What is NORMAL anyway?
We all have our own idea of what is normal for us. Normal is the people you see on a daily basis, the food you eat, the routine you have from your shower in the morning to the commute route you take to work and back.
The idea of normal for a worldwide super group like BTS is almost unfathomable for most of us. They can barely go out in public (without body guards) and simple things like going to the grocery store or a movie is almost impossible. They may have chosen this famous life, but at what cost? They have spent half of their lives in the limelight and because of jealous haters, over zealous fans and paparazzi, they have been robbed of a sense of ‘normal’ that most of us take for granted. Knowing that every action outside of their homes are photographed and can be used against them, that kind of stress has got to be significant and cumulative.
Courtesy HYBE
Media hype prior to the launch of their music video for ‘Normal’ on September 17, 2026.
The lyrics of ‘Normal’ on the Arirang album, have been discussed in part by Kim Namjoon (RM) on a Weverse Live on May 28, 2026. [1][2][3] While the lyrics speak of how strange life is for them now, they also acknowledge that they chose this life, but wish they “had a minute just to turn me off”. This demonstrates a desire to be able to pursue normal things without all the hype. It is a sad song about the pressure they feel on a daily basis - which is their new ‘Normal’. My wish is that everyone would respect these seven men and give them appropriate space in their private lives. It is great to love their music and show your appreciation. It is not ok to approach them or photograph them in their private lives without their permission. Let’s show them some respect!
“Runaway, pushin’ me, pullin’ me, said you wanted all of me
But what is even all of me?
Suddenly, part of me is hauntin’ me, heard the things they callin’ me
What the hell you want from me? (Want from me)”
Lyrics from the record album
(and pictures of Jungkook and Namjoon)
[1] Weverse Live - Kim Namjoon, May 28, 2026 - ‘hihi’ - a discussion (in Korean) of all the tracks of the album Arirang. https://weverse.io/bts/live/4-231300716 discussion about Normal starts at 46:44. RM is credited as one of the writers of this song, along with: Sean Foreman, Livvi Franc, Ryan Tedder, Sean Cook, RM, j-hope, SUGA (슈가), Kirsten "A.Chic" Spencer, Derrick Milano & Pdogg.
[2] You can see an English translation of RM’s Weverse Live [1] on HYBE BOY’s YouTube channel - RM Weverse Live After Las Vegas Concert | ARIRANG Full Breakdown (Translation & Reaction); discussion about Normal starts at 1:53.
[3] BTS - Normal Lyrics can be found on Genius. The song was published in English on the Arirang album. There is also a Korean version NORMAL (Korean Ver.) - BTS which was sung by BTS for the first time during a concert in Busan during Festa (June 12, 2026).
Kaufman, G. (2026) BTS Hype ‘NORMAL’ Single Release With Tabloid-Style ‘Mysterious Late-Night Gathering’ Newspaper Ads.Billboard. Posted online July 14, 2026.
Lifestyle Asia (2026) BTS tease ‘NORMAL’ music video with viral promotional campaign. Posted online July 15, 2026.
Schmidt, M, (2026) BTS Members Pictured in Bathroom in Mysterious Ad Appearing in Newspapers Across the Country. People. Posted online July 14, 2026.
