What do you call the shock of a primarily Korean language sung album placing first on the US Billboard 200 album chart last May and then going ahead to place first again, just three months after if not phenomenal?
What do you call the music video of their hit “Idol” from their top charting ‘Love Yourself: Answer’ album, becoming the biggest music video debut on YouTube, breaking the record previously held by Taylor Swift’s “Look what you made me do” and amassing more than a staggering 300 million views since its release last August if not phenomenal?
What do you call being the most tweeted about music artist worldwide in 2018, getting millions of likes and being retweeted over half a billion times if not phenomenal?
I’ll give you guys as many beautiful reasons as I can as to why this Asian music group formed by a formerly low-budgeted entertainment agency, is not your ordinary one.
REASONS WHY BTS ARE DEEPLY LOVED
I. To start with, the Korean septet, BTS (Bangtan boys) which translates as Bulletproof Boys Scout was formed in 2013 by Big Hit Entertainment and all they’ve done ever since their debut is connect on a deep level with young adults and youths all over the world. This they do with their relatable lyrics that dwell on topics such as the dilemmas of school-age youths, failed romances, self-love, dreams, hard work, frustration, betrayal, friendship, loss, death and even politics.
II. Unlike many manufactured Korean bands, BTS is very much involved in their creative process. They write most of their lyrics and produce their music as well. Their meaningful and relatable messages embedded in their catchy and energetic songs and highly creative videos have earned them die-hard fans from every corner of the world. I repeat, DIE HARD fans. These fans are called ARMY and I swear, they are no joke (We are no joke). They practically helped BTS gain the international popularity they are massively enjoying, especially the ones in the United States (music’s number one market). Because of these insurmountable, dedicated and passionate ARMYS, BTS is a serious force to be reckoned with. Fun fact; American artists and actors like John Cena, Camilla Cabello, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, Khalid, Shawn Mendez, Elle Fanning, Charlie Puth and Dylan O’brien are just some of the celebs totally in love with them too. The Army fandom is so powerful to the extent that BTS’ company have created ARMYPEDIA, a memory archive where Armys can go to upload their favourite BTS moments since the group’s debut in June 2013 till date.
III. The seemingly heaven-made personalities the group is blessed with is a big bonus. Through their Bangtan TV channel on YouTube, where ARMYS are constantly blessed with numerous intimate behind the scene videos of BTS members being dorky, mean and unbelievably hilarious, we can see the members’ individuality and sincerity really shine through. Jin, the eldest member who proclaims himself as ‘worldwide handsome’ is the one with the daddy jokes; RM, the group’s leader is the incredibly intelligent and intellectual one who breaks things all the time; V, the cutie with the 3D personality can be cute, crazy and clueless; Jimin is the nice, sexy and graceful dancer; Suga is the baby-faced savage one with the “I don’t give an F attitude”; J-hope is the vitamin sunshine who is overly excited all the time while Jungkook, the group’s youngest is the mean multi-talented Maknae (young one) who teases his Hyungs (older brothers) all the damn time.
IV. The group’s familial ties and incredible bond are almost too apparent and ARMYS are also drawn to them because of this.
These unbreakable ties even extend to PD Bang, their boss and their assistants/crew members. Through their Bangtan TV videos, ARMYS can see that even if no one can diss BTS the way they diss themselves, their love and affection for one another is absolutely tear-jacking and heart warming.
V. The ARMYS would literally do anything for their boys and that’s because they know how much BTS truly loves and cares for them in return. The boys are incredibly humble despite their global superstar status and they cease every opportunity, be it on performing stages, award stages, interviews or social media to show how much they love their fans and show that they are aware that they’ve only gone so far because of ARMYS love and support. ARMYS of course, are more in love with this group because of this. Even American celebs and TV hosts have acknowledged that they are absolutely floored by BTS’ large amount of following and ardent fan base.
VI. BTS’ highly energetic performances infused with highly complex choreographies from members blessed with amazing singing, rapping and dancing talents are just other reasons why ARMYS can never get enough of them.
VII. Of course their good looks and impeccable fashion which most Koreans are known for are just some icing on the already delicious cake.
SOME OF BTS’ IMPRESSIVE RECORDS
I. First Asian Act and Korean band to perform at the American Music awards as well as the Billboard Music awards.
II. First Korean band to win awards at the Billboard Music Awards, Teen Choice Awards, Nickelodeon’s Kids Choice Awards, Disney Music Awards and IHeart Radio Music awards.
III. First Asian act and Korean band to grab awards for Top Social Artist at the Billboard Music Award for two years in a row (2017&2018).
IV. First Asian act and Korean band to appear and perform on The Ellen Show, the Jimmy Fallon show, The James Corden Show, ABC’s Good Morning America, NBC’s America’s Got Talent, Ryan Seacrest’s Radio show and many others.
V. First Asian Act and Korean band to place first on the US Billboard 200 Album chart; twice at that, in a single year.
VI. First Asian Act and Korean band to be interviewed at the Grammy Museum.
VII. First Asian Act and Korean band to speak to youths all around the world at UNICEF’S launch event for the United Nations Youth Strategy and Generation Unlimited Partnership (Big Kudos to RM for that brilliant speech!).
VIII. First Korean act to be invited to present on the grand Grammy’s stage. How mind-blowing and surreal for Armys and BTS!
Despite how highly impressive these guys’ records are and how daily they keep amassing fans and millions of dollars of course, they remain genuine, humble, dorky and caring just as they have been since their crammed dorm room days.
Their future remains ever bright and these hardworking guys assure ARMYS that they are just getting started.
Yay! Go Bangtan Boys! The irreplaceable band that got self-love, determination, hard work, love, humility and genuineness ingrained in my head and heart. I’ll love, cherish, adore and remember them for eternity.
Meanwhile I can’t wait for their damn new album to drop already!!!!!!!!!!! I can’t wait for what next they have to teach me and open my eyes to! Tah!