When BTS debuted in 2013, they were just a bunch of eager teens ready to prove themselves. But instead of following the traditional K-pop rulebook, they seemed to toss it out the window entirely—and somehow, it worked. As someone in marketing, I can’t help but admire their rebellious streak. There’s an old saying: If you want to be like everyone else, do what everyone else is doing. But if you want to stand out? Do what no one else dares to do.
Chris Wallace. Barbara Walters. Charlie Rose. Diane Sawyer. These are some of the best interviewers the world has ever seen. Their ability to motivate people to open up and share sides of themselves rarely, if ever, seen by others is unparalleled. In Korea, there are some celebrities who can, if you listen to them closely, match their level of sincere inquisition.
Map of the Soul is undoubtedly one of the most influential albums in the history of global music. And no, it’s not just because it was made by BTS. It’s because it is arguably the first album to gain international recognition while focusing on the deep exploration of the human psyche. It seeks to understand people’s journeys toward maturity, making it stand out from other musical works.
Published April 24, 2025
Shows & Appearances
How Suga Responded to Sensitive Confessions and Insults in Suchwita (Episodes 11-15)
Suga has a way of steering conversations that somehow feels chill and deep at the same time. In episodes 11 to 15 of Suchwita, guests didn’t just drop by to chat—they opened up about their doubts, regrets, and insecurities. From top-tier actors to fellow BTS members, they shared things that don’t usually make it to the camera. And Suga? He responded with quiet grace, a sharp mind, and just the right amount of humor.
Lee Na Young: “You Made Me Think of My Own Life”
Lee Na Young, a seasoned actress with a career that speaks for itself, shared something unexpected.
After watching BTS perform to the point of needing oxygen, she started reflecting on her own work ethic. Was she giving her all? Was she matching that kind of dedication?
Rather than brushing off the comparison, she used it as motivation. That kind of mindset is rare—and refreshing. Instead of envy or indifference, she saw inspiration. That tells you something about the way she sees the world. Victory doesn’t threaten her; it pushes her to go harder.
Pen and Paper Never Go Out of Style
Na Young also mentioned she still uses pen and paper when working on scripts. Suga nodded, saying he also writes lyrics the old-fashioned way. Even Jimin does it. Eminem? He’s got stacks of notebooks. Turns out, many creatives and successful people—from BTS to Bill Gates—still believe in writing things down.
There’s something oddly satisfying about it. You’re not just typing out ideas; you’re physically shaping them. I started doing it recently too, and it just feels… real. Try it—you might be surprised at how clear your thoughts become.
Jin: “What’s the Point of Regret?”
Suga brought up a time he was struggling and turned to Jin for advice—though he couldn’t quite remember what Jin had said. Jin jumped in to remind him: Don’t dwell on the past.
That simple idea actually reflects Adlerian psychology, something Suga and RM have explored in the book The Courage to Be Disliked.
The Courage to Be Disliked presents Adlerian psychology through a dialogue, showing how choosing freedom and self-acceptance leads to true happiness.
The past isn’t real anymore. What matters is now. Trauma, regret, fear—those emotions don’t control us unless we let them. It’s freeing, but yeah, it also puts the responsibility on you.
“I Think Positive Because I’m a Fool”
When Suga asked Jin why he stays so positive, Jin joked that it’s because he’s a fool. Suga quickly shot that down—Jin went to one of Korea’s top universities, after all.
What Jin meant is he doesn’t overthink things. He focuses on what he can control and lets go of the rest. In Adlerian terms, he sticks to his life tasks—his responsibilities—and doesn’t get tangled in other people’s reactions. That’s not foolishness. That’s emotional intelligence.
Jo Se Ho: “Why Am I Clapping for Other People?”
Jo Se Ho got real. He admitted that early in his career, when he clapped for others, it wasn’t always genuine.
He was envious. It wasn’t until someone asked him why he was clapping that he stopped and reflected.
Suga didn’t judge him. He just listened. And Se Ho explained how that realization helped him grow—by letting go of jealousy and focusing on his own path.
Suga related, saying he never tried to be the center in BTS because he knew that wasn’t his role. Everyone has a part to play. Know your role. Play it well. That’s what makes the whole thing work.
Clothes as Armor
Suga kicked off the conversation with some light jokes about Se Ho’s fashion, but the topic turned surprisingly deep. Se Ho said he used to dress beyond his means to mask his career struggles. But as he found his footing, his relationship with fashion changed.
Now, he runs a clothing label for shorter men and dresses up to help elevate the image of comedians. It’s about taking pride in his work and presenting himself in a way that commands respect.
What started as a laugh ended up being a meaningful look at identity, presentation, and growth.
J-Hope: “Where Did I Get the Courage?”
Suga made sure everyone knew J-Hope was the first in BTS to go solo—and he absolutely crushed it.
Lollapalooza. Year-end award shows. A genre-bending album.
But J-Hope shared that he didn’t do it to be first. He did it to challenge himself. Only later did he realize how bold that move really was.
There’s a reminder here for all of us: focus on the work, not the impact. Big things happen when you’re not chasing attention.
“I Like Attention”
In another moment of refreshing honesty, J-Hope said yes—he likes attention. And why shouldn’t he? He’s a performer. Enjoying attention is part of the job.
He trusted that the audience wouldn’t twist his words. Truth is, you can’t last in this kind of career if you hate the spotlight. You need to want that connection with the audience.
Jungkook: “I’m Glad I Came Earlier”
When Jungkook talked about his 2022 FIFA World Cup performance, he was careful not to throw shade. He didn’t blame anyone.
Jung Kook from BTS performs 'Dreamers' at FIFA World Cup opening ceremony
He just said he was glad he came to Qatar early—it gave him time to prepare and do his best.
Classy and telling. He could’ve just done what was required. Instead, he aimed for excellence.
“I Want to Refine My Skills to the Highest Level of My Own Standard”
Throughout the interview, Jungkook gave props to his members, but Suga made sure viewers saw him as a solo artist, too. And when asked what he wants to achieve, Jungkook gave the most Jungkook answer ever.
He wants to improve until he hits his own personal best. Not someone else’s standard. Not the industry’s. Just his.
That level of self-awareness and quiet ambition? It’s the stuff longevity is made of.
In each of these interviews, Suga didn’t just ask questions—he gave people space to be real. And in doing so, he showed us something deeper about these artists and himself: being vulnerable, reflecting honestly, and respecting others’ truths never goes out of style.
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REWIND
J-Hope’s “On The Stage” tour was nothing short of a spectacle—bold, introspective, and full of artistic depth. While his albums have always been explorations of style and sound, this concert felt like a reflection. It wasn’t just a showcase of his music; it was a journey through his artistic evolution, tying together pieces of his past work into a cohesive masterpiece.
There’s this lingering idea in the world of music—especially in K-pop—that if you’re not at least co-writing or co-producing your songs, then you’re not really an artist. You’re a poser. A puppet. Just another pretty face with a mic. This belief is one of the many reasons why BTS is often held in such high regard. Fans and critics alike point to their deep involvement in their music and creative direction as the key to their monumental success. But is authenticity really the only reason BTS made it so big globally—both commercially and critically?
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When BTS debuted in 2013, they were just a bunch of eager teens ready to prove themselves. But instead of following the traditional K-pop rulebook, they seemed to toss it out the window entirely—and somehow, it worked. As someone in marketing, I can’t help but admire their rebellious streak. There’s an old saying: If you want to be like everyone else, do what everyone else is doing. But if you want to stand out? Do what no one else dares to do.