Happy Birthday to Min Yoongi, better known as Suga of BTS and Agust D.
This track, which serves as a pivotal moment in the Map of the Soul narrative, is heavily influenced by Carl Jung’s concept of the ‘shadow’—the repressed and often darker side of the self. Through its introspective lyrics, haunting production, and visually striking music video, Interlude: Shadow paints a visceral picture of the inner conflicts that come with fame. It also serves as an intersection between his two personas, blending the introspective vulnerability of Suga with the raw confrontation of Agust D.
The Shadow: A Concept by Carl Jung
Before delving into the song, let’s understand what Jung meant by the ‘shadow.’ Jung, a Swiss psychologist, described the shadow as the unconscious part of our psyche—comprising traits, fears, and desires we reject or suppress. Often, our shadow contains aspects of ourselves we may not want to confront, yet it inevitably influences our emotions and actions.
Jung’s concept of the shadow is part of a larger framework known as the Map of the Soul, which outlines the structure of the human psyche. This framework includes:
- Persona: The mask we wear to present ourselves to the world, shaped by societal expectations.
- Ego: The conscious mind, the ‘I’ we identify with.
- Shadow: The unconscious self, where repressed desires and fears reside.
- Anima/Animus: The inner feminine side of a man (anima) and the inner masculine side of a woman (animus), representing deeper emotional truths.
- Self: The ultimate goal of personal growth, where all aspects of the psyche—both conscious and unconscious—are integrated into a balanced whole.
For an artist like Suga, who has climbed to unimaginable heights, the shadow manifests as fears of losing himself in success, of reaching the top only to feel more isolated than before. Interlude: Shadow is an open dialogue with this unseen self, questioning the cost of his ambitions and the parts of himself he may have suppressed in his rise to fame.
The Lyrics
The song’s opening lines are deceptively simple: “I wanna be a rap star, I wanna be the top”. These words echo the unfiltered ambition of a young dreamer. But as the track unfolds, the tone shifts: “Don’t let me fly, now I’m scared. Don’t let me shine.”—a plea that reveals the anxiety accompanying his rise. The shadow speaks, acknowledging that with great success comes the fear of falling.
One of the most haunting lines in the song—“But my growing shadow swallows me and becomes a monster”—depicts how unchecked ambition and fame can consume a person. This mirrors Jung’s idea that the shadow, when left unacknowledged, can overtake the self and become overwhelming.
As the song progresses, Yoongi acknowledges the inevitable clash between his desires and fears: “The moment I faced myself brought the lowest / It so happens that I'm flying the highest.” This paradox reflects the tension between his public success and private struggles. Facing one’s shadow can be painful, yet it is necessary for growth.
The lyrics also address an internal debate, with the shadow challenging him: “All the things you wanted, you've got it all / So what's the problem? Just enjoy it / Or just let it go, no? Then run, or stop / Don't whine, just choose one or the other.” These words sound almost mocking, as if his own mind is questioning why he cannot simply be satisfied with his achievements.
Toward the end, the confrontation reaches its climax: “We are one body, sometimes we will clash / You can never break me off, this you must know.” This is the moment of reckoning—Yoongi acknowledges that he cannot escape his shadow. It is a part of him, inseparable from his identity. The final acceptance, “Yeah, yeah, can't break me off, whatever you do / Yeah, you'll be at ease if you admit it too”, suggests that true peace comes from embracing one’s shadow rather than fighting it.
This duality of yearning and dread is a recurring theme in Agust D’s discography. In The Last, he lays bare his struggles with mental health and fame, while Amygdala unearths painful memories. Here, in Interlude: Shadow, he personifies the push and pull between his public persona and inner fears.
Check out the full lyrics here.
The Music
The production of Interlude: Shadow mirrors the song’s lyrical battle. It begins with a slow, almost hypnotic melody, reminiscent of a confession. As the track progresses, the beat intensifies, growing chaotic, echoing the sense of spiraling out of control.
Unlike traditional hip-hop tracks, Interlude: Shadow weaves elements of rock and electronic distortions, adding an unsettling, almost suffocating atmosphere. This distortion reflects the turmoil of an artist losing grip on his sense of self.
This sonic chaos is part of a larger thematic trilogy within Map of the Soul: 7, where Persona (by RM) explores the external self, Shadow (by Suga) delves into inner fears, and Ego (by J-Hope) embraces self-acceptance. RM’s Persona is bright and bold, reflecting the masks we wear to interact with the world. J-Hope’s Ego, on the other hand, is celebratory and upbeat, symbolizing acceptance of all aspects of oneself. Shadow sits between them—a confrontation with the parts of ourselves we’d rather ignore, serving as the bridge between wearing a mask and fully embracing one’s true identity.
