Could BTS’ ‘Map of the Soul: 7’ Actually be the Fan-Predicted Album, ‘Map of the Soul: Ego’?

This K-pop group is full of surprises. After months of speculation, fans thought the group’s upcoming album could be titled Map of the Soul: Shadow or Map of the Soul: Ego. Well, they were kind of right. Here’s our look into BTS’ highly anticipated album, surprisingly entitled Map of the Soul: 7.

BTS revealed that their upcoming album is titled ‘Map of the Soul: 7’

The wait is almost over, fellow army. After months of waiting, wishing, and speculating, BTS is back with a new album and sky blue theme. The group announced their upcoming album on Jan. 7, 2020, surprising some fans with the title.

Although the group has not confirmed anything yet, Map of the Soul: 7 likely symbolizes the number of members in this boy band, in addition to the number of years they’ve been together and the number of albums they’ve released. This title is a far reach from what fans initially expected this album to be named — either Map of the Soul: Shadow or Map of the Soul: Ego.

“[Big Hit Entertainment] and BTS getting ready to drop Map of the Soul: 7 after seeing us theorize [about] Shadow and Ego for eight months,” one Twitter user said, sharing a video clip of V laughing.

Is ‘Map of the Soul: 7’ actually the fan-predicted album entitled ‘Map of the Soul: Shadow’?

Technically, fans weren’t entirely off. The names “Shadow” and “Ego,” which appeared on a chalkboard during the BTS MMA performance, will be used during this new era for the boys. However, the official album title is Map of the Soul: 7.

According to the release schedule shared by BTS and Big Hit Entertainment, comeback trailers share these titles and overall themes. One video trailer has already been released, entitled “Interlude: Shadow,” which features Suga and some of the darker themes of this upcoming album. Comeback Trailer: EGO, will premiere on Feb. 5, 2020.

What is the meaning behind BTS’ Interludes, entitled ‘Shadow’ and ‘Ego’

This is BTS after all and they love their symbolism. Could there be more to the comeback trailers entitled “Shadow” and “Ego”? Some fans turned to psychology for an explanation regarding the titles of the upcoming BTS comeback trailers and albums.

“Guys we were reading it all wrong… Joon mentioned ‘Ego’ plenty of times in the VCR — Carl Jung’s diagram shows that ego is next after Persona THEN shadow in order to find the SELF. Ego is easily confused, which is described in the [second picture,]” one Twitter user said, sharing an explanation of the “self.”

“If we’re going by the seven principles of ego, then Yoongi will be greed,” another Twitter user wrote, referencing the first trailer dropped by this group in 2020. In the video, entitled “Interlude: Shadow,” Suga describes all his wishes, including money, fame, and success. Fans will just have to wait for more information from this cryptic K-pop group.

Music by BTS, including their most recently-released album Map of the Soul: Persona, is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and most major streaming platforms. Map of the Soul: 7 premieres on Feb. 21, 2020.