BTS: Did J-Hope Tease ‘Outro: Ego’ During ‘The Late Late Show With James Corden’? The Comeback Trailer Gives New Meaning to the Music Artist’s Comment
The seven members of BTS are the kings of new music spoilers and teasers — but did you expect anything less from a band that truly puts thought into their concepts and narrative? On Feb. 3, the South Korean group dropped the second comeback trailer for Map of the Soul: 7, successfully completing the rap line trio with J-Hope’s solo, “Outro: Ego.” The colorful track and music video caught the world’s attention, subsequently causing some fans to search for clues about the song leading up to the release. And a few hawkeyed ARMYs noticed J-Hope might have intentionally teased “Outro: Ego” right before of our eyes during BTS’ appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden.
BTS drops J-Hope’s ‘Outro: Ego’ on Feb. 3
For months, BTS fans speculated how “Shadow” and “Ego” would be incorporated within the band’s Map of the Soul series. Many individuals believed the group planned to release them as two separate albums, following Map of the Soul: Persona. However, BTS had a different kind of trilogy in mind.
Preceding RM’s “Intro: Persona” trailer in March 2019, BTS unleashed Suga’s “Interlude: Shadow” video as part of the first phase of the septet’s Map of the Soul: 7 comeback schedule. Then after a few agonizing weeks, BTS dropped “Outro: Ego” featuring J-Hope as part of the second phase.
In short, “Ego” is a vibrant bop that’ll fill you with joy with every listen, much like J-Hope’s own persona. But despite their differences, the new track still manages to seamlessly continue the narrative told by “Shadow.” And in “Ego,” J-Hope reflects upon his BTS journey, ultimately overcoming his struggles to achieve his dreams.
Now, it seems BTS’ artistry is being rewarded as fans respond to J-Hope’s “Outro: Ego” in kind. Following the release, an ongoing list of “Ego”-centric hashtags trended worldwide on Twitter. Meanwhile, the music video garnered over 2.1 million likes and 8.7 million views merely 11 hours after publication on YouTube.
BTS appears on ‘The Late Late Show With James Corden’
On Jan. 28, BTS appeared on The Late Late Show with James Corden to discuss the 2020 Grammys and Map of the Soul: 7. The South Korean band also performed “Black Swan” for the first time. And as always, RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook did not disappoint.
Midway through the interview portion of the night, Corden asked BTS about their exit strategy when messing up a dance move. “What do you do if you forget a dance move? How do you cover it up?” the host asked the septet.
Instantly, Jin stood up and put his hands together. “Sorry! Sorry!” Jin exclaimed, putting his acting chops to work. “One more time, please!” Meanwhile, other members copied the eldest member’s gestures in agreement.
Later, Corden asked whether BTS had a “go-to” dance move if they made a mistake during a routine. And while most of the members showed off their skills, V hilariously responded, “It’s not in my vocabulary.”
The host turned to J-Hope. “You’re the quickest to learn the dance routines,” Corden said. “What do you do if you mess up?”
For a brief moment, the “Daydream” singer contemplated his answer. But he quickly shook his head and said, “I don’t care.” J-Hope then smiled, basking at the moment alongside his BTS brothers and the cheering crowd.
Why BTS fans think J-Hope gave away a spoiler on ‘The Late Late Show With James Corden’
J-Hope’s comment on The Late Late Show might sound familiar. Around the 1:09 mark of “Ego,” the singer/rapper is driving down the road BTS’ past. He sings:
Yeah, I don’t care, it’s all / Choices by my fate, so we’re here / Look ahead, the way is shinin’ / Keep goin’ now / (Ready set and begin)
Following the release of “Ego,” BTS fans wondered whether J-Hope’s remark during The Late Late Show was meant to be a spoiler for the new track.
“I hate how we can’t even let the slightest thing slip when it comes to bts. Hobi’s ‘I don’t care’ I can’t help but think that was intentional,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“‘Yeah I don’t care, it’s all’ is one of the lines in ‘Ego’ and Hoseok gave us a hint about at The late late show with James Corden! So sneaky sneaky,” another fan tweeted.
Regardless, given the meaning behind “Ego,” a few members of ARMY also pointed out J-Hope’s statement on The Late Late Show feels more impactful.
“The way Jung Hoseok embodied the whole ‘I DON’T CARE’ & brought a whole different vibe to the statement,” a fan wrote.
There’s no denying the growth BTS has endured throughout the past seven years — and the journey from “Persona” to “Shadow” to “Ego” exemplifies just that. Now, with the three comeback trailers unveiled to the world with BTS embracing their past, present and future, fans look forward to the Map of the Soul: 7 album release on Feb. 21.
Read more: BTS: J-Hope, RM, and Jin Tease ‘Map of the Soul: 7’ and Expect the Group to Exceed Every Expectation
