04 April,2026 05:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
BTS MV and Oldboy
BTS have once again captured global attention with their music video for 2.0, a track from their album ARIRANG. The visually striking video is packed with cinematic references, most notably a clear homage to the cult Korean film Oldboy, while also weaving in deeper symbolic elements tied to the group's evolving identity.
One of the most talked-about moments in the video is its recreation of Oldboy's iconic hallway sequence. The MV opens with the members stepping out of an elevator into a narrow corridor, facing a crowd mirroring the film's famous one-take fight scene. However, instead of violence, BTS replaces combat with synchronized choreography, turning confrontation into performance.
The reference is more than just visual nostalgia. In Oldboy, the hallway scene represents survival, endurance, and confrontation with inner demons. BTS reinterpret this idea through dance, suggesting transformation and control rather than chaos. The shift reflects the group's journey as they enter a new phase following their hiatus and military service.
The music video also incorporates several layered details. Members are seen holding newspapers with fictional headlines hinting at a "new version" of BTS, reinforcing the concept behind 2.0. These subtle cues align with the song's central theme reinvention and growth.
Another notable element is the use of props and styling. One member holding an unusual object subtly mirrors the improvised weapon used in Oldboy, while tailored suits and noir-inspired visuals add to the gritty yet stylised atmosphere. The setting a dimly lit hallway with an elevator further enhances the tension and cinematic feel.
Beyond Oldboy, the MV draws from broader noir and thriller aesthetics, blending them with BTS' signature performance style. The choreography-driven narrative replaces traditional storytelling, allowing visual metaphors to take centre stage.
2.0 itself is built on hip-hop and trap influences, with an unconventional rhythm that complements its bold visual storytelling. The track represents BTS stepping into a renewed era, embracing change while acknowledging their past.
By combining classic film references with contemporary music and choreography, BTS deliver a layered and self-aware piece of art. The 2.0 music video not only pays tribute to cinematic history but also signals the group's evolution marking a confident and creative new chapter in their journey.
