LEGO Ideas 21339 BTS Dynamite review

LEGO Ideas 21339 BTS Dynamite heads in a new, vibrant direction to create a LEGO set well and truly based on a K-pop group’s music video.

21339 BTS Dynamite is perhaps one of the most curious projects to have come out of the LEGO Ideas platform so far, and with perhaps one of the largest potential audiences to reach yet. Achieving the required 10,000 votes required for review consideration inside a month, featuring one of the world’s biggest pop groups and based on a music video of theirs that has surpassed one-and-a-half billion views on YouTube, there’s no denying the appetite to see the Bangtan Boys of Jin, Suga, j-hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook turned into LEGO.

The LEGO Group was quick to agree and last February selected the project for official LEGO set production, much to the interest of a lot of media and to the delight of the devoted BTS ARMY. Yet, it was also to the cynicism of a number of LEGO fans not too happy with a perceived lack of quality to the successful project, perhaps in part in comparison to rejected projects from the same Ideas review round.

The original submission from Josh (JBBrickFanatic) and Jacob (BangtanBricks) is a 3D render that does indeed lack a lot of the details and functions that many Ideas projects that make it to 10,000 votes and then on to official LEGO set selection are known for. As a more abstract project then, this Ideas submission was less proof of concept and more proof of audience. 

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That’s not necessarily a bad thing (in fact it opens up an interesting debate around what Ideas could be as a platform) and it should not be reason to criticise the project nor doubt its potential. But, as a project based more on potential than what LEGO fans could immediately see, a glance at the comments on the project’s Ideas page alone will tell you one particular task facing the LEGO Ideas team when it came to creating 21339 BTS Dynamite. As if they needed any extra scrutiny on a producing a LEGO set based on a pop group whose very passionate fanbase is 90 million strong and ever-growing…

So, how much of what surrounded the start of this set’s lifecycle is warranted and relevant, with consideration to what 21339 BTS Dynamite has become as an official LEGO Ideas set? Does 21339 BTS Dynamite offer bang for your buck or does it fail to spark the imagination?

— LEGO Ideas 21339 BTS Dynamite set details —

Theme: LEGO Ideas Set name: 21339 BTS Dynamite Release: March 1, 2023

Price: £89.99 / $99.99 / €99.99 Pieces: 749 Minifigures: 7

LEGO: Available now

— Where to buy LEGO Ideas 21339 BTS Dynamite —

LEGO Ideas 21339 BTS Dynamite launches in ‘early March’ online at LEGO.com and in LEGO stores, priced at £89.99 / $99.99 / €99.99. Ideas sets often crop up as retailer exclusives too, so keep an eye on some of our brand partners such as John Lewis, Zavvi and Argos below. If other BTS brand collaborations are anything to go by, expect this one to sell very quickly.

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— LEGO Ideas 21339 BTS Dynamite build —

To consider if LEGO Ideas 21339 BTS Dynamite is a hit or miss, maybe it’s best to first consider the source material – the music video that this set is inspired by and based on. The main location appears to be a pastel-inspired, roadside record store/donut shop hybrid, which as far as K-pop music videos is par for the course, if anything actually a little toned down. There’s singing and dancing inside and outside this general area, as well as a few funny moments between the members, an ice cream truck and – seemingly nearby – a basketball court. Then, two minutes into the video there’s the reveal that this all right next door to a giant disco, complete with giant exterior DISCO sign that you can’t miss seeing nor dancing in front of (as the band does), before popping inside for more of the same, as well as some fun close-ups and camera huddles under the lights. And scene, before the video ends in the secondary location of rolling green hills.

It’s a creative mishmash that, like the best K-pop music videos, is unusual, interesting and does exactly what it needs to do – draws you in long enough so that the catchy song and its cheesy lyrics get stuck in your head and next thing you know you’re three hours deep into their back catalogue on YouTube.

And whilst it sort of makes sense to catch all these changes of scenery and switches between interior and exterior in the one music video, it’s surely a creative nightmare to try and pull it all together into one cohesive LEGO set. You would assume so, but taking in 21339 BTS Dynamite actually gives no clues to much of a design struggle. There are elements of almost everything you see in the video here in LEGO form, both exterior and interior, all more or less identifiable to how they look in the video. So, with the right lighting and angles, a majority of what BTS do on-screen, LEGO BTS can do on bricks, so to speak.

