ARMY is once again speaking in Trends as they trend “Black Hair”, “Black Haired Bangtan”, “Black Hair BTS” among other trends on Twitter. The “BE” Album concept photo has got everyone loving on BTS’ new black hairstyles.
The release of BTS’s BE album concept photo has set the internet ablaze, with “Black Haired Bangtan” trending across social media platforms as fans, known as ARMY, share their thoughts, reactions, and comparisons. Fans quickly noted how the new look from the BE concept photos echoed a certain period from the past, specifically the Love Yourself: Tear era, and the internet is alive with discussions about the similarities in the styling and the emotions tied to both concepts.
The BE album, which was released in 2020, marked a time when the world was reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The album concept captured the introspective, deeply personal moments of each member, and the styling, in particular, was notable for its mature yet vulnerable aesthetic. The BE concept photos featured BTS in simpler, muted tones, a stark contrast to the high-energy looks they had previously showcased in their earlier work. Their outfits were minimalistic, their makeup subdued, and their expressions raw and vulnerable. The concept photographs showcased the group’s black hair, a striking detail that stood out amongst the previous eras where they frequently sported various colorful or bleached hair shades.
“Black Haired Bangtan” quickly became a trending topic as fans expressed their nostalgia for the group’s natural black hair. For many ARMY, this was a symbol of return to the roots, not just literally, but figuratively, as BTS delved into more personal and introspective themes in BE. The clean, natural look of their hair, combined with the soft but emotive tone of the photos, gave the members a sense of maturity that was both refreshing and comforting.
The comparison to the Love Yourself: Tear era was immediate and overwhelming. In Love Yourself: Tear—released in 2018—the group embraced a more dark and dramatic aesthetic. BTS had recently transitioned into a more complex sound and image, and this was reflected in the album’s concept. The Love Yourself series, and especially Tear, carried themes of heartache, self-realization, and vulnerability, mirrored by the group’s somber and often melancholy looks in their promotional material. In Tear, BTS wore dark, dramatic outfits, their makeup slightly heavier, and their expressions conveyed a deep sense of yearning and emotional complexity. The black-haired styling during this era became iconic in its own right, further cemented by the emotional depth conveyed through their music and imagery.
So, when ARMY saw BTS donning black hair once again for the BE concept photos, it triggered a flood of comparisons to the Love Yourself: Tear era. Some fans even noted the subtle changes in their facial features, maturity, and demeanor over the years. In the Tear era, BTS was still evolving as individuals and as artists, and their black-haired looks were synonymous with that period of growth, pain, and self-discovery. Fast forward to BE, and while the members were no longer the same youthful men they were back then, there was still a sense of reflection and intimacy in their gaze and presentation.
Fans started posting side-by-side comparisons of BE and Love Yourself: Tear concept photos, often drawing attention to the similarities in hair color, but also the contrast in mood. In Tear, there was a darkness, an emotional rawness that was palpable, reflecting the pain and complexity of their journey. In BE, however, there was a calmness, a sense of acceptance and peace, even though the theme was still introspective. The mood of the BE concept was more about resilience and understanding the importance of self-love despite everything the world had been through. Both concepts, however, utilized black hair to create an intimate connection between the members and their audience. The simplicity of the hair contrasted beautifully with the intricate emotions they were conveying in their music and visuals.
The discussions around “Black Haired Bangtan” also highlighted how BTS’s transformation over the years—from their raw, heart-wrenching ballads to their more reflective, comforting messages in BE—has mirrored their growth both as artists and as people. The black hair serves as a symbolic link between the various stages of their journey. Fans have witnessed the group mature, not only in their music and their styling but in the themes they tackle. In Tear, the group was still navigating the complexities of fame, love, and personal identity. By the time of BE, there was a sense of acceptance, a coming to terms with their place in the world and their role in their fans’ lives. The visual elements of black hair in both eras are indicative of this maturity—both a return to their roots and a recognition of how far they have come.
The “Black Haired Bangtan” trend also allowed fans to reflect on their own connections to BTS. Many ARMY members have shared how they felt the group’s music during the Love Yourself: Tear era resonated deeply with their own experiences of heartbreak and self-reflection. With BE, however, the music’s themes of healing, hope, and personal growth provided a sense of solace during a difficult time in the world. The visual cues—such as the black hair—act as markers of where BTS has been, and how their relationship with ARMY has evolved over the years.
Fans are not only drawing comparisons between the BE and Tear eras, but also celebrating the cyclical nature of BTS’s artistry. From Tear to BE, BTS has always been able to encapsulate raw human emotion in their visuals and music, offering fans a mirror to reflect upon their own journeys. The trend of “Black Haired Bangtan” is a celebration of that continuity, as well as an acknowledgment of the impact BTS has had on their fans over the years. In many ways, black hair is a powerful reminder of how far BTS has come, while also symbolizing the timeless connection they share with ARMY.
Overall, the trend of “Black Haired Bangtan” after the release of the BE concept photos has sparked a wave of nostalgia and reflection among fans. It highlights how BTS’s look and sound have evolved, while also drawing parallels between their past and present. Fans are cherishing these moments and recognizing the symbolic power of black hair in marking the emotional milestones in BTS’s journey. From Love Yourself: Tear to BE, BTS continues to remind fans of the transformative power of self-love, vulnerability, and personal growth, a journey they have walked with their fans every step of the way.
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