For day 20 of writing a song analysis every day until BTS’ concert in Tampa, I chose the song, “Never Let Go” by Jung Kook. Originally released as a fan song around BTS’ debut anniversary in 2024, “Never Let Go” is a beautiful song that captures the feelings Jung Kook has towards his friends.

Before I begin examining the lyrics, I noticed something interesting. The whole song is entirely in English. I feel that this was an intentional detail to ensure that Jung Kook’s message in the song would be able to reach all his fans, regardless of their language barrier as English is a very international language.

With regards to the lyrics, Jung Kook continuously expresses how much he appreciates his fans. With phrases such as, “Everything falls into place ’cause you’re right here with me,” Jung Kook establishes how much his fans, or ARMY, has changed his life (Line 4). Within this line, it is also seen that for Jung Kook, just the fact that ARMY is there for him, comforts him. He doesn’t mention any of the large monetary feats that ARMY has had, which are things he is definitely grateful for and are implied there, but specifically, he mentions that their mere presence which is enough for him.

During the time in which this song was released, BTS as a group was on a hiatus as each member enlisted in the South Korean Military for their military service. Since this song was released during that time, I feel that Jung Kook’s constant statements of gratitude for his fans being there and waiting for him weighs a little stronger within that context.

He further addresses the fan’s patience by acknowledging their waiting but asking them to wait a little more, as the members were in their last leg of their service (at the time, it was one more year until they were all finished). To express this sentiment he sings, “So stay with me and keep holding on…” as he leads into the chorus of repeating the phrase, “Never let go” many times (Lines 14 and 15). The amount of times he repeats the phrase, “Never let go,” really helps to drive home how Jung Kook feels about his fans. A person would not repeat the phrase, “Never let go,” to someone if they did not feel strongly towards them. Thus, it is through this use of repetition Jung Kook really, really, really, makes it known how much he appreciates his fans and wants to eventually reunite with them again.

I think due to the beautiful sentiment contained within the lyrics of the song, it would be a lovely song to hear live at BTS’ up coming concert. I think it would fit well within a medley of BTS’ other songs which address how much they love their fans. I do not know how likely this will all be, but I think it would be a pleasant surprise if it was possible.