Almost “Sara”: The Story Behind SUGA’s “People Pt. 2” with IU

Fans of BTS member, rapper, singer, and songwriter SUGA (also known as Agust D) might be surprised to learn that the hit collaborative track “People Pt. 2” with IU originally had a different title.

From “Sara” to “People Pt. 2”: A Change in Direction

Released in April 2023 as a pre-release single for SUGA’s studio album “D-DAY,” “People Pt. 2” almost went by the name “Sara.” This name, derived from the Korean word for “people” (“saram”) with the final consonant “m” removed, was intended to be open-ended, leaving listeners the choice to interpret it as either “saram” or “sarang” (love).

However, during the creative process, SUGA discovered a potential misinterpretation. When a friend listened to the song, they interpreted the title “Sara” as the Korean word “sal-ah,” which translates to “live.” This unintended interpretation led SUGA to reconsider the title and ultimately choose “People.”

Connecting the Dots: “People Pt. 2” Bridging the Gap

“People Pt. 2” serves as a thematic bridge between SUGA’s previous work and his new album. Originally created while working on his mixtape “D-2,” the song’s demo was even glimpsed by fans in the making film for fellow BTS member Jungkook’s solo song “Wholly or Whole Me.” However, due to scheduling constraints, the song’s release was postponed, ultimately finding its home on “D-DAY.”

The inclusion of IU in the song further emphasizes SUGA’s desire to connect “People Pt. 2” to his previous work. He aimed to create a smoother transition between the intensity of his Agust D persona and the more pop-oriented direction of “D-DAY.” IU’s presence helped soften the song’s tone, contributing to its pop-infused sound.

A Song of Connection and Loneliness

Thematically, “People Pt. 2” builds upon the original “People” from “D-2,” which explored the inevitable changes people experience and the impact these changes have on relationships. “People Pt. 2” delves deeper, highlighting the loneliness that can arise from these changes and the isolation one can feel even surrounded by people.

Whether you know him as SUGA, Agust D, or Min Yoongi, the song reflects on this universal human experience of loneliness and the search for connection. With its captivating melody, thoughtful lyrics, and IU’s enchanting vocals, “People Pt. 2” stands as a powerful and relatable song from the ever-evolving artist, SUGA.