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[THEORY] Not Today

Unleash the theories!

BTS Bangtan Not Today Theory YNWA You Never Walk Alone

The way I see it, the story in this music video is simple (finally). And yet complex, as all things are with BTS.


I've gone through the music video frame by frame, and analysed everything, to come up with a conclusion as to what it's all about.


I hereby present you with my results.


BTS Bangtan Not Today Theory YNWA You Never Walk Alone

They're running up the mountain with hooded figures in black following behind them.


Although I think this music video is more a continuation of the 'Dope' (work hard to achieve success) and 'Fire' (don't give in to haters) messages, if we want to tie it in with 'Spring Day' then let's say that those mountains are the mountains they run towards as they leave Omelas.


When people leave Omelas, the story says that:

"they go east or north, towards the mountains."

BTS Bangtan Not Today Theory YNWA You Never Walk Alone

That's all I'll say about how it ties in, because I truly think this is more of a thing on its own with a clear and crucial message.


Jungkook sees himself and then V and Jin are shot. The screen fades.


I just want you to remember this for now, because it's important, but as to why it happens and what it means, we will discuss that when we reach again in the music video.


I've heard people say that the figures in the black hoodies are their haters, but I think differently. The black figures are running WITH them, not chasing them.


And I have a good inkling as to who they are. It will become clear in a moment...

BTS Bangtan Not Today Theory YNWA You Never Walk Alone
BTS Bangtan Not Today Theory YNWA You Never Walk Alone

We see a desolate building with the words "Not Today", and the camera zooms into the subterranean level. Forth walks RM.


It's dark down here. It's not a pleasant place. There is warning colours painted on the pillars. It's a dangerous place. But as RM advances it gets brighter.

BTS Bangtan Not Today Theory YNWA You Never Walk Alone

"To all the underdogs in the world.

A day may come when we lose,

but it is not today!"

- Not Today -


The hooded people are at the ready position in formation, almost like a roman legion.


They're ready to fight.


They're his soldiers; his ARMY.

BTS Bangtan Not Today Theory YNWA You Never Walk Alone

"Today we fight!"

- Not Today -


BTS Bangtan Not Today Theory YNWA You Never Walk Alone

The other members appear.

Army moves at their commands.
They surround BTS, to protect them from whatever is coming.

They are ready to fight.

Army stop in their tracks.


They're in the basement, at the bottom of the food chain, and they will have to fight to break out of the basement and up to gain recognition.


"The light will pierce through the darkness."

- Not Today -

BTS Bangtan Not Today Theory YNWA You Never Walk Alone

As he says those words, RM gives a punch.


The ceiling starts breaking down.

He is breaking them all out of the basement.


Jungkook is alone, out in the free, above the surface.


Why is he alone? Well he is our main character today, and he is showing us that even alone, he will fight and survive.


"Today we will survive."

- Not Today -


The others join him, little by little, and then Army arrive too, up from the basement. They're ready to conquer the world on BTS's behalf.



BTS Bangtan Not Today Theory YNWA You Never Walk Alone

​"Point, aim, shoot!"

- Not Today -


Jungkook orders Army to fight.

BTS Bangtan Not Today Theory YNWA You Never Walk Alone gif