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BTS has never been just a musical group; they've created an intricate web of stories and symbols that captivate their fans. One of the most enigmatic symbols in the BTS Universe (BU) is the smeraldo flower, a fictional bloom with a deep-rooted significance.

Recently, BTS’ Jimin has brought the Smeraldo Flower back into the spotlight with his pre-release single, Smeraldo Garden Marching Band, from his forthcoming second solo album, MUSE. This song, inspired by The Beatles’ iconic Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album, intertwines the smeraldo with BTS’ rich lore, adding another layer to its mystique.

The Birth of the Smeraldo Flower and Its Story

The smeraldo flower made its debut in 2017, just before the release of LOVE YOURSELF: Her, the first album in BTS’ LOVE YOURSELF series. This imaginary flower has since become a recurring motif in BTS’ music and videos, notably in The Truth Untold. In this song, the flower symbolizes a truth that remains unspoken or a sincerity that cannot be conveyed.

The Smeraldo’s lore is woven into the BU through various mediums, including a mysterious Naver blog, the Smeraldo Flower Shop, which was active until 2020. This blog, authored by a character named Testesso, dropped cryptic hints about BTS’ comebacks and Smeraldo’s backstory. Notably, every time the shop reopened, it coincided with a BTS release, creating a sense of anticipation and intrigue among fans.

One pivotal blog post, titled the 'Ninth Story', delves into the tragic tale of the man who first cultivated the smeraldo flowers. According to the legend, this man burned down his castle and all the flowers in the garden. As the flames engulfed the castle, the man remained in the garden until the end, watching the last smeraldo flower burn. He then disappeared, leaving behind an indelible scar and a myriad of unanswered questions.

The smeraldo flower is not just a fictional element but a crucial part of BTS’s storytelling. For example, in the Blood, Sweat & Tears music video, Jin is seen amidst imagery that echoes Smeraldo’s tragic legend. These visual cues invite fans to piece together the larger narrative puzzle, fostering a deeper connection with the group's artistic vision.

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Jin in BTS' Love Yourself Highlight Reel Video (Image: YouTube/HYBE LABELS)

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Jin in Blood, Sweat and Tears MV (Image: YouTube/HYBE LABELS)

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In 2019, an X (formerly Twitter) account called Smeraldo Books was created. This account, active until 2020, shared excerpts from BTS’s webtoon Save Me and The Notes, novels that provide further insights into the BU. The name Smeraldo Books, derived from the flower’s language meaning 'unspoken sincerity', underscores the symbolic weight the flower carries in BTS’ universe.

Also Read: BTS Jimin's Pre-Release Single Smeraldo Garden Marching Band Is A Beautiful Confession Of Love | Watch

With the release of Smeraldo Garden Marching Band, the smeraldo flower is once again blooming in the BTS lore. Fans are diving back into the BU, speculating about the connections and meanings behind the new song and its references. This latest addition to the smeraldo saga invites fans to revisit the legends and piece together the evolving story.

Also Read: BTS Jimin Looks Enchanting In Newly Released Concept Photos From Upcoming Album MUSE

The smeraldo flower is more than just a symbol; it's a testament to BTS’ unique approach to storytelling.