Introduction to BTS's "Black Swan"

The music video for BTS's Fear of Losing Passion introduces Black Swan as a profound exploration of the duality of fame and personal struggle. The concept is a groundbreaking journey through the conflict faced by artists, balancing the pursuit of passionate creativity with the pressures of fame. This article delves into the symbolic meaning behind the video, focusing on themes of self-reflection, transformation, and the struggle to maintain authenticity.

The Symbolism of Black Swan

Black Swan, as defined in Aristotle's Poetics, symbolizes the hamartia, or flaw, that pervades the BST narrative. This flaw represents a flaw in the artists' most cherished aspect—music. The repeated fissures in their passion are depicted through the dichotomy of black and white, symbolizing the struggle between light and darkness, and the profound upheaval experienced by the artists. This exploration of inner darkness is akin to the concept of the shadow in psychology, as explained by Carl Jung. Here, the shadow represents negative and repressed qualities that artists must confront and integrate for true growth and authenticity.

Choreography and Emotional Conflict

The choreography in the video serves as an emotional battleground, reflecting the members' fears and vulnerabilities. Their performance is a reflection of their journey through conflict, defined as a struggle between conflicting emotions such as denial and obscurity. The dancers are both moving performers and agents of their own inner turmoil. The black and white setting echoes the narrow threshold between light and darkness, mirroring the dualities that define the artists' inner world. This contrast symbolizes the struggle to maintain a balance between personal aspirations and the demands of fame.

The Artistic Journey: From Passion to Projection

BTS's journey in Black Swan mirrors the broader narrative of artistic integrity. The video explores how artists face conflicts between their desire for passion and the reality of fame. The members confront their fears and insecurities, signaling a journey of personal growth and acceptance. The concept is layered with the idea of the first death of a dancer: the moment when their passion leaves them, leaving only the shell of their former self. This metaphor is further reinforced by the visual of a dancer, signifying that an artist can feel like they "die" twice—once when they stop dancing and a second, more profound, death when their passion is extinguished.

The Role of the Shadow

Carl Jung's concept of the shadow plays a pivotal role in understanding the video. The members of BTS are trapped by their own negative qualities, and the video is a reflection of their struggle to come to terms with this inner darkness. The mirror, both in the movie and in the video, symbolizes the reflection of their darker selves, the shadow. The Black Swan itself mirrors this internal battle, with the transformations and challenges faced by the characters reflecting the members' own journeys. This struggle is not merely external but a deep journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

The Cinematographic Metaphor

The video's cinematography is a powerful metaphor for the art of BTS. The white swan represents their inner light and creativity, while the demons within symbolize the darker aspects of their artistic journey. The struggle of the white swan to break free from the constraints of fame and conformity is a metaphor for the artists' quest for authenticity. The eventual triumph of the black swan represents the integration of the shadow and the reemergence of a stronger, more authentic self.

Conclusion: Acceptance and Redemption

The video Black Swan is a symbol of the journey that artists must undertake to reconcile their inner turmoil with their public persona. The struggle to maintain passion in the face of fame is an ongoing process of self-discovery and acceptance. Through this journey, BTS encourages artists to embrace their shadows, leading to a more authentic and fulfilling life. The ultimate message is that only by confronting and integrating the shadow can true art and inner peace be achieved.