WATCH BTS Perform “Dynamite” at The 2020 SBS Gayo Daejeon in Daegu

BTS performing “Dynamite” will never get old, and they prove that again and again, every time they step on stage. The 2020 SBS Gayo Daejeon (also known as the SBS Gayo Festival) was no exception, as the global superstars brought an unforgettable twist to their hit track “Dynamite,” infusing it with all the charm and wonder of the holiday season. The performance was a true winter wonderland, joyful, creative, and uniquely BTS.

Released in August 2020, “Dynamite” is BTS’s first fully English-language single and quickly became a worldwide sensation. With its upbeat disco-pop sound and feel-good vibes, it was already a song that radiated warmth and energy. But when BTS performed it at SBS Gayo Daejeon, they completely reimagined the track with a Christmas twist, giving ARMY a surprise that felt like a beautifully wrapped gift.

From the moment the camera faded in on the set, fans were transported to a snowy, magical landscape. The stage was covered in soft snow, lined with Christmas trees, twinkling fairy lights, and charming winter props that looked like they were pulled straight from a holiday movie. The atmosphere was full of festive cheer, cozy yet sparkling, and the perfect setting for BTS to once again reinvent their hit in the most delightful way.

One of the sweetest surprises was the inclusion of a snowman that represented SUGA, who was unable to participate in the performance physically due to recovery from his shoulder surgery. Instead of omitting him, BTS and the production team chose to symbolically include him as part of the performance, and this decision touched the hearts of ARMY all around the world. The snowman, dressed in a little version of SUGA’s outfit, stood proudly alongside the members, reminding fans that even when apart, BTS is always seven.

Fans praised the thoughtful gesture endlessly, with hashtags like “Always OT7,” “We Miss Yoongi,” and “Snowman SUGA” trending on Twitter. It wasn’t just a prop, it was a symbol of brotherhood, of how BTS never forget each other or leave anyone behind. The emotional weight behind that adorable snowman made the performance even more meaningful and warm.

As for the performance itself, it was pure disco holiday magic. The members wore a mix of vintage and cozy holiday-themed outfits, perfectly capturing the blend of retro 70s flair and Christmas charm. Their stage presence was as electric as ever, and even with the relaxed holiday mood, they didn’t hold back on energy or precision. Every movement was filled with joy, every smile contagious.

What’s always fascinating with BTS is how they’re able to make “Dynamite” feel brand new each time they perform it. While the original music video gave us bright pastel roller-rink vibes, this performance took on a completely different personality. The choreography remained mostly faithful to the original, but their expressions, the subtle changes in styling and formation, and the interaction with the set turned it into a one-of-a-kind spectacle.

Each member seemed to be having the time of their life, truly immersed in the festive vibe. Taehyung’s deep voice and dashing visuals were perfectly complemented by his holiday outfit, giving off serious winter prince energy. Jungkook, ever the golden maknae, danced with youthful enthusiasm and delivered his lines with a wide smile. Jimin’s grace stood out, especially during the bridge, as his movements and expressions captured the whimsical magic of the stage. RM and Jin exuded charisma, keeping the energy high while giving sweet nods to the audience. J-Hope, as always, was full of bounce and sunshine, his movements sharp but full of fun.

There were playful touches throughout, the way they interacted with the snowman, the small “gift-giving” moments choreographed between lines, the pretend snowball fights between members, all of it served to create an atmosphere of celebration and togetherness.

This performance wasn’t just about entertaining, it was about bringing comfort and happiness at a time when the world needed it most. The year 2020 was difficult for so many, filled with isolation, uncertainty, and hardship. But BTS managed to deliver a moment of light and joy that cut through all of that, reminding fans around the world that music, warmth, and love are still very much alive.

Beyond the visual and emotional layers, the message behind the performance aligned with the very essence of “Dynamite” itself. When BTS released the song, they explained that it was meant to uplift people, to bring brightness and happiness in the midst of darkness. Reimagining it as a Christmas-themed performance was another way to do exactly that, to light up the end of the year with hope, color, and fun.

ARMY’s response was overwhelming. Social media buzzed with excitement, admiration, and deep emotion. Screenshots of the performance filled timelines, fan art of the snowman version of SUGA spread like wildfire, and edits of BTS dancing in their winter wonderland popped up on every platform. Many fans commented that the performance felt like a “holiday card from BTS,” something personal and filled with love.

The beauty of BTS is that they’re not just performers, they’re storytellers, artists, and above all, a family. That connection to each other and to their fans is what transforms each performance into something more than just entertainment. It becomes a memory, a shared moment that lingers in hearts long after the final note fades.

SBS Gayo Daejeon’s Christmas version of “Dynamite” will surely go down as one of the most iconic renditions of the song. It encapsulated everything fans love about BTS: their creativity, their unity, their ability to surprise, and their unmatched stage presence. It also demonstrated, once again, that they never take a performance for granted. Whether it’s a global award show or a domestic year-end special, BTS shows up with full heart and intention, crafting something special every single time.

As the fake snow fell gently and the members posed together at the end, smiles wide and spirits high, fans felt the warmth through their screens. It wasn’t just a performance, it was a gift.

And as the year wound down, BTS once again proved why they are not only at the top of their game but also the embodiment of comfort, joy, and unwavering love. Their “Dynamite” Christmas performance at SBS Gayo Daejeon wasn’t just about music. It was a celebration of presence, connection, and hope, with a snowman to remind us that even when one is missing, BTS is always seven.

WATCH the full performance