“What is BTS?” you may ask. And to that, I say, “Only one of the biggest boy bands in the world.”
BTS, also known as Bangtan Boys or Beyond The Scene, is a South Korean boy band. Their group consists of seven members: Jungkook, Jimin, Jin, V (the vocalists); Suga, RM, and J-Hope (the rappers). They’ve become immensely popular in America, as the group has won the Billboard Music Award for Top Social Artist for two years in a row, in 2017 and 2018, as well as plenty of other awards. They’ve been breaking K-pop records all over and making history left and right. The group has been interviewed by major TV-hosts, such as Ellen DeGeneres and Jimmy Fallon. Their music video, “Idol,” featuring Nicki Minaj, is the most viewed on YouTube in the first 24 hours of its release, with a staggering 45 million views. All of these statistics add to their celebrity profile, but what exactly makes them so likable?
Their latest album, Love Yourself: Tear, is a part of a series of albums proclaiming that self-love comes first in any relationship. Their lyrics are relatable and youthful, yet riveting and emotional at the same time, appealing to their teenage/young adult audience. And they don’t just sing. They spend hours and hours in the studio, coming up with perfectly synchronized dance choreographies to match their upbeat songs. Even their dance practices have garnered millions of views on YouTube. Their music videos are made with some of the most advanced digital effects, and each video is creatively shot and is unique from the last.
As for myself, I’ve been a fan for quite a long time. Even though I have no idea what they’re saying without the subtitles, their music has transcended the language barrier. I don’t know how many times I’ve stayed up late at night playing their songs again and again (creepy, I know) and just feeling on top of the world. Music has the ability to lift you up and reduce the stress in your life, and I can definitely say that BTS has done that not just for me but for millions around the world.
