K-pop superstars BTS go back to disco era with single ‘Dynamite’


BTS (Twitter)

K-pop superstars BTS have released today (Aug. 21) the new single “Dynamite,” their first all-English song since debut and which pays recognition to the disco that became popular in the 1970s. 

“Dynamite” is a new song of an upbeat disco pop genre dropped six months after BTS released their record-breaking album “Map of the Soul: 7” last February. The song and music video have been simultaneously released at noon (Philippine time) online and on YouTube. 

Musicians David Stewart and Jessica Agombar participated in lyrics and composition. Stewart and Agombar were songwriters for Jonas Brothers’ song “What a Man Gotta Do” and Hailee Steinfeld’s "I Love You's," both released this year. 

In the US, “Dynamite” is released in limited edition 7” vinyl, cassette forms and MP3 formats to add more retro vibe to the song. 

BTS previously said they would be releasing the song as a message of hope to fans who are struggling because of the coronavirus disease pandemic. 

“We are in the period when the whole world is in distress because of the ceaseless COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we want to give our fans vitality and perseverance,” they said, according to JTBC Plus. 

They added, "In an unpredictable situation like today, we also need a new breakthrough so we have prepared this song. For BTS, this is both an experiment and a new challenge. While listening and recording this song, our mood naturally got better and felt like we had been energized. Our group wants to share this feeling with you.”

K-pop fans are watching if BTS will be able to reclaim the title of YouTube’s most watched music video in the first 24 hours of release through “Dynamite.” BTS ARMYs have been painstakingly preparing to watch the “Dynamite” music video for weeks. 

In April last year, BTS’ MV for “Boy With Luv” garnered 74.6 million views in the first 24 hours of release to set a new No. 1 record on YouTube, a title which they held until June this year. “Boy With Luv” MV is currently in second place on YouTube’s All-Time Top 24-Hour Music Debuts list. 

If BTS succeed in setting a new YouTube record, they will also reclaim three Guinness World Records they previously held: most viewed YouTube video in 24 hours, most viewed music video on YouTube in 24 hours and most viewed YouTube music video in 24 hours by a K-pop group.