The set is also a lot more detailed than the 3D render that the original Ideas submission offered, aided by greater variety in colour and a number of well-placed and nicely designed stickers including some of BTS’ previous album covers (even if the total number of stickers for the set is quite high), and a more credible and interesting build than any of the images of the set could otherwise suggest. And further for those who know the band and the video, it’s also just pretty fun and quite unusual as an experience to be able to quite literally build the Dynamite video, almost scene by scene, in LEGO form.

For everything that it needs to do for BTS fans and casual LEGO fans, 21339 BTS Dynamite certainly ticks a lot of boxes, not only recreating recognisable moments or locations, but also capturing as much of the vibe of the Dynamite music video as such a concept could. There’s little within a piece count of 749 that we could picture the LEGO Ideas team as having otherwise accomplished.

Anything even more dynamic in build such as, say, to create an even greater 2-in-1 functionality to the switch between interior and exterior (or actually, perhaps something similar in concept and the separation/togetherness of 80108 Lunar New Year Traditions – each vignette a moment/area from the video), or anything much larger to add that extra level of detail and size to the build, would have required a much larger piece-count, and not every LEGO set can be a £400+ behemoth, nor does every set need to be. Bear in mind also that any piece-count would have had to tackle the same source material which in and of itself is relatively plain and simplistic – as it is it lends itself nicely to the scale and detail afforded by this piece-count.

Indeed, this number of LEGO bricks for this unusual mishmash of a build makes sense. It certainly means that it’s not the most challenging LEGO set of the year, and for LEGO fans not into their BTS, it may not be the most immediately dynamic or enticing either (for them there are fancier LEGO Ideas sets that this will sit next to on shelves). Indeed, for those who don’t know BTS or this video there is the temptation to make any sort of assumption for what is happening in the set and – with unfamiliar eyes – see a quite mixed up, confusing LEGO set. But making sense to non-BTS fans is not this set’s priority – everything in 21339 BTS Dynamite allows it to accomplish more than enough of what it should do for its core audience. And they will have no complaints with what this set offers.

And did we say this set was simple? That doesn’t mean it’s not smart. Let us draw your attention to the stage which, thanks to a few Technic axles and gears includes a brilliantly-conceived play function that allows you to stand and turn all seven BTS minifigures in unison. It’s an easy-to-build function, insomuch as it feels so effortless to put together, but it’s remarkably effective and is one of this set’s hidden gems. Given its modular aspect too, the stage is removable and works as its own display stand for the group. Honestly, this playable stage alone elevates the quality and appeal of the set, it’s really quite fun to watch your LEGO BTS boy band twist round and around. Just like they’re in a music video…

21339 BTS Dynamite achieves all that it needs to and then some, without being overly wasteful in the number of pieces used or which ones are required. That is thanks to smart, effective design and perhaps in part because the main focus of this set is likely not these interior and exterior backgrounds, it’s always going to be the Bangtan Boys in LEGO minifigure form.

— LEGO Ideas 21339 BTS Dynamite characters —

And this is where 21339 BTS Dynamite needs to shine brightest and, for fans of the Bangtan Boys, it very much does. The seven minifigure versions of – respectively – Jin, Suga, j-hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook take centre stage in the LEGO set thanks to exclusive and colourful designs across the board, each reflective of one of their looks from the Dynamite video.

That is, they are based on what they are wearing in the video from the two-minute mark, as they dance outside the DISCO sign and later inside the same location. Converting each one into LEGO form is excellently done, with each BTS minifigure designed with the care, colour and attention that you would expect from the LEGO Group and that each of their respective outfits rather demands. This is alongside subtle variations in their facial expressions (and of course such things as winking faces from both RM and V) and personalised hair styles (three of which are new and exclusive to this set).

These are fun and highly recognisable representations of each BTS member, just as any BTS fan would hope, with details authentic to not only how they look but also reflective of aspects of their characters. And indeed, if the LEGO Ideas team could only pick one outfit per member to go with, this choice makes the most sense and is fittingly very well executed. And that’s also without the need for leg printing, which is actually a fair reflection of their on-screen appearance.

Yet, is there a missed opportunity here? We’ll be honest, with one eye on the likes of recent LEGO sets 10291 Queer Eye – The Fab 5 Loft and 21337 Table Football, we were hoping for multiple torsos and legs in LEGO Ideas 21339 BTS Dynamite to better represent (and try to keep up with) one thing all K-pop music videos are known for and that BTS’ Dynamite is no different for – multiple outfit changes.

