Watch BTS SUGA and Jung Kook’s Heartrending Single ‘Stay Alive’
The collaborative single marks the first OST project from BTS’ webtoon project ‘7FATES: CHAKHO’
Left(L): Jung Kook. Right(R): SUGA. Photo: Courtesy of HYBE Corp
Days after releasing the track’s snippet on the fourth episode of BTS’ webtoon 7FATES: CHAKHO, members Jung Kook and SUGA’s highly anticipated single “Stay Alive” has finally hit all major streaming platforms. Accompanied by a music video, the single embodies the storylines and individual journeys of the seven protagonists of the webtoon.
The OST was also the first track to be ever added as background music to an episode of Naver’s platform WEBTOON. The sonic experience helped heighten the dramatics of the episode, allowing readers to make the most out of the immersive experience.
Produced by multi-faceted artist SUGA, “Stay Alive” is a cinematic pop-ballad that blends theatrical bass-synth and pensive string-piano arrangement, to construct a sentimental space for readers of the webtoon, allowing them to connect with character arcs. In a press statement, HYBE Corp. (BTS’ parent label) revealed that SUGA’s production was “based on the actual synopsis and webcomic sketch of 7FATES: CHAKHO.” The rapper-producer does a remarkable job at encapsulating the thrilling plotline of the webtoon through a galvanic musical experience, rich in contrasting sounds. The string arrangement in particular blends with the bass synth like a dream, transporting you right in the midst of the nail-biting action of 7FATES: CHAKHO.
On the other hand, Jung Kook’s captivating, breathy vocal performance heightens the emotional quotient of the track, as he elucidates on the trials and tribulations of the seven protagonists; “You are my fate/No words can express it enough/Salvation that saved a wearied me/Is that easier to grasp/Those few words that saved me/ I’ll be by your side after many nights/ On yeah (those few words)/I’ll stay by your side even if my feet bleed/ Please, you stay alive.” It’s one of the many characteristics that sets Jung Kook apart-as a singer- his vocalization embodies the ethos of every word, helping listeners resonate with the protagonist’s emotional arc; irrespective of whether you’re familiar with the language or not.
Reflecting on Zeha’s tragic back story (a character based on Jung Kook)—which saw the young boy live alone after the sudden death of his parents—”Stay Alive” deep dives into the emotional conflicts and fears of a young boy afraid of losing his loved ones all over again; “I whisper as I hide myself in this small room/ Darkness is my only friend/My hand reaching out for salvation.” I
Employing the power of original content, HYBE Corp. began publishing story-based intellectual property to Naver’s WEBTOON and social writing platform Wattpad early last month. Focused around HYBE’s artists, stories such as BTS’ 7FATES:CHAKHO creates a unique fan experience, with an additional medium to stay connected with their artists.
Set in the near future, the urban fantasy story is inspired by the ‘chakhogapsa’ (tiger hunters from the Joseon Dynasty). Based on the intricate BTS Universe, 7 Fates: CHAKHO explores the life of seven boys brought together by faith and shows us why they must stay together despite the trials and tribulations that come their way.
