Among the many tracks that define BTS’ ever-evolving musical landscape, “Make It Right” stands out as a tender, soul-stirring anthem of redemption, love, and emotional connection. Released as part of their 2019 extended play Map of the Soul: Persona, the song revealed a softer, introspective side of the group, one that resonates deeply with listeners across the globe. With its blend of smooth vocals, gentle horns, and sincere lyrics, “Make It Right” quickly became a fan favorite and a testament to BTS’ ability to blend genre, emotion, and artistry.

The original version of “Make It Right” was released digitally on April 12, 2019, along with the rest of the Map of the Soul: Persona EP. From the beginning, the song was distinctive for its collaborative origins, it was co-written by BTS members RM, Suga, and j-hope, alongside British pop singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. The fusion of Sheeran’s lyrical tenderness and BTS’ emotional delivery resulted in a track that felt both universal and deeply personal. Producers Benj Gibson and Jo Hill helped shape the minimalist soundscape, crafting a soothing, horn-driven beat that let the lyrics shine.

Lyrically, “Make It Right” is a reflective journey of reconciliation and healing. The song’s narrator admits to past mistakes and shortcomings, expressing a desire to rebuild and improve not only a relationship but also himself. The lyrics echo sentiments of humility and gratitude, something BTS has long been known for in their discography. Lines like “I could make it better / I could hold you tighter / ‘Cause through the morning / Oh, you’re the light” speak of longing and hope, while showcasing a deep understanding of emotional vulnerability.

Musically, the track stood out for its mellow, R&B-influenced tone, a contrast to the high-energy anthems BTS is often associated with. Yet it was this very softness that made it so powerful, “Make It Right” invited listeners to sit with their emotions, to reflect, and to find comfort in the sincerity of the message.

In October 2019, the song was given a fresh twist. BTS released a remixed version featuring American singer Lauv on October 18, reintroducing the track to the world with new flavor and emotional texture. Lauv contributed his own verse and harmonies, adding an English-language layer to the song’s heartfelt narrative. His soft vocals melded seamlessly with the group’s, enhancing the emotional gravity of the lyrics while also broadening the song’s accessibility to non-Korean-speaking fans.

The collaboration with Lauv marked an important moment for BTS. While they had worked with Western artists before, “Make It Right” was a further step into global collaboration that maintained the integrity of BTS’ artistic vision. The partnership felt organic, and Lauv, already a fan of the group, approached the remix with respect and genuine affection. This version of “Make It Right” not only deepened the song’s emotional resonance but also brought it to new audiences, reaffirming BTS’ place as global music trailblazers.

Performance-wise, BTS showcased “Make It Right” on several prominent stages. The group first delivered a moving live rendition of the original version on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in May 2019, bringing their signature poise and emotional nuance to a Western television audience. The understated nature of the song made it perfect for intimate, heartfelt performances, an opportunity BTS seized every time they took the stage.

Later that year, BTS included “Make It Right” in their setlists for the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest in New York City’s Times Square, both of which are major events in the American pop culture calendar. These performances exposed millions of viewers to the emotional depth of BTS’ music, solidifying the song’s status as a staple of their live repertoire.

The love for “Make It Right” continued well into 2020. Even as the pandemic halted live concerts and tours, BTS found ways to bring their music to the world. They performed the track virtually for the 2020 iHeartRadio Music Festival, Lotte Duty Free Family Concert, and RADIO.COM, each time reinventing the way they connected with fans from afar. The sincerity of the song never wavered, and even through a screen, it brought comfort and familiarity to listeners navigating a year of uncertainty.

Commercially, “Make It Right” held its own among BTS’ vast catalog of hits. The song debuted at No. 76 on the US Billboard Hot 100, a notable achievement considering it was not the lead single from Map of the Soul: Persona. This entry demonstrated the song’s organic appeal and the strength of BTS’ international fanbase. Additionally, the track was certified Gold in Australia (ARIA) for selling over 35,000 certified units, highlighting its global impact and resonance.

Beyond the numbers, the cultural and emotional significance of “Make It Right” lies in its message. In a world where many pop songs revolve around surface-level themes, BTS chose to center this track on redemption and emotional growth. They positioned themselves not as flawless idols, but as human beings capable of mistakes, growth, and deep love. That kind of honesty is rare—and it’s one of the reasons BTS continues to connect so powerfully with fans worldwide.

Furthermore, the song represents a beautiful bridge between BTS’ Korean roots and their expanding global collaborations. The inclusion of Lauv and Ed Sheeran didn’t dilute the essence of BTS, instead, it enriched the storytelling, proving that music is a universal language when approached with authenticity and mutual respect.

In retrospect, “Make It Right” is more than just a song in BTS’ vast discography. It’s a moment of softness and truth. A piece of art that says: I know I’m not perfect, but I’m trying to be better,for you, for us, for myself. Whether performed in a sold-out stadium or through a virtual livestream, it holds the same promise: of reconciliation, of vulnerability, and of the power music holds to heal wounds we often cannot put into words.

“Make It Right” was released digitally on April 12, 2019, as part of the extended play Map of the Soul: Persona. It was remixed and re-released, featuring Lauv, as the second single from the EP on October 18, 2019. BTS also performed the original version of the song The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in May 2019, on iHeart Radio Jingle Ball and in New York City’s Times Square on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest. This year BTS performed the song at the 2020 iHeart Radio Music Festival, at the Lotte Duty Free Family Concert 2020 and on RADIO.COM.

RM, Suga, and J-Hope are among the song writers credited on the song together with Ed Sheeran, Benj Gibson, Jo Hill, Ari Leff wgo did the remixed version only. “Make It Right” debuted on the US Billboard Hot 100 at no. 76 and is certified Gold in Australia (ARIA) for selling 35,000 certified units.

Watch the beautiful MV below


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