When BTS released Dynamite in August 2020, the world immediately recognized something familiar. The bright, disco-infused track wasn't just a pandemic-era pick-me-up; it was a deliberate homage to Michael Jackson's golden era. From the retro styling to the iconic dance moves—including the leg kick and spin—the septet channeled the King of Pop with precision. Fans noted that the music video's colorful sets, synchronized choreography, and celebratory energy closely mirrored Jackson's 1983 Billie Jean performance and the Thriller era. This wasn't BTS's first nod to MJ, nor would it be their last.
The connection between BTS and Michael Jackson runs deeper than a single hit single. Over the years, the group has consistently credited MJ as a primary influence on their performance style, choreographic perfectionism, and approach to storytelling. In interviews, members like Jimin and Jungkook have named Jackson as their earliest musical hero, while J-Hope's dance style—characterized by crisp isolations and dramatic pauses—has been directly compared to MJ's technique by choreographers worldwide. This article explores the extensive and multifaceted influence of Michael Jackson on BTS, from their group aesthetics to individual member artistry.
Performance as a Total Experience
Michael Jackson revolutionized the modern pop concert by transforming it into a theatrical spectacle. His performances were not just about singing; they were full narratives, complete with elaborate choreography, costume changes, and cinematic stage design. BTS inherited this philosophy wholeheartedly. Their tours, such as Love Yourself and Map of the Soul, feature storybook interludes, socially conscious messaging, and breathtaking visual productions. The group's dedication to synchronized dance—achieving near-perfect unison across seven members—echoes Jackson's own obsessive precision. Both artists understand that a pop star must create unforgettable visual moments on stage.
For instance, BTS's 2020 MMA performance of Dynamite featured a break-dance routine led by J-Hope that went viral, reminiscent of Jackson's own dance breaks during live shows. Similarly, their Billboard Music Awards acts often incorporate military-style formations and sudden stops, qualities that defined MJ's stage presence. The emphasis on high-energy choreography, dramatic lighting, and intricate blocking owes a direct debt to Jackson's Bad and Dangerous world tours.
Choreographic Homages and Dance Styles
Dance critics have pointed out that J-Hope's solo work, particularly his use of pauses, isolations, and shoulder pops, mirrors Jackson's signature style. In his mixtape Hope World and its accompanying performances, one can see the same explosive energy and precision that MJ displayed. Japanese choreographer Takahiro Ueno noted in a 2021 interview that J-Hope consciously studies Jackson's movement to create an 'impact on every beat'. This attention to detail is evident in the choreography for songs like IDOL and Boy With Luv, which blend traditional Korean dance with pop influences—a fusion that MJ himself pioneered by incorporating elements from different cultures.
Jimin, often praised for his fluidity and grace, has named MJ as a foundational influence. In his 2021 Rolling Stone interview, he said, 'When I was young, I saw Michael Jackson's performances, and that made me want to become a singer and dancer.' This inspiration manifests in Jimin's solo track Lie, where his ability to express emotion through movement mirrors MJ's storytelling in Earth Song or Stranger in Moscow. Jungkook, the group's main vocalist, explicitly channeled Jackson for his debut solo album Golden. The music video for Standing Next to You features a fedora, a gloved hand gesture, and a dance sequence that directly recalls the 1995 Remember the Time video. Jungkook has stated that he studied MJ's vocal inflexions and stage charisma to prepare for the album.
Musical Parallels and Thematic Depth
Beyond choreography, Michael Jackson's musical style echoes through BTS's discography. Songs like Dynamite, Butter, and Permission to Dance revel in disco-pop, funk beats, and bass-heavy grooves that recall Jackson's late-1970s and early-1980s sound. The celebratory energy of Dynamite is often compared to Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough, while Butter's smooth delivery and catchy hooks share DNA with Rock With You. Even the production choices—layered vocals, syncopated rhythms, and bright synthesizers—are reminiscent of Quincy Jones' work on Jackson's albums.
However, BTS also adopted Jackson's use of pop music as a vehicle for deeper social commentary. Jackson tackled racism, poverty, and environmental issues in songs like Man in the Mirror, They Don't Care About Us, and Heal the World. Similarly, BTS explores mental health, societal pressure, self-love, and identity in tracks like Black Swan, ON, and Intro: Persona. The juxtaposition of upbeat melodies with introspective lyrics is a hallmark both share. For instance, Black Swan uses metaphors of dance and fear of losing passion, while Jackson's Will You Be There delves into loneliness and the search for connection.
Visual Storytelling and Music Videos
Michael Jackson elevated the music video into an art form. His short films for Thriller, Bad, and Smooth Criminal were cinematic events with narratives. BTS followed this blueprint, creating complex story arcs across their music video universe, known as the 'BU' (BTS Universe). Videos like Blood Sweat & Tears, Spring Day, and Fake Love are laden with symbolism, alternative realities, and emotional narratives—much like Jackson's Ghosts. The group also pays direct visual homage: in the Dynamite video, there is a scene where Jungkook performs a spin-and-pose move identical to Jackson's in The Way You Make Me Feel.
Fashion and Stage Presence
BTS's stage fashion frequently nods to Jackson's iconic looks. Military-style jackets, bedazzled suits, black-and-gold ensembles, and theatrical arena entrances are reminiscent of MJ's concert attire. For their Muster SOWOOZOO concert, members wore custom sequined outfits that echoed the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards performance. Even their use of single gloves, fedoras, and high-water pants occasionally references Jackson's signature accessories.
Enduring Legacy in a New Generation
Michael Jackson broke cultural and language barriers through the universal language of dance and music. BTS has similarly globalized K-pop by making choreography-heavy songs that resonate with international fans regardless of language. Their stadium-filling concerts, from Los Angeles's SoFi Stadium to Seoul's Olympic Stadium, reflect Jackson's belief that a pop star must create an unforgettable visual experience. The septet's ability to convey emotion through movement—whether in the powerful synchrony of Not Today or the softer gestures of Life Goes On—is a direct inheritance from MJ's performance philosophy.
Individual members continue to honor Jackson in public appearances. In 2023, V performed a cover of MJ's Human Nature during a live broadcast, earning praise for his soulful rendition. Suga has sampled Jackson's beats in his production work, and RM once stated that Jackson's album Thriller was the first English record he ever listened to. These references, both overt and subtle, underscore how deeply MJ's artistry is embedded in BTS's creative DNA.
When Jimin sings, 'Club go psycho, might take you viral... I go full Thriller tonight' in the song Set Me Free Pt. 2, the reference is unmistakable. Two IDOLs—the King of Pop and the Kings of K-pop—are connected by the same DNA: a relentless pursuit of excellence, reinvention, and emotional connection with audiences worldwide. Michael Jackson's legacy does not just influence BTS; it continues to shape the trajectory of global pop music through their artistry.
Source: MSN News