WATCH BTS Perform “Life Goes On” at The 2020 KBS Song Festival

BTS delivered a moving and heartfelt performance of their Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping single “Life Goes On”, a song that became the anthem of comfort during one of the most challenging years in recent history. As the world grappled with the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, BTS stepped up not only as artists but as beacons of hope. Their performance was not just entertainment, it was a healing moment for millions of people worldwide who were navigating the uncertainties, grief, and isolation of a global crisis.

Watch the full performance

“Life Goes On” is the lead single from their best-selling album BE, which was released in November 2020. Written and produced during the pandemic, BE represents a deeply personal project from the group. Each member took part in the creative process, from lyric writing to production, photography, and even the direction of the music video. The album, and particularly “Life Goes On,” was meant to be a message in a bottle for their fans, ARMY, and the rest of the world, a reminder that even in the darkest times, life doesn’t stop. It keeps moving forward, slowly but surely.

From the very first soft guitar strum of “Life Goes On,” listeners are pulled into an intimate and reflective soundscape. Unlike the high-energy pop of their previous hit “Dynamite,” this track leans into gentler melodies and introspective lyrics. The sincerity in the members’ voices, paired with the soothing instrumentation, creates a sense of warmth and familiarity, like a comforting letter from a friend. The lyrics talk about waking up in a world that seems to have stopped, where everything feels uncertain and heavy. But amid all that, there’s a quiet strength in the refrain: “Like an echo in the forest, the day will come back around. As if nothing happened, yeah, life goes on.”

BTS’s performance of the song was as poignant as the song itself. Whether it was on music shows, award ceremonies, or their televised specials, the staging always seemed to reflect the themes of isolation, reflection, and eventual healing. In one performance, the group sat in a cozy living room setting, dressed in casual clothes that made them seem more like friends than distant superstars. The setting mirrored the experience of their fans, stuck indoors, searching for hope. Another performance featured empty stadium seats, a visual representation of the emptiness felt around the world due to social distancing and the absence of live gatherings. BTS’s subtle yet powerful storytelling through performance conveyed a universal longing for connection, normalcy, and reassurance.

One of the most iconic moments related to “Life Goes On” was when BTS performed the song at the 2020 American Music Awards (AMAs) and later at the Melon Music Awards (MMA) and Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA). Each performance had its own unique charm, but the consistent thread was the emotion in their delivery. Even without elaborate sets or dance routines, BTS captivated audiences with the raw sincerity in their expressions. Their voices, gentle, steady, and at times tinged with melancholy, carried the emotional weight of the song to audiences around the globe.

What made “Life Goes On” truly special was not just its timing, but its message. At a time when the world was experiencing collective grief and burnout, BTS chose to release a song that acknowledged the pain but also offered quiet optimism. They didn’t preach toxic positivity or try to distract with mindless entertainment. Instead, they chose to meet people where they were emotionally, sitting in uncertainty, and gently guided them to believe that things would get better. The phrase “life goes on” is simple, but in 2020, it carried profound meaning. It became a mantra for many, a small, consistent reassurance that even if the world felt paused, the passage of time would bring healing.

The impact of “Life Goes On” went far beyond its chart performance, although that too was historic. When the song debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, it marked BTS’s second song to top the chart after “Dynamite.” More importantly, “Life Goes On” made history as the first non-English language song to debut at No. 1 in Billboard’s history, a milestone that reflected not only BTS’s global reach but the universal resonance of their music. In an era where connection felt scarce, BTS connected with the world in a way no one else could.

The success of “Life Goes On” also highlighted BTS’s courage as artists. Releasing a soft, Korean-language ballad as a follow-up to an upbeat English-language pop hit like “Dynamite” was a bold move. It showed their commitment to authenticity over commercial appeal. They weren’t chasing trends, they were speaking their truth, and that vulnerability is what drew people in. By refusing to compromise their message, BTS deepened their bond with fans and proved that language is no barrier when music is sincere.

The emotional centerpiece of BE, “Life Goes On” represents more than just a single. It’s part of a larger narrative that BTS shared with the world in 2020, a story of resilience, hope, and togetherness. In interviews, the members spoke openly about how difficult the year had been for them as well. Like everyone else, they struggled with feelings of helplessness and loss. But through creating music, they found purpose. Through connecting with fans, they found strength. “Life Goes On” was born from that process, and in turn, helped many people begin their own healing journeys.

Beyond the fans, critics and artists alike praised the song’s message and execution. Major publications like TIME and Rolling Stone included BE in their best-of-year lists, recognizing the album’s emotional resonance and musical cohesion. BTS was also named Entertainer of the Year by TIME Magazine in 2020, a title that felt especially fitting considering the comfort they brought to millions when it was needed most.

In many ways, “Life Goes On” will be remembered as the song that defined 2020, not because it avoided the harsh realities of the world, but because it looked them in the eye and said, “We’ll get through this.” BTS’s beautiful performance of the track was a balm to the soul, a quiet but powerful act of love and solidarity.

As we continue to move forward, the legacy of “Life Goes On” will remain. It serves as a reminder that even when life feels uncertain and still, there is always motion beneath the surface. Time heals. Seasons change. And even in our darkest moments, we are not alone. Through their music, BTS reminded us that yes, life is difficult, but it always, always goes on.