O!RUL8,2?(Oh! Are you late, too?)[2] is the first extended play by South Korean boy bandBTS. It was released on September 11, 2013[3] as the second album after 2 Cool 4 Skool. The album consists of ten tracks, with "N.O" (also known as "No Offense") as the lead single. The group later promoted "Attack On Bangtan (진격의 방탄)", another track from the album.
On August 27, 2013 Big Hit Entertainment launched a countdown clock[4] on BTS official website and uploaded a comeback trailer[5] on YouTube in preparation for O!RUL8,2? and comeback promotions. It featured a monologue by Rap Monster as different 3D images related to BTS floated in space before shattering into the ground[6] and starts off with a voice-over narration that talks about how one should pursue his or her dream.[7] Three days later, they revealed the O!RUL8,2? track list[8] and concept photo[9] of the album on their official Twitter account and Facebook page. They also released the design and details of the physical album, along with its photobook, photocard and poster.[10] Big Hit Entertainment then released a special trailer for the album's concept.[11] They later released the first teaser, revealing that "N.O" would be the lead single.[12] On September 8, 2013, BTS dropped an audio preview[13] prior to the actual release of the album.
The music video for the lead track, "N.O" (an acronym for "no offense"),[14] was released on September 10, one day before the release of the album. The music video featured the members dressed in uniforms, and rebelling against their teacher in what appears to be a dystopian classroom.[15] Their dance was choreographed by Son Sungdeuk and the music video was directed by Zanybros.[16]
Musically, BTS did not fundamentally change their sound as compared with 2 Cool 4 Skool, utilizing fiery rapping along with trap beats, brass, and soulful melodies. Lyrically, the EP expanded on the theme of dreams and happiness, revealing their frustration under the harsh Korean education system and their determination to confront the struggle of proving themselves.[17]
BTS made their comeback with "N.O" on September 12, 2013, on Mnet's M Countdown music program.[18] The group went on to promote on KBS's Music Bank, MBC's Music Core, SBS's Inkigayo and Arirang TV's Simply K-Pop. In November 2013, BTS proceeded with follow-up promotion of the album with "Attack on Bangtan" on various South Korea music programs.[19] Much later in 2015, BTS held a special concert[20] in support of the album. 2015 BTS Live Trilogy Episode I: BTS Begins was held for two days at Olympic Hall starting from March 28, 2015, with BTS performing songs from 2 Cool 4 Skool and O!RUL8,2?.
O!RUL8,2? debuted at number four on the Gaon Weekly Chart in the second week of September 2013.[21] The album also debuted at number 11 on the September Gaon Monthly Chart.[22] It was ranked the 55th best-selling album of South Korea on the Gaon Album Chart in 2013.[23] As of 2019, it has sold over 200,000 copies.[24]
