At midnight on April 1, BTS released the teaser for “2.0,” a track from their fifth full-length album ARIRANG, via the HYBE Labels official YouTube channel. The agency confirmed that the music video takes inspiration from director Park Chan-wook’s iconic film Oldboy.

The teaser opens with a worn-down corridor and an elevator, setting a gritty and tense atmosphere. A group of rough-looking figures fills the narrow space, creating an air of confrontation. As the tension builds, the elevator doors open to reveal the BTS members, dressed in sleek suits that sharply contrast with their surroundings.

Notably, newspapers held by some members feature phrases such as “Brand New 2.0 Launch,” “Full Strategic Overhaul,” and “2.0 Hidden Secret Code,” hinting at the concept behind the track. The teaser concludes with a striking moment as RM lowers the newspaper, revealing his face behind dark sunglasses.

The visual direction strongly recalls a famous scene from Oldboy, where protagonist Oh Dae-su, played by Choi Min-sik, confronts multiple enemies in a confined hallway. BTS mirrors this composition through the use of a narrow corridor, face-off dynamics, and heightened tension.

“2.0” represents BTS’ transition into a new phase following growth and transformation. The track blends hip-hop and trap elements with unconventional rhythms, while lyrics like “You know how we do” emphasize confidence and self-assurance. The cinematic teaser further reinforces this narrative of evolution.

The connection is also meaningful given the members’ long-standing admiration for Park Chan-wook. RM has often expressed his appreciation for the director’s work, even sharing that he watched Decision to Leave multiple times. Meanwhile, V has previously made headlines for his personal interaction with the filmmaker.

BTS is currently dominating global charts with their fifth full-length album ARIRANG. Alongside the title track “SWIM,” the group has topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200, with multiple B-sides also charting once again proving their unmatched global influence.

Sources: Naver