The ABC’s of the Bangtan Universe Part 7
Hi, ARMY!
Today, we are continuing through the alphabet as a way to break down the Bangtan Universe (BU). We are almost at the finish line, and we hope that the journey you’ve been on with us has been helpful. Let’s go!
Before we begin, we would like to mention the BU deals with topics that may be sensitive and/or possibly triggering for some readers. BU content is not associated with real events or the members of BTS beyond their real names and ages.
T
Testesso - This name is connected to Seokjin and the Smeraldo Flower Shop. The owner of the shop uploads on the blog Testesso, giving background information about the smeraldo flower and how the shop came to be. The posts do not affect the storyline, but they offer more insight on how and why Seokjin became involved with the shop. The outcome plays out in the “Highlight Reels”.
Timelines - The story goes through various timelines as Seokjin goes back to the same date in order to change the tragic outcomes for his friends. In each timeline, however, certain details change, ultimately determining who can be saved. The pressure increases as Seokjin returns repeatedly and is unable to find the timeline in which all seven are alive and well.
Time - The plot revolves around the importance of time but also its fragility. Seokjin is able to travel back in time but never knows the type of consequences he and his friends could face. Unable to be with his friends until he figures out how to save them, time seems to be keeping Seokjin prisoner.
Time Travel - Seokjin’s super ability that makes this a fantasy/sci-fi story.
Transitions - The characters go through several transitions within the BU, plotting their developments (namely from childhood to adolescence to young adulthood). The BU shows the characters when they were most sincere and therefore innocent, later showing them transition into teenagers who experience difficulties that turn most of them into troubled youth. The BU depicts how important these transitions are in life, and how events can define the path someone takes.
U
Universe - This story built a universe that explores youth, and the fight between good and evil. Seokjin’s ability to time travel adds a magical element.
This universe also became larger with some connections made with BTS hoobae group TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT)’s own storylines. Although they don’t necessarily canonically crossover, it shows how Big Hit is creating an expanding fictional universe that goes beyond the BU.
Uncertainty - This word comes up because Seokjin faces uncertainty every time he passes through a different timeline. He tries to manage it all by taking notes and figuring out what leads up to each of the boys’ tragedies. There is also a level of uncertainty that the other characters feel, because they don’t always think that they can trust Seokjin. It leads to drifts between them.
Useless - Seokjin is frustrated because he can’t score a perfect timeline; he always ends up losing someone. There is a point in which he believes removing himself from the other boys’ lives is the best choice, thinking that they are better off without him. He soon realizes that this thought doesn’t resolve anything and that they actually need him. The other boys feel powerless in various personal situations, resulting in rash decisions that, at times, have cost them their liberty or lives.
Unconscious Vision(s) - Taehyung describes having dreams that sometimes scare him; Seokjin recognizes these as events that have actually happened in different timelines. So, these are more than just dreams. Taehyung seems to be able to have visions of different timelines, but he isn’t fully conscious of this power.
Jungkook is another character who might be sensitive to the changes in timelines and might unconsciously remember events that happened before (like the car accident he was involved in).
V
Video(s)/Video Games - There are a few MVs to watch in order to follow the developments of the BU. They are officially branded as BU content.
There are also games that continue its story and explore it further. Still, some gaps are left even after reading the book series “The Notes” and watching videos. Games and an upcoming drama are being created in order to fill those gaps in and expand the universe wider.
Versions - There are different versions of certain days experienced via various timelines. Due to Seokjin’s time travel, a butterfly effect is created, causing various, rippling events. This is the reason why one specific date might come up multiple times but with different explanations or occurrences.
We appreciate you joining us on this exploration of the BU. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to look at our previous blogs for this series (part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6). We hope to see you next time!
Stay healthy, and remember that life goes on.
Written by: Lizette
Edited by: sno
Designed by: Judy
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