The Normal teaser campaign started with eye-catching ads in major American newspapers. On July 13, the image appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle. A day later, it ran in the New York Post. The headline read, “BTS Members Seen in Bathroom Amid Mysterious Late-Night Gathering,” with all seven members in black suits standing in front of a row of toilets, backs turned to the camera.
It ends by saying that more information will come on July 17, which is the day the music video will be released. At first, some fans thought the ad was reporting a real scandal. Others quickly realized it was a joke and enjoyed the parody, especially since the ad appeared in the New York Post. However, the bathroom photo also received some backlash.
Many people online called it strange or uncomfortable, and some were confused about why the Arirang album used a bathroom theme. When the official teaser arrived, it still featured the bathroom with no explanation at all. This caused even more criticism of the music video, even as fans began making memes about the situation.
This is so disgusting wtf https://t.co/zDAZIXUyac
— Namo (@namopinkhole) July 15, 2026
music video in the bathroom because they know they’re about to release shit https://t.co/PcSMiaRaX9
— ☆ꕤ｡˚ (@jencoholic) July 15, 2026
every time we say Hybe reached new lows it keeps getting LOWER
wtf is this
Some people online accused Big Hit of copying GD & T.O.P’s 2015 “Zutter” music video because of a similar bathroom scene. However, fans defended the group, arguing that using a bathroom is a common joke and that both videos had different artistic meanings.
https://t.co/anKOEJskqb pic.twitter.com/AJyOdHmoZi
— kat⁴ 🎱 XX: COSMOS 🌌 (@dearjiyongi) July 15, 2026
Not them trying to be GD and TOP pic.twitter.com/dc5tEoe9CD
— Cutiepatootie🎀💌🍮 (@ButtSni91850086) July 15, 2026
Some fans think the “NORMAL” concept is a smart way to mock how the media and haters won’t leave the group alone. They argue that by using a bathroom prop, the group is showing how critics overreact to everything and turn their private, everyday moments into unnecessary drama.
BTS is simply genius! The concept of “NORMAL” uses irony to criticize exactly what haters and the media do every single day: invading their privacy and turning any ordinary moment into a sensationalist circus. While antis waste time spreading hate over a prop urinal, the boys
Thank you you proving this teaser right. BTS can’t even use a bathroom with haters tabloid new following them
it’s amazing breaking internet around the world .Media around the world praising it
When “Normal” Will Be Released
The Spotify Premiere & Single Bundle
On July 17, 2026, at 1 PM KST, the music video will make its exclusive debut on Spotify. It’s dropping as a bundle with three new versions of the song, including the official Korean-language track and an instrumental.
The Public YouTube Premiere
Coming July 19, 2026, at 1 PM KST, the music video premieres on the HYBE LABELS YouTube channel.
U.S. Pop Radio Impact Date
“Normal” is hitting American pop radio on July 27, 2026. It serves as the second official single from the hit album ARIRANG, supported by Interscope and Capitol Records.
