Making of BT21: Season 1 (2017)

"Making of BT21" is a documentary series that follows the creative process behind the creation of the BT21 characters, which are designed by the South Korean boy band BTS in collaboration with the global character brand LINE Friends. The series is structured around the members of BTS as they brainstorm, sketch, and develop their unique characters, each representing different aspects of their personalities and artistic visions.

The series opens with the members of BTS gathering in a studio, excited and eager to start the project. They discuss the concept of creating characters that would resonate with their fans, known as ARMY. Each member expresses their desire to contribute something personal to the characters, setting the tone for a collaborative and heartfelt creative process.

As the brainstorming session progresses, the members begin to share their ideas for their respective characters. RM, the leader, introduces the concept of a character that embodies his love for knowledge and curiosity. He sketches a character that is a cute, fluffy creature with large ears, which he names "Koya." The other members react positively, encouraging him to develop the character further.

Next, Jin shares his vision for a character that represents his love for cooking and his playful personality. He sketches a character that resembles a cute, chubby cook, which he names "Tata." The members laugh and support his idea, suggesting that Tata should have a unique, heart-shaped head to make him stand out.

Suga, known for his cool demeanor, presents his character idea, which is a mischievous and playful creature named "Shooky." He envisions Shooky as a small, cookie-like character that embodies his love for humor and fun. The group enjoys the concept, and Suga feels motivated to refine Shooky's design.

J-Hope, with his vibrant energy, introduces his character "Mang," a horse with a mask that symbolizes his passion for dance and performance. He explains that Mang represents the hidden side of his personality, and the members encourage him to explore this duality in the character's design.

The creative process continues as Jimin shares his character, "Chimmy," a playful puppy that reflects his cheerful and warm-hearted nature. The members are enthusiastic about Chimmy, and Jimin feels a strong connection to the character, which inspires him to add more details to its design.

V, known for his artistic flair, presents his character "Cooky," a strong and brave bunny that represents his desire to be tough yet cute. He explains that Cooky embodies his own struggles and aspirations, and the group supports his vision, encouraging him to make Cooky even more dynamic.

Finally, Jungkook, the youngest member, introduces his character "RJ," a fluffy alpaca that represents his caring and nurturing side. He shares that RJ is a comforting presence, and the other members resonate with this idea, prompting Jungkook to elaborate on RJ's backstory and personality traits.

As the characters take shape, the members engage in discussions about their individual designs, refining their ideas and adding personal touches. They share laughter and camaraderie, showcasing their strong bond as they work together to bring BT21 to life.

The series also highlights the challenges the members face during the creative process. They encounter moments of self-doubt and uncertainty, questioning whether their characters will resonate with fans. However, they support each other, providing encouragement and motivation to push through these obstacles.

Throughout the episodes, the members visit the LINE Friends studio, where they collaborate with professional designers to finalize the character designs. They participate in discussions about color schemes, clothing, and accessories, ensuring that each character reflects their unique personalities.

As the characters are brought to life through animation and merchandise, the members express their excitement and pride in their creations. They reflect on the journey they have taken together, from initial sketches to fully realized characters, and how this project has deepened their connection with their fans.

The series culminates in the unveiling of BT21 to the public, where the members share their characters with ARMY. The excitement and joy are palpable as they see their creations come to life in various forms, from plush toys to animated content. The members express their gratitude for the support of their fans and the opportunity to share a piece of themselves through BT21.

In the final moments of the series, the members gather once more to celebrate the successful launch of BT21. They reflect on the importance of creativity, collaboration, and the love they have for their fans, solidifying the emotional impact of the project and the bond they share as a group.

In 'Making of BT21', each character is inspired by the personalities and interests of the BTS members. For instance, Tata, created by V, is a curious alien with a heart-shaped head, reflecting V's unique and playful nature. Similarly, Chimmy, designed by Jimin, embodies his cheerful and hardworking spirit, showcasing the emotional connection between the characters and their creators.

Throughout the series, the BTS members actively participate in brainstorming sessions, sketching ideas, and discussing character traits. For example, Jin shares his thoughts on the design of Cooky, emphasizing the importance of making the character strong yet cute, which mirrors his own personality. This collaborative effort highlights their emotional investment in bringing the characters to life.

The BTS members encounter various challenges during the development of BT21, such as aligning their creative visions and managing time constraints. In one episode, RM expresses frustration over the need to balance their busy schedules with the character design process, revealing the pressure they feel to create something meaningful while maintaining their commitments as artists.

Each character's backstory plays a crucial role in their design and personality traits. For instance, Shooky, created by Suga, is a small cookie who fears being eaten, which reflects Suga's own playful yet serious demeanor. The series delves into how these backstories inform the visual elements and emotional depth of each character, making them relatable to fans.

Fan feedback is integral to the development of BT21, as the BTS members often discuss how their fans' reactions influence their design choices. In one episode, they review fan art and comments, which inspire them to refine certain aspects of the characters, demonstrating their desire to create something that resonates with their audience.