BTS MAP OF THE SOUL: 7 ‘Outro: Ego’ Comeback Trailer Review

BTS: “Outro: Ego” Comeback Trailer Review is part of my neverending love letter to K-pop boyband BTS. You can catch my ongoing series about BTS here or just sign up for my newsletter. This post also uses affiliate links.

“Outro: Ego” rewards repeated listens; the bouncy song belying the more serious lyrics.

I’m not gonna lie to you, Marge. I did not immediately like how “Outro: Ego” sounded. As soon as I realized it was a j-hope penned track, I knew it would be a 50/50 chance that I wouldn’t like it on first listen. Dear reader, I admit fully – it’s not j-hope, it’s me. But eventually, I come around; I always do.

Watch the BTS (방탄소년단) MAP OF THE SOUL : 7 ‘Outro : Ego’ Comeback Trailer below. Click the CC if you want to read the official English translation of the lyrics.

About “Outro: EGO” Comeback Trailer by bts

In the same sound neighborhood (is that even a term) as j-hope’s “Airplane” and “Daydream” from his mixtape Hope World, “Outro: Ego” is the last track on BTS’s newest album Map of the Soul: 7 (slated for global release on February 21, 2020 KST).

In the lyrics, j-hope looks back on his journey and painful memories to becoming a BTS member, ruminating about the past and how it seems as if it was fate for him to be in BTS. Now, he has no regrets and wouldn’t trade any of the suffering and no longer cares what other people think. The video is also like his “Daydream” M/V – and very j-hope. Full of bright colors, fun visuals, and popping CG affects, we get to see j-hope dance, cut loose, and reflect on his life.

What I loved

I loved the lyrics the most. j-hope is consistently the most mysterious BTS member. Other BTS members have mentioned how j-hope’s BTS persona is the most different from his pre-debut self. j-hope is bright, shining, and full of energy (and an exacting dance-master), but we have very little idea what he is like outside of his BTS persona.

I find him fascinating. j-hope draws such clear boundaries between his public and private selves that I salute him for having an excellent understanding of what he finds acceptable and unacceptable. I admire how he is genuine without giving fans and the public everything. I adore this aspect of j-hope. However, because of this firm demarcation between the public and private, it is sometimes very hard to read j-hope and connect. That’s why I am so grateful for these lyrics where he opens up a bit about how hard it was for him during training and early debut years.

If you’re curious about my immediate reaction, please click and watch my reaction video. (Then like and subscribe to my channel!) I appreciate you!

What I wish were different

Truthfully, it’s not a fair ask. In general, this type of song is not my favorite genre. It’s a failing, I understand. However, it has since been about 2 to 3 weeks since the song dropped and now I enjoy it. Knowing the lyrics was very helpful, and the fact that j-hope is very vulnerable on the track made it better for me. And now that I’ve heard it enough, I like it and it makes me happy.

final thoughts

The video was fun and the song is a bop. While “Outro: Ego” was not initially my aesthetic, like many of j-hope’s songs, it grew on me until I had no choice but to like it. What saves the song for me is the bright brass and the lyrics. Watching j-hope dance and talk about his song on vLive for his birthday was also a treat. For more of my thoughts on j-hope, “Outro: Ego” and fate, please check out my podcast episode of Noona Army Podcast.