The 2017 Billboard Music Awards occurred in Las Vegas on Sunday May 21st. They celebrated artists, like Celine Dion, Drake, Miley Cyrus and Cher. However, one prestigious award, the Top Social Artist Award, was given away to a relatively unknown group. The group isn’t on any US music charts, but their international fan base it huge. Other candidates for this award included music giants, such as Arianna Grande, Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez and Shawn Mendes. In a world where social media and music go together seamlessly, the K-Pop (South Korean pop music genre, just FYI) group BTS was able to snag the Top Social Artist Award.
When being interviewed after the show, BTS member Rap Monster said, “When we first entered the stage, fans were screaming. We were so surprised because we never expected that. Its…its America, you know, it’s far from Korea. Thank you!”
They weren’t originally considered for the award, but after their fans voted for BTS on social media and via the Billboard’s website using #BTSBBMAS over 300 million times, the band gained the top spot. BTS’s fan base is known as A.R.M.Y., which stands for ‘Adorable Representative M.C’s for Youth,’ and they live up to the title by always stick up and fighting for their fav boy band.
You may be wondering who BTS is? And how did they come to dominate social media?
BTS is a boy band made up of seven guys from South Korea. K-pop is a genre of music characterized by its audiovisual elements. Another well-known K-pop artist would be PSY, who won the Top Streaming Song for “Gangnam Style” at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards. BTS, also called the Bangtan Boys, formed in 2013 under Big Hit record label. All seven members come from either rap, dance or art school backgrounds. Forbes recognized BTS as the most retweeted artist in March 2016. The band has performed at sold out tours in Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America.
BTS’s seven members include Rap Monster, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, V, Jimin, and Junghook. Their music videos are packed with beautiful images and artsy visuals. They are a treat to watch, with bright colors and beautiful boys. BTS is like a better, more stylish version of the Backstreet Boys. And they make synchronized dancing look cool. Their moves are robotic but also angelic. I could watch their music video for “Blood Sweat & Tears” all day long. Their fans love to see their individual personalities shine, and they always come off as adorably awkward when hanging out together in videos on social media.
When it comes to social media, BTS talks to their fans and engages them as if they were friends sending snaps to each other. They’re always excited and genuine when meeting fans. And after winning the Billboard Award, they posted a video with Rap Monster saying “Hello, we are BTS. Thank you so much! Thanks to you guys we are now here at Billboard. And thanks for supporting and voting like millions and millions. Thank you so much!” followed by a chorus of “thank you’s” and claps from the other members.
This current generation is so connected through social media, and it’s becoming more and more important to be aware of what is going on internationally. Having a global perspective and reaching to things outside of your cultural bubble is a great way to grow, make new friends and find new interests. Approximately 25% of SCAD Atlanta’s population is international students, with many students coming from Asia. I’m sure there are many fans of BTS at SCAD. It’s important to celebrate BTS winning a major Billboard Award so that more international artists, singers and musicians can begin to receive the same recognition. Maybe BTS will someday be remembered alongside other boy bands, like the Beatles, the Backstreet Boys and One Direction.
They certainly deserve the spotlight now and I suggest checking out their music, videos and social media:
Website: http://bts.ibighit.com/
Youtube: BTS-Topics
Twitter: @bts_bighit or @BTS_twt
Facebook: BTS official