At 12:00 AM KST on May 9th, after eagerly refreshing their social media pages, ARMYs all over the world were welcomed by the release of the ‘O’ and ‘R’ concept photos for BTS’ upcoming album, ‘Love Yourself: Tear.’
#BTS #방탄소년단 #LOVE_YOURSELF 轉 'Tear' Concept Photo O version pic.twitter.com/Zp3uGn4Om9
— BigHit Entertainment (@BigHitEnt) May 8, 2018
#BTS #방탄소년단 #LOVE_YOURSELF 轉 'Tear' Concept Photo R version pic.twitter.com/Za8h0GXxEw
— BigHit Entertainment (@BigHitEnt) May 8, 2018
With the comeback having an alleged darker theme, both sets of images took a more angsty and sombre tone that marked a noticeable difference from their last comeback, ‘Love Yourself: Her.’
In concept photos for the ‘O’ set, the members exuded a powerful allure in black and white with fans raving about J-Hope’s alleged ear piercing and V’s lip ring. However, ARMYs with sharper eyes were able to observe band equipment in individual shots—an electric guitar behind Suga, Jin clutching onto a mic, and J-hope sitting on a road case —leading to speculation of a possible rock band concept.
i think we're getting a retro meets rnb meets 80s/90s rock concept this comeback bc of the guitar case behind yoongs and hoseok sitting on that luggage thing that carries instruments and the leather pants and studs and all the stars and jins microphone. #Love_Yourself @BTS_twt pic.twitter.com/6154RwVYnC
— kim taehyung's baby boy (@yoongi_squish) May 8, 2018
Though different to the leather and piercings oozing rock star appeal, the ‘R’ version had BTS decked out in denim against a refreshingly bare setting with a more softer vibe. While appreciating Calvin Klein model-like looks the boys were serving, fans also showed appreciation for detail that went into the subtle eye makeup.
bro their makeup artist really made their eyes look like they have cried and it’s probably because the name “love yourself ‘tear’” they really went extra this time wow#LOVE_YOURSELF pic.twitter.com/EyFk5FKleZ
— tina (@vinyItae) May 8, 2018
In true ARMY fashion, fans had #LOVE_YOURSELF globally trending on Twitter as they praised the members for their striking visuals, and expressed excitement for what was next to come with comeback pre-promotions. With the previous release of Tear ‘Singularity’ Comeback Trailer that had everyone praising’s V’s sensual vocal performance and with this release of concept photos, ARMYs are more than curious to see where this mature direction steers the boys to.
Was the wait worth it? What type of photos do you think we can expect for the ‘U’ and ‘Y’ versions? Does this mark a trendy comeback for double denim in Kpop? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter @CelebMix!