Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, is a music icon who has left an indelible mark on entertainment history. His impact on popular culture and music scene has been extraordinary, and his influence is still reflected in new generations today.
Michael turned the entire music industry inside out, completely reforming the process of music production and promotion.
He transformed the music videos and stage into an extraordinary credible and dynamic art form, where choreography and dancers are as important as the music itself.
In his role as an artist, he broke racial barriers, challenged social conventions and tackled taboo subjects with his lyrics, and took pop music around the world; he was a pioneer who changed not only the course of the music scene but also of society.
His legacy is still present in contemporary music, with numerous artists inspired by his style and art, such as Justin Timberlake, Usher, Bruno Mars, and Beyoncé.
The parallels between Jung Kook of BTS and Michael Jackson
Jung Kook, the Golden Maknae of BTS, is known for his exceptional musical talent and stage presence.
The parallels between Jung Kook and Michael Jackson emerge prominently in the music videos of Golden.
Watching the MVs of Standing Next to You and Seven, I immediately thought of Michael.
Standing Next to You
In the Standing Next to You MV, Jung kook performs with incredible charisma and magnetism. The youngest BTS member’s expressiveness, precision in his movements, choreography style, and even outfit recall the King of Pop’s iconic performances.
Exactly in Jacksonian style, the whole scene and the dancers are as important as the protagonist, giving character and intensity to the video.
In particular, some of the dance moves performed by Jung kook, such as the pelvic thrust with the groin hold (which he performs slowly and boldly enough to see me forced to hold back a scream), or the hands simulating a path over the imaginary curves of a body, recall typical Michael Jackson choreography.
The under-stage dance scenes, in which dancers wrestle while dancing, are reminiscent of the famous video for Smooth Criminal, while the entire choreography on stage, as well as the chromatic use of lights, recalls the live performance of Dangerous.
The initials “JK,” visible on the venue’s large exterior wall, suggestively reference the King of Pop’s iconic “MJ” logo.
In the song, Jung Kook’s interspersed breathing and that hiccupped approach between verses vividly evoke the unforgettable artist.
Seven
Similarities with Michael Jackson’s art also emerge in the video for Seven, too.
The narrative of the MV and some moments of the choreography recall the dynamic energy of the famous The Way You Make Me Feel MV, in which Michael impersonates a young man determined to conquer a girl in an almost infuriating way, as it happens in Seven with Jung Kook.
Both MVs have the same conclusion, with her accepting him.
An obvious reference to MJ’s own video is found in the 3D choreography, performed in the street under the spray of water from a classic American fire hydrant.
Michael Jackson has left an everlasting imprint on the history of music and entertainment, influencing generations of artists.
BTS Jung Kook is one of those artists who has embraced and honored Michael’s legacy wonderfully, demonstrating his ability to capture aesthetic elements and perfectly reproduce dance steps inspired by the King of Pop.
Michael would absolutely be proud of him.
