Bts pays homage to oldboy's iconic hallway fight in new '2.0' video
K-pop giants BTS have delivered a visually arresting music video for their track 2.0, directly referencing the unforgettable hallway fight sequence from Park Chan-wook's 2003 film, Oldboy. The video, released on April 1st, sees all seven members recreating the iconic scene, a clear nod to the film’s enduring influence.
Group’s comeback blends k-pop spectacle with cinematic reverence
The comeback follows a massive concert in Seoul streamed on Netflix to celebrate their latest album, Arirang. 2.0 is the second visual for the album, building on the energy of the lead single, Swim. The video opens with the group entering an elevator, only to be confronted by figures mirroring the menacing antagonists of Oldboy, each brandishing weapons. This isn't simply homage; it’s a meticulous recreation of a pivotal moment in cinematic history.
Oldboy, a neo-noir masterpiece, is frequently credited with boosting international interest in Korean cinema. Its groundbreaking release alongside films like Bong Joon-ho’s Memories of Murder and The Host signaled a shift in global film tastes. BTS, while gaining momentum later, has arguably replicated that impact for K-pop, achieving a level of worldwide recognition few artists have matched.
The choice to reference Oldboy feels particularly resonant given the title of Arirang, a traditional Korean folk song celebrating national Culture. The video isn’t just a visual spectacle; it's a cultural conversation, weaving together musical artistry and cinematic legacy. The choreography mirrors the film’s camera movement, creating a seamless blend of the two mediums.
Park Chan-wook, the director of Oldboy, has offered insights into the scene's significance, and his selection of favorite shots from his filmography—including The Handmaiden and No Other Choice—further underscores the depth of his artistic vision. The video’s impact is immediate, generating considerable buzz and solidifying BTS’s position as cultural innovators. This isn't just a music video; it's a statement.
Simon Cardy is a Senior Editor at IGN who can mainly be found skulking around open world games, indulging in Korean cinema, or despairing at the state of Tottenham Hotspur and the New York Jets. Follow him on Bluesky at @cardy.bsky.social.