While many interpretations remain fan theories and have not been officially confirmed by the band, viewers have identified several powerful symbols that appear to reflect themes of life, separation, growth and reunion.

From carousels and doors to horses and coffins, the music video invites audiences to look beyond its striking black-and-white visuals and explore deeper meanings connected to BTS’ journey as a group.

The Carousel: Life’s Endless Journey

At the heart of the music video is the carousel itself. Unlike a vehicle moving toward a destination, a carousel continuously circles back to where it started.

Fans interpret this as a metaphor for life. People move forward, experience change and grow older, yet often find themselves confronting familiar emotions, challenges and questions. The carousel represents those recurring cycles.

However, BTS does not portray the cycle as something negative. Instead, the visual suggests that even repetitive journeys can be filled with memories, growth and meaningful experiences. The revelation that the building itself is a giant floating carousel reinforces the idea that life’s journey never truly ends-it simply continues into the unknown.

A Spiritual Successor To Film Out

Many viewers have drawn comparisons between Merry Go Round and Film Out.

In Film Out, doors and rooms symbolised memories, loss and the passage of time. The members gradually drifted apart, reflecting themes of separation and longing.

ARMYs believe Merry Go Round revisits these ideas. The members appear to live separate lives before eventually finding their way back to one another. The recurring imagery suggests that regardless of distance or circumstances, their bond remains intact.

Doors As Symbols Of Choice And Reunion

Doors have long been a recurring motif throughout BTS’ visual storytelling.

In Merry Go Round, doors appear repeatedly and are often interpreted as representing different paths, timelines or life choices. Open doors may symbolise opportunities, while closed or distant doors could represent challenges and separation.

Many fans see the doors as reminders that the members are always connected, even when pursuing different journeys. The symbolism also reflects BTS’ message that every new chapter is created through personal effort and determination.

The Seven Chairs And Missing Door Theory

One of the most discussed details in the music video involves seven chairs appearing alongside only six visible doors.

This observation has led fans to connect the imagery to Min Yoon-gi, whose military service followed a different timeline due to a previous shoulder injury.

According to the theory, the seventh chair represents Suga’s permanent place within BTS, while the absent door symbolises a delayed journey rather than exclusion. The interpretation highlights the idea that belonging does not disappear simply because paths differ.

RM’s Coffin Metaphor And Emotional Exhaustion

One of the most powerful lyrical images comes from Kim Nam-joon when he describes his bed as a coffin.

Rather than referring to death literally, many listeners interpret the line as a reflection of emotional exhaustion. A bed, traditionally associated with comfort and rest, becomes a symbol of isolation and mental fatigue.

The metaphor resonates with anyone who has experienced burnout, uncertainty or emotional struggles. Within BTS’ narrative, it may also reflect the challenges faced during the group’s military hiatus and individual journeys.

Suga’s Storm-Filled Room

Suga’s sequence features a dark room filled with swirling particles and powerful winds.

Fans have linked the imagery to earlier BTS works, including themes explored in songs such as First Love. The storm is often interpreted as representing internal conflict, lingering memories and the emotional weight carried throughout life.

The floating particles are viewed as fragments of past experiences-both painful and meaningful-that continue to shape a person’s identity.

Jin’s Horse And The Symbolism Of Freedom

Another recurring image is the horse, traditionally associated with freedom, movement and new beginnings.

Many fans connect the horse to Kim Seok-jin, who was the first BTS member to complete military service and return to public activities.

The horse may represent liberation, hope and the anticipation of reunion. For some viewers, it symbolises the desire of all seven members to once again stand together after completing their individual responsibilities.

Connections To The HYYH Universe

Long-time BTS followers have also connected Merry Go Round to the group’s legendary The Most Beautiful Moment in Life universe.

The HYYH storyline frequently explored themes of youth, memory, alternate timelines and emotional growth. Fans believe the carousel could represent the recurring loops and timelines that defined that narrative.

Rather than escaping these cycles, the members appear to learn how to navigate them together. In this interpretation, the reunion shown in the music video becomes a victory-not because time has stopped, but because they have found meaning within its endless movement.

Why The Symbolism Resonates With Fans

What makes Merry Go Round stand out is its openness to interpretation. The music video does not provide definitive answers, allowing viewers to connect its imagery to their own experiences and emotions.

Whether viewed as a reflection of BTS’ military hiatus, a continuation of earlier storylines, or a broader meditation on life itself, the video explores universal themes of change, resilience and companionship.

The recurring message appears simple yet powerful: moving forward does not mean forgetting the past. Instead, growth comes from carrying memories, lessons and connections with you as life’s carousel continues to turn.