In the SOOP BTS편
"A week in the forest, a gift for BTS."
BTS In the SOOP - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
The Forest (Soop)
The forest, or "soop," symbolizes a sanctuary and a place of healing. It represents a state of being away from the pressures of fame, schedules, and public scrutiny. It is a space where the members can disconnect from their roles as BTS and reconnect with themselves and each other on a simpler, more fundamental level.
The entire premise of the show is built around this symbol. In both seasons, the members are physically removed from the city and placed in a secluded, natural environment. The name of the show and its theme song, which the members recorded together, explicitly reinforce the forest as their temporary haven.
Shared Meals
Cooking and eating together are recurring activities that symbolize family, community, and care. In Korean culture, sharing a meal is a significant act of bonding. Within the show, these moments represent the members' domestic dynamic and their deep-seated affection for one another.
Throughout both seasons, there are numerous scenes of the members preparing elaborate meals together or for each other. Suga is often seen as the main chef, but other members like Jin and Jungkook also frequently cook. These scenes, from preparing traditional Korean dishes to gathering for their final dinner, serve as anchors for the group's daily activities and are central to the show's depiction of their familial bond.
Individual Hobbies
The members' individual hobbies symbolize their distinct personalities and the importance of personal time even within a group context. Activities like painting (V), fishing (Jin, Suga), music production (Suga, Jungkook), or reading (RM) are manifestations of their inner worlds and passions outside of BTS.
The show's unstructured format is designed to give the members time to pursue these hobbies. Both seasons are filled with long segments dedicated to watching them engage in these solitary or small-group activities. This focus highlights the show's theme of balancing group life with individuality, showing how they find rest and self-expression on their own terms.
Philosophical Questions
What is the true nature of rest and leisure?
The series explores this question by presenting various forms of rest through the seven members. For some, like RM, rest is intellectual stimulation through reading. For others, like Suga, it is the satisfaction of a craft, such as cooking or woodworking. For Jin, it's the patient pursuit of a hobby like fishing, while for others it's energetic play. The show deconstructs the idea of a one-size-fits-all vacation and suggests that true leisure is the freedom to do what one finds personally rejuvenating, whether that is being active, creative, or completely idle.
How does one balance a public persona with a private self?
"In the SOOP" is a living exploration of this question. The members of BTS have one of the most visible public personas in the world. The show documents their deliberate retreat from that persona. In the forest, they are not primarily performers or celebrities; they are friends, cooks, painters, and gamers. The series suggests that maintaining a healthy sense of self requires intentionally creating and inhabiting a private space where one's identity is not defined by their public role or the expectations of others.
Can manufactured reality still convey authentic connection?
The show operates on the paradox of being a produced reality series about being authentic. While it is filmed and edited for an audience, the unscripted interactions and genuine emotional moments challenge the line between performance and reality. The deep, brotherly bond displayed by the members feels undeniably real to viewers. The series therefore prompts a reflection on whether authenticity is about the absence of production, or if it can be found in the genuine relationships that shine through even within a manufactured setting.
Core Meaning
The core meaning of "BTS In the SOOP" is the profound importance of rest, healing, and finding equilibrium between one's public persona and private self. The series serves as a quiet manifesto against the glorification of non-stop work culture, particularly prevalent in the K-pop industry. By showing the members of one of the world's biggest bands engaging in simple, mundane, and restorative activities, the show posits that true creativity and personal well-being are nurtured in moments of peace and idleness. It's a message that resonates universally, suggesting that taking time to disconnect and simply 'be'—whether alone or with loved ones—is not a luxury but a necessity for a meaningful life. The show highlights that even for global superstars, happiness can be found in shared meals, quiet conversations, and the freedom to follow one's own pace.