Book Review: Map of the Soul: Persona, Shadow and Ego in the World of BTS

One of the best reads I had last year was Map of the Soul 7: Persona, Shadow and Ego in the World of BTS by Dr. Murray Stein. Best reads ko siya kase swak na swak ang analysis niya sa MOTS 7 album ng Bangtan. At dahil Jungian scholar is Dr. Stein, napaka-credible ng kanyang exposition at integration ng Map of the Soul framework sa mga songs/tracks ng album. Tatlong bagay ang take away ko sa pagbabasa ng aklat.

Map of the Soul, the Jungian process of becoming as framework of the album, fortified Big Hit and Bangtan’s goal as artists who produce and create art and music for healing. Buongbuo ang concept ng album as a journey into the self towards individuation - the state of becoming; the process of completing a life cycle.

Dr. Stein’s analysis explains Bangtan’s path. At the time of writing and publication, the pandemic hasn’t yet disrupted the world. Stein concludes that Bangtan is a Kpop band that will remain true to its roots but ready for challenges of a global scale. We have seen that happen in the past two years!

The album’s Intro and Outro are perfect “book ends” to the MOTS 7 album as emphasis on the individuation process of the self. Ang husay ng production team!

And speaking of Ego, it celebrated its 2nd year anniversary yesterday! How perfect is the song to end the MOTS 7 album. While Persona questions identity, Ego provides the answer to the existential question of Who Am I. Bangtan acknowledges their celebrity status, the trappings of fame and fortune but they remain tethered to their true selves, faults, lights and shadows all. They sing and perform their vulnerabilities as a manner of learning through life and finding oneself in the process. The fandom learns and evolves with them!

This is Jhope singing with joy and confidence on his discovery of his true self. Don’t we all want this for ourselves too? That affirmation of who we are begins from deep within.

“Only one hope, only one soul’

‘Only one smile, only one you’

Definite answer to the truth of the world

Only one and unchanging me, right”

— from lyricsfreak.com

Posting here excerpts from the book and a link to the MV of Ego.

https://youtu.be/LmApDbvNCXg