Including the option to switch out each BTS minifigure to more than one look from the video could have been a great play feature and would certainly have presented a fun and clever way to further celebrate what is a big part of K-pop culture and that is intrinsic to its success and identity and that BTS and the Dynamite video showcase the same – its fashion and style.

The seven minifigures we get in 21339 BTS Dynamite are fantastic and certainly go a long way to doing just that, but consider how much more engaging and creatively relevant it could have been to also have alternative torsos and legs to dress Jin, Suga, j-hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook in, and indeed a better play value to tie LEGO singer to LEGO location just as they appear in the video, rather than – as it works out for the LEGO set – just from the halfway mark.

That would have also pushed up the budget required for the set and either seen cuts made in piece count for the build, or placed an extremely popular set of minifigures behind a much higher final price.

And on from that, let’s not lose sight here – to get all seven BTS members in LEGO minifigure form is something only made possible by 21339 BTS Dynamite and it is testament to how well designed each of the Bangtan Boys is – for how well they pull us into seeing exactly who we are meant to see in adorable LEGO form – that we immediately begin thinking of further ideas, more outfits, and so on. Good LEGO design does that. If this is the only LEGO BTS set and so the only versions of the group that we get then there’s very little to complain about.

— LEGO Ideas 21339 BTS Dynamite price —

Priced as it is at £89.99 / $99.99 / €99.99 puts 21339 BTS Dynamite slightly on the more expensive side, with consideration to the parts count of 749. Yet, with seven minifigures also included, all of whom are exclusive to the set, there’s no sense of any less value than other sets around this price range. Further to this, for the fact that this set contains LEGO BTS, price may not be so much of a concerning factor for fans of the group. Availability may be the main worry if other BTS brand collaborations are anything to go by.

— LEGO Ideas 21339 BTS Dynamite pictures —

— LEGO Ideas 21339 BTS Dynamite pros and cons —

So, how will LEGO Ideas 21339 BTS Dynamite measure against the scrutiny of LEGO fans who were unsure of the quality (and in their minds, relevancy) of the initial project? And separate to this, does the set deliver enough of what 90 million BTS fans would hope for?

Whatever level of LEGO design that 21339 BTS Dynamite can offer in techniques, parts usage and creative pizzazz, how much of that matters if you are not a BTS fan? Because you won’t be buying this set if you aren’t. And for who this set is for – those that voted for the initial Ideas project or reacted with excitement at its selection a year ago, all of whom did so without seeing much of a LEGO concept to analyse – this Ideas set delivers all that it needs to on what their expectations will be, and smartly so with consideration to the particular budget that it is set at. The LEGO Ideas team then take the opportunity to work in some smart play features as only LEGO can offer as a medium, to really enhance the all-round experience, for those that this is designed for.

Is it too small of a LEGO set, or light on detail for an 18+ creation? No. Had it been priced twice as high then the scale, detail and design could have been even grander, and the number of outfit changes available to the minifigures even better representative of the music video. Yet, is that what this particular LEGO is meant to be or even needs to be? Not every set can be a £400 towering giant of epic proportions and insane detail with 23 minifigures and 6,000 pieces. And if something should sit at the relatively lower, more accessible price point that better attracts new builders to this hobby we like to share with an ever-increasing number of people around the world, what better set than one based on one of the world’s most popular music groups and one of their colourful music videos?

And this is exactly what this set will do – it ticks all the boxes it needs to for BTS fans who may already be LEGO fans just as it does for BTS fans who are new to LEGO, offering up an enjoyable build that is still credible and true to the LEGO medium and that puts the stars of the set centre stage. It’s not the most taxing LEGO set to put together (and the 18+ label does it no favours in this regard) but this is all in part due to the simplicity of the source material. What is within the box remains smartly designed and purposeful to what any BTS fan’s expectation of a LEGO BTS set based on their Dynamite music video could be, with some hidden extras in there for those looking for that little extra LEGO.

LEGO Ideas 21339 BTS Dynamite isn’t going to be a LEGO set for everyone. If you aren’t into K-pop, nor can you name a BTS song let alone any of its seven members, this set won’t speak to you enough at a LEGO level to pull you in. To those same people, the build might appear relatively basic (it isn’t as basic as you’d think) and, if you haven’t seen what it is based on, it will definitely look quite nonsensical (erm, yeah, maybe it is). And if you don’t know BTS, those seven minifigures will mean nothing to you.

