Korea is not only famous for its skincare products, food, and awe-inspiring getaways but also for the wildly popular BTS–Bulletproof Boy Scouts. The name itself speaks volumes about their musical journey. Since their inception, they have been in the limelight because of their resonating songs to the youth with a unique musical style.
BTS’s name can be heard through the echoes of their fans in every corner of the world. These charming K-boys have established themselves as powerful, talented, and stylish music composers. Most of their work reflects social issues, like coming of age, self-love, grief, self-reliance, and the rise and fall in one’s life. Apart from this, they also explore themes of literature, philosophy, and psychology, traversing a fictional parallel universe that connects the songs and projects into an overarching storyline.
BTS (Behind the Story)
In 2010, facing declining physical album sales and insufficient digital revenues, Big Hit Entertainment CEO Bang Si-hyuk decided to form an idol group, recognising its potential for live concert performances and passionate fan support, thus creating diversified and stable income streams. However, during the audition, many trainees either left the formation process or refused to become part of an idol group; only J-Hope, RM, and Suga remained. Hence, the band was formed.
The Debut
The seven boys: Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook– began their career in 2013 with the single album 2 Cool 4 Skool. Upon its release, fans built a connection with the song. Thereafter, BTS released a Japanese and Korean album, Dark & Wild and Wake Up, in 2014.
International
The BTS band gained recognition in their hometown. Other albums like Wings, in 2016, broke all the previous records by a million seller. Hence, their triumph reached the US, thereby creating a trademark in earning a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America for the Mic Drop song, which was released in 2017 in two languages, Japanese and Korean. The original Korean Mic Drop song had a B-side Track on a vinyl record, and later remixed by an American producer, featuring American rapper Desiigner; it became a huge hit. However, Mic Drop’s Japanese version was released in 2017 as a triple-A-side track, both written by Supreme Boi, “Hitman” Bang, J-Hope, RM, and Pdogg. This song’s lyrics and hip-hop genre paved the way for entering the global diaspora. Moreover, their artistic partnership with Coldplay further gained visibility from a global lens, ultimately receiving Guinness World Records in 2021 for the highest social media engagements and highest viewed music content on YouTube within 24 hours.
Compelling Speech
BTS’s success reached the United Nations, and they were invited to deliver a speech to resonate with young minds as a part of UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited. On behalf of the team, RM had the honour of delivering the speech, which emphasised the importance of education and encouraged young people to ‘speak yourself’—a phrase that became an inspirational statement.
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Competing Beatles
The Beatles, an English rock band in 60s, consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, created a history in the music industry, and yet to this day remains unmatched by competitors. But, BTS has surpassed The Beatles’ record for US number-one singles, achieving six with their hits “Dynamite,” “Savage Love,” “Life Goes On,” “Butter,” “Permission to Dance,” and “My Universe,” all of which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard Global 200 charts.
Multiple Accolades
The continued hits throughout their journey have resulted in garnering numerous accolades, like American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Golden Disc Awards, and Grammy Awards.
Whether it may be romance or literature, BTS always entertains a diversified audience. Their constant struggle, perseverance, and unity have led to the 12th-year success of the BTS band today. All over the world, BTS fans are excited to celebrate this occasion. Wishing this iconic band more success ahead.
Written By: Tejaswini Prasad