WATCH: Coldplay’s Chris Martin interviews BTS on their freshly dropped ‘Permission to Dance Challenge’ video
In the YouTube Originals show Released, BTS sat down with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin for a virtual interview, where the group talked about their “Permission to Dance Challenge” and the inspiration behind it, and more.
The 15-minute show was streamed ahead of the premiere of the group's Permission to Dance Challenge video that featured YouTube Shorts entries from fans across the world dancing to the feel-good summer song.
Martin started the interview by acknowledging the Bangtan Boys for spreading joy to a lot of people, especially during the difficult times of the pandemic. “I have a lot of love and respect for you for that,” he said.
Talking about why the group started the dance challenge, the supergroup was consistent with their message of sending positivity through their music.
“The purpose of the challenge was to give a positive message to people, but we also felt thankful, comforted, and received positive energy while watching people doing the challenge,” BTS member Jimin said.
A few weeks after the release of their hit song Permission to Dance in July, the group launched the “first ever dance challenge” on YouTube Shorts. People from around the world took on the challenge—from nuns to professional dancers, grandparents, kids, twins, deaf and blind persons, celebrities. The group revealed that they have seen many of the videos, too.
Also featured in the interview were recorded messages from fans, who expressed the importance of doing the dance challenge for themselves.
BTS member V shared that it was only a few years ago when he formally learned to dance. “I just liked dancing and danced on my own. Back then I wasn’t self-conscious and just danced whatever I wanted to dance, and I think that’s what led me to this point.”
For his part, Martin poked fun at himself and said, “Glad I don’t need permission to dance because I’m not a very good dancer.” He added, “But I made a decision about 20 years ago that I don’t care about if it looks cool."
Martin also revealed why he supports the Permission to Dance song movement. “It symbolizes that everybody should be free themselves. It’s also amazing to have the unity of the band with your audience,” said Martin.
Pre-pandemic, the group sold out massive stadiums and arenas around the world, and members of the group have said in the past that performing in front of their fans is one of the things that they have been missing.
But despite not being able to perform live, unity and connection is still important for the group during these times.
“There are a lot of areas in this big energy that we can’t do it alone. Also, I get more energy and comfort when we are together than when I am alone. Even if it’s not a huge crowd, even if it’s just the seven of us, there is a lot of encouragement and inspiration. So I think that doing something together gives a huge meaning to the world as well as to me,” J-Hope said.
Following the interview was the premiere of the Permission to Dance Challenge YouTube Shorts video, which contains fans-submitted videos of them dancing to the song.
Among those who joined the challenge were dance group Jabbawockeez, Try Guys’ Eugene Lee Yang, and the iconic Elton John, who was given an homage in the song lyrics.
Permission to Dance is BTS’ third English song hit, which was co-written by singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. The supergroup was widely praised for promoting inclusivity and diversity by including sign language in the choreography of the Permission to Dance music video.
Watch the Permission to Dance Challenge YouTube shorts video below:
Banner and thumbnail screenshots from YouTube Originals and Bangtan TV