BTS, the latest sensation in K-pop, has finally crossed the Pacific to land on American shores, embracing the opportunity to welcome new fans.
Forget songs like “Mi Gente” and “Despacito.” With BTS around, you may find that K-pop is all you’ll be listening to. Before getting into more detail, let’s go back to the beginning. In 2012, the seven-member Korean boy band BTS—composed of Jin, RM, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook—was formed under the South Korean entertainment company Big Hit Entertainment.
After releasing their debut album “2 Cool 4 Skool” in 2013, the band won a multitude of Korean awards including the 2013 Melon Music Awards and the 2014 Golden Disc Awards, which are the Korean equivalent for the Grammy’s. With their skyrocketing fame, the band has already completed three world tours and four studio albums over the course of four years. And with their exponentially growing fanbase, it wasn’t really shocking when they beat top American artists Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez and Shawn Mendes for the 2017 Billboard Award for Top Social Artist.
Following their 2017 Billboard Awards win, BTS travelled all the way to America and sang their new songs “DNA,” “MIC Drop” and “Blood Sweat & Tears” in three talk shows—“The Late Late Show with James Corden,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and “The Ellen Degeneres Show.” They also made a lively appearance at the American Music Awards (AMAs) where they sang “DNA,” receiving ear-splitting screams that echoed throughout the stadium. And though many people were newly introduced to the foreign boy band that night, many of BTS’s pre-existing fans made sure to cheer them on.
However, the band wasn’t always a worldwide phenomenon. Since Big Hit Entertainment is not a powerhouse company, BTS had a slower and more difficult start than other K-pop groups—they even passed out flyers in Los Angeles for people to attend their shows. But their dedication to their fans was their source of motivation, and their persistence advanced them to their current status. In fact, their concerts in America were almost immediately sold out once tickets went on sale. And unlike many of today’s biggest hit songs, BTS’s music doesn’t only revolve around love—it’s often about serious mental health topics involving depression and low self-esteem. Shown in songs like “Rain” and “Tomorrow,” the band’s songs capture more serious themes that aren’t typically portrayed in today’s mainstream music.
But this isn’t the last you’ll see of BTS. Their appearance in America was a huge hit, and the band’s devotion to their fans combined with their relatable songs will continue to open a wide branch of opportunities for them. And if you haven’t listened to them yet, who knows? It may just be the music for you. So don’t hesitate and “go go” listen to some BTS!