And those are ok opinions to have on this set, with the understanding that it simply isn’t for you (and that you are missing out on a quite interesting LEGO set). What may very well be a mixed-up LEGO build in a colour palette more comparable with the more juniorised themes in the LEGO portfolio to you is a perfect representation of the Dynamite video to BTS fans complete with sunkissed LA tones. The LEGO Group has produced a quite fascinating LEGO set here that may sit as quite irrelevant to one part of its fanbase (to their detriment as there’s much to enjoy here), just as much as it will be so entirely and perfectly relevant to another group.

Beyond this too, 21339 BTS Dynamite is a wholly unique LEGO set, more than worthy of its position within the LEGO Ideas line-up as the latest truly unique creation from the most creative LEGO theme there is, and yet another first. Never before has the LEGO Group attempted to capture a music video in LEGO form, yet that’s exactly what 21339 BTS Dynamite does, and in a way that speaks truest to those that such a LEGO set would matter most to – in this case, fans of BTS and K-pop.

And for them, here is a brick-wrapped invitation from the LEGO Group into a creative, colourful medium that almost seamlessly complements the sheer vibrancy of K-pop and the friendly, cheesy appeal of BTS.

21339 BTS Dynamite is a music video and pop group captured in faithful, recognisable LEGO form, offering up a relevant and fun build to create a play experience that takes you straight back into the music video you’ve watched a hundred times, only this time from a completely new viewpoint. And more than this, all seven members of BTS are here in cute, pocket-sized minifigure form, perfectly designed and ready to be obsessed about all over again.

LEGO Ideas 21339 BTS Dynamite prosLEGO Ideas 21339 BTS Dynamite cons
BTS LEGO minifigures!Missed opportunity for multiple minifigure torsos and legs to swap out their outfits
Everything recognisable from the video is included, plus playable stageSlightly light on build detail, even if to keep price down
A music video in LEGO form, utterly uniqueIt just whets the appetite for more K-pop LEGO…

This set was provided for review by the LEGO Group.

Support the work that Brick Fanatics does by purchasing your LEGO K-pop sets through one of our affiliate links.

 — Alternatives to LEGO Ideas 21339 BTS Dynamite —

Guaranteed, there is no direct alternative to 21339 BTS Dynamite. As part of the LEGO Ideas range it continues this particular theme’s penchant for creative twists and turns, and staying within this range you can find any suitable next step on from 21339. For a bit more detail, perhaps try 21338 A-Frame Cabin, for more vibrant colour then there’s nothing better after 21339 than 21333 Vincent van Gogh – The Starry Night, whilst if large line-ups of minifigures is your thing, 21337 Table Football comes with 22.

How long does it take to build LEGO Ideas 21339 BTS Dynamite?

LEGO Ideas 21339 BTS Dynamite spreads its 749 pieces across just four bags, but takes about 45 minutes to put together.

How many pieces are in LEGO Ideas 21339 BTS Dynamite?

LEGO Ideas 21339 BTS Dynamite comes with 749 pieces including seven exclusive minifigures – one for each member of BTS: Jin, Suga, j-hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook.

How big is LEGO Ideas 21339 BTS Dynamite?

LEGO Ideas 21339 BTS Dynamite captures a K-pop music video across a build that measures 38cm wide and 16cm deep, with its tallest point coming in at 14cm high.

How much does LEGO Ideas 21339 BTS Dynamite cost?

LEGO Ideas 21339 BTS Dynamite comes in at £89.99 in the UK, $99.99 in the US and from €99.99 in Europe.

Author Profile

Rob Paton
As one half of Tiro Media Ltd, I mix a passion for print and digital media production with a deep love of LEGO and can often be found on these pages eulogising about LEGO Batman, digging deeper into the LEGO Group’s inner workings, or just complaining about the price of the latest LEGO Star Wars set. Make a great impression when you meet me in person by praising EXO-FORCE as the greatest LEGO theme of all time. Follow me on Twitter @RobPaton or drop me an email at [email protected].

Rob Paton

As one half of Tiro Media Ltd, I mix a passion for print and digital media production with a deep love of LEGO and can often be found on these pages eulogising about LEGO Batman, digging deeper into the LEGO Group’s inner workings, or just complaining about the price of the latest LEGO Star Wars set. Make a great impression when you meet me in person by praising EXO-FORCE as the greatest LEGO theme of all time. Follow me on Twitter @RobPaton or drop me an email at [email protected].

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