N.O (엔.오)

BTS's song 'N.O' is a powerful anthem that challenges societal pressures and the relentless pursuit of conventional success. The lyrics express the frustration and suffocation felt by young people who are forced into a narrow path of life, dictated by the expectations of parents and society. The song questions whether material possessions such as a 'good house' and a 'good car' truly equate to happiness, and whether the relentless grind of studying and living up to others' dreams is worth the sacrifice of one's own aspirations and happiness.

The song's title, 'N.O,' which can be interpreted as 'No Offense' or simply 'No,' is a bold refusal to conform to the status quo. BTS addresses the pressure to excel academically, the lack of breathing space for personal dreams, and the cutthroat competition that turns even friends into rivals. The group criticizes the system that labels anyone who isn't first as a failure and the adults who insist that the hardships faced are only temporary, urging the youth to endure a little longer.

BTS encourages listeners to reject the notion of postponing their dreams and to take control of their lives. The repeated chant 'Everybody say no!' serves as a rallying cry for empowerment and a call to action. It's a message to break free from the cycle of deferred dreams and to live authentically, without being trapped in someone else's vision of success. The song resonates with the band's own narrative of defying expectations and forging their own path in the music industry.