BTS’ “Life Goes On” Music Video Surpasses 200 Million Views

When BTS released “Life Goes On” on November 20, 2020, the world was still in the grip of a global pandemic that had reshaped everyday life in unprecedented ways. People across the globe were grappling with loss, uncertainty, and isolation, and many were seeking solace and hope. Enter BTS, with a message that felt like a warm embrace: Life goes on. Now, the official music video for “Life Goes On” has surpassed 200 million views on YouTube, a testament to the song’s deep emotional impact and the connection it fostered between the group and millions of fans around the world.

“Life Goes On” isn’t just another chart-topping single. It’s a deeply personal track, laced with vulnerability, reflection, and reassurance. As the title track of BTS’ fifth Korean-language studio album, BE, it serves as both the thematic and emotional centerpiece of the record. The song arrived at a time when the world needed comfort, and BTS, through their honest storytelling and evocative artistry, delivered just that.

Musically, “Life Goes On” leans into soft alternative hip-hop, with acoustic guitar elements that make it feel intimate and heartfelt. The lyrics speak plainly but powerfully: “Like an echo in the forest / The day will come back around / As if nothing happened / Yeah, life goes on.” These lines, delivered with gentle conviction, cut straight to the soul. They acknowledge the pain and stillness of the moment while encouraging listeners to hold on, to trust in the passage of time, and to believe in continuity.

One of the most striking aspects of “Life Goes On” is its music video, which BTS filmed during the pandemic, adhering to social distancing regulations. What makes this video especially meaningful is the fact that it was directed by BTS member Jungkook. His directorial debut showcased not only his eye for visual storytelling but also the raw, unfiltered emotional depth of the group.

The video opens with the members lounging at home, echoing the isolation so many people were experiencing at the time. Scenes of them watching movies, playing video games, working on music, and simply sitting in silence are interwoven with sequences of them standing alone in a stadium, their usual stage now empty. These visuals reflect a reality that both BTS and ARMY were navigating together: the loss of normalcy, the absence of live performances, and the yearning for connection.

As the music video continues, we see the members riding in a car, passing empty streets, and later gathered around a campfire, sharing a moment of warmth. It’s simple, quiet, and profoundly human. There’s a particular beauty in how the video doesn’t attempt to distract from the pain or mask the melancholy, instead, it acknowledges it, sits with it, and then gently moves forward. That emotional honesty is why so many fans continue to return to it, pushing the view count past 200 million.

“Life Goes On” also made history upon release. It debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making BTS the first Korean group to achieve the feat with a Korean-language song. That alone was groundbreaking. The fact that a non-English track could top the most competitive chart in the U.S. shattered long-standing industry assumptions and opened the door wider for global music representation.

At the same time, BTS’ album BE, which “Life Goes On” is the title track of, also debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. This made BTS the first group since The Beatles to earn five number-one albums in under three years. The commercial success was staggering, but what made it more meaningful was how it was rooted in sincerity. BE was a DIY album, with members involved in every aspect, from songwriting and production to design and creative direction. It was an album by BTS, for their fans.

“Life Goes On,” in particular, embodies that spirit. The song feels like a personal diary entry that they decided to share with the world. It doesn’t pretend to have all the answers; instead, it offers empathy. And perhaps that’s why, even years later, it still resonates so deeply.

The 200 million views on YouTube are more than just a number, they’re a reflection of how many people found solace in those 3 minutes and 41 seconds of music. Whether it was someone dealing with isolation, loss, anxiety, or simply trying to get through the monotony of quarantine life, “Life Goes On” became a lifeline. Fans from all walks of life have shared how the song helped them cry, grieve, breathe, and hope again.

Beyond fan impact, “Life Goes On” also marked a cultural shift in the music industry. For years, non-English songs were often relegated to niche audiences. BTS challenged that norm, proving that music transcends language. The success of “Life Goes On” not only pushed BTS to new heights but also spotlighted Korean music on a global stage like never before.

It’s also worth noting the bravery of BTS in choosing this song as their title track during a time when many might have opted for something more upbeat or commercial. Instead of chasing trends, they chose to be authentic. They chose a soft, emotional track in Korean, a language unfamiliar to many of their global listeners, and still managed to break records. That’s a testament to their artistry, trust in their audience, and commitment to staying true to themselves.

The legacy of “Life Goes On” will undoubtedly live on. It’s not just a song that marked a moment in history, it is history. It captured the spirit of a year like no other and provided millions with a sense of comfort that words often fail to provide. As it continues to climb in views and streams, the message remains the same: despite everything, life goes on.

In the grand timeline of BTS’ journey, “Life Goes On” stands out as one of their most vulnerable, meaningful releases. And the fact that it continues to be celebrated today shows just how deep its impact runs. From its humble acoustic chords to the poignant visuals in the music video, it’s a song that doesn’t just entertain, it heals.

As the view count on YouTube grows, so too does the number of hearts that have been touched by it. And for every person who clicks replay, it’s another moment of reassurance, another whisper of hope, another reminder that no matter what life throws our way, it goes on.

Watch the beautiful MV below