The Intense Technique BTS Use To Train For Live Performances

There is a multitude of reasons why BTS are considered world-class performers today, and their electrifying live performances sit at the top of the list. The highlight of any BTS performance is not just their powerful choreography and commanding stage presence but also the vocal stability they showcase so effortlessly while executing complex dance moves.

the syncronization… pic.twitter.com/kMqQWxcfL2

— 순둥이~ (@archivejkks) October 15, 2022

Whether it is on their own tour,

와와 이거 내가 본 윙즈 정국 호석 더블링 중에 손에 꼽을거 같애 ㅠ.ㅠ 정국이 목소리 엄청 선명하게 잘 들림#정국 #JUNGKOOK #방탄소년단 #BTS @BTS_twt pic.twitter.com/vy5RVO7l84

— 정 (@zeo__ng) December 31, 2019

or during awards shows,

NOW WHO SAID BTS LIP SYNC?! OUR YOONGI HAVE PROVE YOU WRONG !! pic.twitter.com/NtUDBFajbz

— iris⁷ || APOBANGPO ???? (@iris_vbear) March 4, 2022

or in a TV show appearance,

BTS live performance of "Boy With Luv" on SNL will always be a moment, it brought in many new fans, so much praises and compliments by music critics and folks from the industry, it was another huge step into growing more and more, THEY ATE IT UP!pic.twitter.com/uTKTU1uBRV

— Carterrr⁷ | TAKE TWO | (@ughmane) July 13, 2022

the mics are on when BTS take the stage!

With such incredible displays of their live singing skills, people have shown genuine curiosity over how the members trained themselves to achieve this stability over the years. Fortunately for them, the recent episode of Suchwita contains some answers!

On June 10, KST, Jin appeared on Suga‘sYouTube show Suchwita as a guest, and later, J-Hope joined them at the table, surprising them and the viewers. While talking about their experiences as BTS members, Suga brought up the topic of live vocals, saying that he finds it incredible how the entirety of the vocal line started with zero experience in live singing as trainees.

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Before joining BIGHIT Music, RM and Suga were underground rappers with some experience in vocal live performance. J-Hope was a street dancer who got his start at rapping only after he met RM and Suga. Jin was a regular student, Jimin was a modern dance major, and V and Jungkook were regular school students. Suga expressed his deep admiration for all the members who picked up their skills fast and worked tirelessly for the last ten years to improve themselves.

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In response, Jin got honest about his journey of reaching his vocal skill level today. He revealed that he was reluctant to sing live during their debut because dancing and singing simultaneously was too difficult. But the members kept pushing for it, and after years and years of doing it on stage, he realized all of them had gotten to that level where they could jump around and not struggle to control their breath while singing!

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Suga then revealed some interesting tactics they used to train their stamina and breath control. To increase their lung capacity, the BTS members would run in place for 10 to 20 seconds before singing their parts. This is a common strategy that other K-Pop singers are often seen using during practice.

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The word 'lipsync' is non-existent in Mamamoo's dictionary.

Live vocals?
Live vocals when dancing? #마마무 #휘인 #MAMAMOO #Wheein @RBW_MAMAMOO pic.twitter.com/YD0Kors0nF

— 별뚱이 (@byulddoongie) April 15, 2021

Liz always practice her vocal while running because she thinks that when her dance and sing live at sametimes its feel so hard .So she always running while singing.

she trying so hard , good job girl . you really deserve to get 1st win<♡33#IVE #아이브 #LIZ #리즈 @IVEstarship pic.twitter.com/oLioFQVbSk

— ive liz pics (@kjwpicture) December 13, 2021

But the second method that Suga mentioned is a lot more hardcore. The members also wore oxygen deprivation masks before singing their parts. These specific types of masks are used mainly by athletes to simulate the effects of high altitude. It restricts the airflow when you inhale, bringing up the heart rate. As a result, training with these masks helps build endurance and stamina.

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Oxygen deprivation mask that is usually seen in athletic training | gearpetrol.com

The training paid off, and Jin had an interesting way of realizing it. He mentioned that he often goes to vacation houses with his friends, where they challenge each other to stay underwater the longest in a swimming pool. Jin realized he could now hold his breath twice as long as an average person!

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Hard work pays off, and BTS prove themselves to be a living example of it every day!