BTS V’s “Into the Sun” Praised by Rolling Stone and NYT But He Almost Cut It

When BTS released their long-awaited album “Arirang,” fans expected powerful performances, emotional storytelling, and global impact.

What they didn’t expect?

That one of the most talked-about tracks would be a song its own creator almost left out.

That song is “Into the Sun,” written and composed primarily by Kim Taehyung and now, it’s quietly becoming one of the album’s most critically praised moments.

A Song V Almost Rejected

During the album showcase, “Into the Sun” was introduced as the outro track something that already carries emotional weight in any BTS project.

But what surprised fans was V’s honesty.

Despite writing and composing the track himself, he revealed that he wasn’t even sure it should be included.

He reportedly questioned whether it truly fit the album, pointing out that there were many strong songs from other members. In his own words, it wasn’t about authorship it was about whether the song belonged.

That kind of hesitation says a lot.

Not insecurity, but intention.

And ironically, that same mindset may be exactly why the song works so well.

The Members Knew Immediately

While V hesitated, the other members didn’t.

RM described the song as something deeply visual like watching seven silhouettes run toward a sunset.

Jin said it felt like the perfect ending.

Suga called it ideal for an outro.

And Jungkook’s reaction was even simpler:
“Taehyung really did something again.”

That moment alone tells you everything.

Sometimes, artists don’t recognize the impact of their own work until others reflect it back to them.

Critics Are Saying the Same Thing

It’s not just BTS members who saw something special.

Major global outlets quickly picked up on “Into the Sun” as a standout track.

• Rolling Stone described it as “hypnotic,” highlighting its airy harmonies and slow, shimmering tempo
• The New York Times praised its emotional layering, calling it calming yet immersive
• BBC noted its experimental use of digital vocal effects and dramatic shift into stadium rock
• The Guardian pointed out how it creates a striking, almost unexpected finale

Across different styles of criticism, one thing stayed consistent:

This isn’t just a closing track.
It’s an experience.

Why “Into the Sun” Feels Different

Sonically, the track doesn’t try to overpower.

It builds slowly.

There’s space in it intentional silence, restrained vocals, and a kind of emotional patience that’s rare in big-scale pop albums.

It starts intimate.

Then expands.

And by the final minute, it transforms into something almost cinematic.

That progression mirrors something deeper:
not just an ending, but a transition.

A Quiet but Defining Moment for V

V has always been involved in BTS’s music.

But “Into the Sun” feels like a different kind of statement.

Not loud.
Not attention-seeking.
Not designed to dominate charts.

Instead, it feels personal.

The kind of track that doesn’t immediately demand attention but stays with you long after the album ends.

And sometimes, those are the songs that matter most.

Editor’s Insight

What makes this story interesting isn’t just the praise.

It’s the hesitation behind it.

V didn’t fight to put this song on the album.
He questioned it.

And that changes how you hear it.

Because “Into the Sun” doesn’t feel like a track trying to prove something. It feels like a track that almost didn’t exist and somehow that makes it more honest.

There’s also something very BTS about this moment.

A group known for global dominance choosing to end an album not with their loudest track, but with something reflective, slightly experimental, and emotionally open.

It shows confidence.

Not just in their sound, but in their audience.

And maybe that’s why critics responded so strongly.

Because in an industry built on impact,
this song chooses restraint.

And still leaves the strongest impression.