BTS. What used to be an acronym for “behind the scenes,” now stands for the name of the biggest boy band in the world, Bangtan Sonyeondan. Rising in popularity between the years 2013-2016, BTS exploded in international fame in 2017, amassing an incredibly large trophy collection for all of their achievements, as well as a loyal fan base named ARMY.
Even though BTS has become one of the most beloved artists in the world, they started their difficult journey at a bankrupt, rundown music company with an undying passion for music, and a dream to make it big in the world. According to these sources, they produced their first album in the garage of their company’s building (if you could even call it that), where they practiced in a filthy dance room with musty mirrors and broken floorboards. All seven members (Jungkook, V, Jimin, J-hope, Suga, RM, and Jin) shared a small bedroom and had to promote their own group since news broadcasts and award shows ignored them in favor of the groups signed with South Korea’s renowned music companies.
Thus, BTS created their own YouTube channel and Variety show, where they hosted livestreams to spend time with their fans and share their thought processes while writing lyrics. In addition, they shared the behind-the-scenes (ha!) that many fans don’t get to see of their favorite artists, such as playing video games, fishing, going on vacation, and competing with each other for silly prizes (such as microwaves or roasted ducks). Even when they became successful, they continued to connect with their fans and made time to share their accomplishments with the people who stuck with them through their hardships.
All of their efforts were worth their blood, sweat, and tears (which is also one of their most popular song titles), seeing as BTS is the first Korean artist group, dare I say, Asian artist group, to successfully enter the West and expose so many people to K-pop. According to AsiaMattersforAmerica, they were the first K-pop group to perform at the 2017 American Music Awards and the Grammys. Plus, they were the first K-pop group to be nominated for not only one but five Grammys!
I think it’s safe to say that BTS paved the way for both K-pop and Asian artists, but many hateful, bigoted people say otherwise. Many people hate BTS for the sole reason that their favorite group isn’t at BTS’s level of fame and popularity. They discredit BTS’s hardships since they have money and fame now, but fail to realize they literally started with nothing. Also, they constantly spread rumors about BTS using their money to buy awards, album sales, and streams, when in reality, they’re just amazing people and talented artists. BTS is hated on if they sing, dance, win awards, or receive praise for their accomplishments because some people can’t fathom that they’re the most successful group in the world.
The objective truth is that they paved the way! According to CNN, in 2022, BTS was the first K-pop group to be invited to the White House by President Joe Biden to speak out against the uptick in anti-Asian hate, discrimination, and disinformation amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Which other K-pop group has met the President of another country to speak at one of the most prestigious establishments in the United States? Exactly, only BTS!
Nevertheless, I know, as many others do, that they paved the way and will continue to do so when all the members come back from their mandated military service in 2025.