Fans were taken by surprise when the full video was released on April 1, just a day after a teaser featuring RM in a 70s mafia-inspired look. The teaser hinted at a confrontation with a group of men outside an elevator, but it wasn't until the full video dropped that fans saw the complete picture of the band's dynamic presentation, echoing the essence of Oldboy.

Overview of Oldboy

Oldboy tells the gripping story of Oh Dae-Su, portrayed by Choi Min-Sik, who is mysteriously imprisoned for 15 years without understanding why or who his captor is. Upon his release, he finds himself ensnared in a web of conspiracy and violence as he seeks vengeance against his captor, who challenges him to uncover his identity within five days or face dire consequences.

Choi Min-Sik plays Daesu in Oldboy

Iconic Elevator Scene in Oldboy

One of the most memorable sequences in Oldboy is the hallway fight, which stands out not only in the film but in cinematic history for its unique style and character development. Daesu confronts his captors armed only with a hammer, navigating through a narrow corridor in a single-take shot that mimics a side-scrolling video game.

Oldboy x BTS 2.0

BTS's Tribute to Oldboy

In the music video for ARIRANG 2.0, BTS pays homage to the famous hallway fight scene from Oldboy. While not a direct copy, the visual and thematic references are unmistakable. The members exit the elevator into a corridor filled with men, mirroring the side-scrolling shot from the film. Instead of using weapons, BTS employs their choreography to engage with their opponents, creating a playful yet chaotic atmosphere that contrasts with the intense realism of Oldboy.

BTS 2.0 (below) draws inspiration from Oldboy (above)

Thematic Connections

Interestingly, the fight in Oldboy symbolizes Daesu's pent-up rage and survival instincts after years of captivity. In contrast, BTS's narrative in ARIRANG reflects broader themes of cultural struggle and emotional confinement, resonating with their return to the music scene after a four-year hiatus, eager to reconnect with their fans and reclaim their artistic identity.

BTS 2.0 also reminds of Woojin's penthouse in Oldboy

Further Connections

After navigating the intense hallway, BTS enters an elevator for a costume change, arriving at a penthouse reminiscent of the villain Woojin's from Oldboy, complete with similar decor and aesthetics. Additionally, Jungkook's expression in the elevator nods to a comedic portrayal by Kwak Beom, while Hobi channels a classic Chow Yun-Fat vibe. RM's look draws inspiration from actor Park Seo-Joon, and Jin humorously uses a back scratcher, a common item in Korea. V had previously hinted at his appearance in this music video.