The three-and-a-half-minute music video features stunning choreography and a brilliant use of shadows in what looks like a medieval castle. More specifically, it was filmed at the Los Angeles Theatre. You can tell because the interior is an exact match with the building's original design, from those big columns to the intricate design of the railings.The famous group was hard at work in preparation for their video, as they shared several snaps of the members stretching and rehearsing since January. But even before its release, the septet collaborated with the dance group MN Dance Company and released a short film for the song in January. 

Still, with the release of a short film and music video, some fans are just as confused when it comes to the message behind the song. So, what does it mean?

What is BTS' "Black Swan" meaning?

When the group released their short film, it began with a powerful quote by the late dancer, Martha Graham, and it's pretty much the core of the song's message. It reads: "A dancer dies twice — once when they stop dancing, and this first death is the more painful."

In short, an artist’s first death happens when they stop expressing themselves through their passion and using their talents to create. 

SOURCE: BIG HIT ENTERTAINMENT

In the case of the group, BTS are communicating that their art is an integral part of who they are. If they were to quit music, or if they were no longer given the chance to express themselves in that way, then it would count as their “first death,” which is one of their biggest fears. 

As the lyrics say: “My heart is not beating / When I listen to music anymore / Tryna pull up, it's like time has stopped / Oh that would be my first death.” Talk about deep.

Are there any connections to the 'Black Swan' film in the music video?

The song and video were actually inspired by the psychological horror, so if you've seen it, you may have noticed some similarities. For one, there were those ominous shadows that came to life behind J-Hope, Jungkook, RM, and Suga.