symbols conveying an implicit story of psychological complexities in the background concerning the conflict between good and evil in human nature. BTS is communicating a deep meaning behind the curtain of a symbolic setting. The researcher has attempted to interpret the song’s art, architecture, and symbols through the Jungian psychoanalytic perspective.

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