By Ashley Cruz
BTS is coming and we’re not ready for it!
The announcement came as a surprise during their vLive segment, Kkul FM “JiJinJung’s Radio,” Sunday night when Jin (Kim Seokjin, vocalist) casually dropped the news that new music would be out on August 21.
They are preparing a new album aiming for later year. They wanna show the new work sooner so they decided to release a single first for the first time. They hope to cheer ARMYs during the pandemic
— 아미살롱 ᴀʀᴍʏ sᴀʟᴏɴ (@BTSARMY_Salon) July 26, 2020
After leaving clues and sharing updates about their new album, Big Hit Entertainment officially announced it right after on their online fan channel, Weverse.
“On August 21, 2020, the new digital single by BTS will be released on Korean and international music streaming sites. We would like to thank all ARMY for your continued affection for BTS, and we ask for your love and support for the new digital single soon to be unveiled. Please stay tuned for additional details to be announced through Weverse,” Big Hit said.
Talking about the album on their radio segment, BTS leader RM confirmed that they decided to release a single ahead of the album for their fans to listen to. “As the COVID situation is still going on, we wanted to give something that would provide energy so we decided to release it as a single first.”
The members also revealed that the song will be in English. “It is a very fun song,” j-hope said. “Just like Mic Drop and Waste It On Me, it’s an English song.” Jin added that they thought the lyrics were great so they decided to go with it.
As excitement within the fandom, the ARMY, builds up, Columbia Records dropped a countdown on Twitter Monday night (July 27, 11PM Manila).
The countdown begins now. Stay tuned for updates! https://t.co/6t6KRIfp46 // @bts_bighit // #BTS pic.twitter.com/fUjpRbM4nd
— Columbia Records (@ColumbiaRecords) July 27, 2020
The cryptic countdown was immediately deciphered by fans to be a series of dates leading to the release of the single and most probably, the much-awaited album.
according to the code of the website however, this is what the timers stand for pic.twitter.com/HVIQJe2qjJ
— jace⁷ // playing VTMB again (@yoongiichiin) July 27, 2020
July 31, 12AM KST
August 4, 12AM KST
August 5, 12AM KST
August 7, 12AM KST
August 19, 12AM KST
August 21, 1PM KST
August 22, 12AM KST#MTVHottest BTS @BTS_twt— doolset in ???????? (@doolsetbangtan) July 27, 2020
Fans were also quick to notice the colors of each timer that matches the colors of BTS members’ microphones.
the countdown and the colors of mics…
IT IS REALLY THEIR COMEBACK????????????????????????????????????#MTVHottest BTS @BTS_twt pic.twitter.com/2abzYBkciv
— xy⁷???? (@ggeuknim) July 27, 2020
This and more add to the hype everyone must be feeling right now. But one thing’s for sure, the boys are definitely back.
okay but when the official album release date gets announced on 8/22 12am KST THEN WHAT
— chihiro⁷ {finals ????????} (@kookceptional) July 27, 2020
something in my spirit is telling me the single is going viral. and will be their most successful one. a viral single. MANIFEST IT.
— ☾⁷ (@OT7impact) July 27, 2020
clues are literally in front of us-#MTVHottest BTS @BTS_twt pic.twitter.com/5MENyEpWoq
— zia⁷ (@perfecjoon) July 27, 2020
Okay, so…
English song, their own announcement, the countdown promoted by west,@BTS_twt set their minds to blow it up and destroy the industry.
I am officially fully scared. https://t.co/p5qoDvk6vo— Jayelle_Kdiamond???? (@JL_Kdiamond) July 27, 2020