BTS Jimin & V – ‘FRIENDS’ Song

Few songs manage to capture the essence of true friendship as beautifully as Friends, the emotional duet by BTS members Jimin and V (Taehyung). Released as part of their 2020 album MAP OF THE SOUL: 7, the song serves as a heartfelt tribute to their deep bond, reflecting shared memories, inside jokes, and the unbreakable connection that has defined their journey together. More than just a song, Friends is a reminder of the power of companionship, understanding, and the kind of relationship that feels destined, soulmates not by romance, but by fate and experience.

One of the most compelling aspects of Friends is its authenticity. Unlike many pop songs that fabricate friendships for the sake of a catchy tune, this track is deeply personal. Jimin and V are both part of BTS’s famous ‘95-liner’ duo, meaning they were born in the same year (1995) and trained together before debuting in BTS. Their friendship, however, wasn’t always smooth. The two had their fair share of conflicts, including the infamous “dumpling fight” mentioned in the lyrics, a disagreement over when to eat dumplings that led to a meaningful conversation about understanding each other’s differences.

This genuine background adds an undeniable charm to the song. The lyrics, co-written by Jimin, weave together shared memories, inside jokes, and mutual growth, making it feel more like a diary entry than a manufactured track. It is rare to find a song that feels so personal yet universally relatable, allowing fans to reflect on their own friendships while listening.

Friends stands out musically in MAP OF THE SOUL: 7 due to its bright yet nostalgic sound. It leans on a soft pop-rock arrangement with a warm melody that carries an uplifting yet sentimental energy. Produced by Pdogg and Jimin, the song integrates subtle instrumental layers that give it a dreamlike quality. The balance between Jimin’s higher-pitched vocals and V’s deep, soulful tone creates a mesmerizing contrast, reinforcing the idea that these two are different yet complementary, much like their friendship itself.

The vocal interplay is one of the song’s strongest elements. While Jimin’s airy, emotional voice brings a sense of vulnerability, V’s deeper and smoother vocals ground the song, giving it warmth. Their voices intertwine like a conversation, further enhancing the storytelling aspect of the track.

The lyrics of Friends are its heart and soul. Rather than generic platitudes about friendship, the song details specific experiences and emotions that Jimin and V have shared. Lines like, “You are my soulmate” and “We laugh together, we cry together” emphasize their deep bond, while “One snowflake falls and follows another” serves as a poetic metaphor for their journey, growing and evolving side by side.

One particularly touching lyric is, “Promise that we’ll meet again.” While BTS has reassured fans that they will reunite after their military service, this line carries extra emotional weight, almost as if Jimin and V are making a personal vow to each other. In an industry where friendships can be fleeting, their commitment to staying by each other’s side is both admirable and inspiring.

BTS is known for songs that resonate deeply with their fans, and Friends is no exception. The song quickly became an anthem for ARMYs who cherish their own friendships, reinforcing the importance of loyalty and understanding. It even gained mainstream recognition when it was featured in the Marvel movie Eternals (2021), introducing a wider audience to its touching message.

Beyond its pop culture influence, Friends also serves as a powerful statement about male friendships. In many societies, emotional openness between male friends is often downplayed or seen as less significant compared to romantic relationships. By openly expressing their affection and appreciation for each other, Jimin and V challenge outdated notions of masculinity, showing that deep, emotional bonds between men are something to be celebrated, not hidden.

Although Friends is sung primarily in Korean, its message transcends language barriers. Music has a unique way of conveying emotions beyond words, and the sincerity in Jimin and V’s delivery ensures that even those who do not understand the lyrics can feel the love and gratitude they share. This is a testament to the universality of friendship, something that can be felt, regardless of cultural or linguistic differences.

Many international fans have expressed how the song resonates with their own friendships, proving that its themes are not just specific to BTS but to anyone who has experienced the joy of having a true companion in life. It’s a song that makes people want to call their best friend, reminisce about old times, and appreciate the relationships that make life meaningful.

Friends is not just another track in BTS’s discography, it’s a deeply personal love letter to an irreplaceable friendship. Through heartfelt lyrics, beautiful melodies, and sincere delivery, Jimin and V encapsulate what it means to have a soulmate in a friend. The song reminds us that true companionship isn’t always about perfection; it’s about growing together, embracing differences, and standing by each other’s side no matter what.

In an era where relationships can often feel superficial, Friends serves as a much-needed reminder that genuine connections are worth cherishing. It’s a song that not only celebrates Jimin and V’s unbreakable bond but also encourages listeners to reflect on their own friendships, making it one of the most touching and enduring songs in BTS’s extensive catalog.