The contrast in sound across these three tracks highlights their thematic connection. While Persona is energetic and declarative, and Ego is vibrant and optimistic, Shadow is brooding and tumultuous. Together, they create a complete arc—one that reflects Jung’s psychological framework, guiding the listener through the journey of self-discovery.
The Music Video
The Interlude: Shadow music video is a masterclass in visual storytelling, packed with symbolism that reinforces the song’s themes. Suga moves through a narrow, dimly lit corridor as faceless figures chase him—an embodiment of his mounting anxieties and the suffocating expectations that come with fame. The ever-present shadows, stretching and growing behind him, illustrate how inescapable these fears have become.
The corridor itself is reminiscent of British Indian sculptor Anish Kapoor’s installation Svayambh, which means “self-made” or “auto-generated” in Sanskrit. This parallel suggests that the internal struggle Suga faces is a product of his own mind, a battle he has created and must confront alone.
Six shadows line the hall, likely symbolizing the unseen presence of the other BTS members. In Jungian terms, they could represent different facets of his psyche—the fragmented self that fame has shaped. Later, the figure 8 from O!RUL8,2?encircles Suga’s dual selves, a visual echo of the infinity symbol. This reinforces the idea that the battle between light and shadow, self and ambition, is an ongoing cycle—one that may never truly end.
While we have explored the lyrics, music, and visuals separately, their true impact emerges in how they work together to embody the battle between Suga and his shadow. Jungian psychology emphasizes that the shadow is not an external force but an intrinsic part of the self—one that must be acknowledged, not eradicated. Together, these elements paint a complete picture of a man standing at the crossroads of ambition and fear. He cannot run from his shadow; he can only accept it.
Embracing the Shadow
Interlude: Shadow is more than just a song—it is a deeply introspective piece that lays bare the cost of ambition. Through its haunting lyrics, turbulent sound, and symbolic visuals, Suga brings Jung’s concept of the shadow to life, exposing the battle between the self we project and the fears we suppress. The song doesn’t offer easy answers because there are none. Instead, it presents the raw truth: the shadow is an inseparable part of who we are.
For Min Yoongi, this struggle is ongoing. As an artist who has climbed to staggering heights, he must constantly negotiate with his shadow, questioning whether success is worth the sacrifices it demands. Yet, through this confrontation, there is a glimmer of resolution. By acknowledging the shadow rather than resisting it, he takes a step toward self-acceptance. The final takeaway isn’t about conquering fears but understanding that they coexist with ambition—that light and darkness are two halves of the same whole.
Perhaps that is the greatest lesson Interlude: Shadow offers: we do not need to defeat our shadow. We only need to recognize it, listen to it, and learn from it.
FAQs
1. How does Interlude: Shadow relate to Carl Jung’s theories?
The song embodies Jung’s idea of the ‘shadow,’ the unconscious part of our psyche containing repressed traits and desires. By confronting his shadow, Suga reflects on the hidden fears and desires that come with fame, aligning with Jung’s belief in integrating the shadow for personal growth.
2. What is the significance of the imagery in the music video?
The music video features symbolic visuals, such as Suga walking through a dimly lit corridor with faceless figures, representing mounting anxieties and the pressures of fame. The growing shadows illustrate the inescapable fears that accompany success.
3. How does Interlude: Shadow fit into the larger narrative of Map of the Soul: 7?
Serving as a pivotal moment in the album, Interlude: Shadow bridges themes from previous tracks like RM’s Intro: Persona and j-hope’s Outro: Ego. It represents the confrontation with one’s inner fears, a necessary step before achieving self-acceptance and growth.
4. What musical elements are notable in Interlude: Shadow?
The track combines hip-hop with rock and electronic distortions, creating an intense and chaotic atmosphere. This soundscape mirrors the internal turmoil described in the lyrics, enhancing the song’s emotional impact.
5. Are there references to BTS’s earlier works in Interlude: Shadow?
Yes, the song and its visuals include nods to previous BTS eras, such as the O!RUL8,2? album. These references signify self-reflection and the group’s artistic journey, connecting past themes with current introspections.
6. What message does Suga convey through Interlude: Shadow?
Suga communicates that acknowledging and confronting one’s inner fears and desires is essential for personal growth. The song emphasizes that success and ambition come with inherent challenges, and embracing one’s shadow is a step toward self-acceptance.
