Как пишутся имена bts на английском

BTS
BTS at the White House in 2022 (left to right): V, Jungkook, Jimin, RM, Jin, J-Hope, and Suga
Background information
Also known as	Bangtan Boys Bangtan Sonyeondan Beyond the Scene Bulletproof Boy Scouts
Origin	Seoul, South Korea
Genres	K-pop pop hip hop R&B EDM
Years active	2013–present
Labels	Big Hit Pony Canyon Def Jam Japan[1] Columbia Universal
Members	Jin Suga J-Hope RM Jimin V Jungkook
Website	bts.ibighit.com
Korean name
Hangul	방탄소년단
Hanja	防彈少年團
Transcriptions Revised Romanization Bangtan Sonyeondan McCune–Reischauer Pangt’an Sonyǒndan
Japanese name
Kanji	防弾少年団
Hiragana	ぼうだんしょうねんだん
Transcriptions Revised Hepburn Bōdan Shōnendan Kunrei-shiki Bôdan Syônendan

BTS (Korean: 방탄소년단; RR: Bangtan Sonyeondan; lit. Bulletproof Boy Scouts), also known as the Bangtan Boys, is a South Korean boy band formed in 2010. The band consists of Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, who co-write and co-produce the majority of their material. Originally a hip hop group, their musical style has evolved to incorporate a wide range of genres, while their lyricism has focused on subjects including mental health, the troubles of school-age youth and coming of age, loss, the journey towards self-love, individualism, and the consequences of fame and recognition. Their discography and adjacent work has also referenced literature, philosophy and psychological concepts, and includes an alternate universe storyline.

BTS debuted in 2013 under Big Hit Entertainment with the single album 2 Cool 4 Skool. BTS released their first Korean and Japanese-language studio albums, Dark & Wild and Wake Up respectively, in 2014. The group’s second Korean studio album, Wings (2016), was their first to sell one million copies in South Korea. By 2017, BTS had crossed into the global music market and led the Korean wave into the United States, becoming the first Korean ensemble to receive a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for their single «Mic Drop», as well as the first act from South Korea to top the Billboard 200 with their studio album Love Yourself: Tear (2018). In 2020, BTS became one of the few groups since the Beatles (in 1966–1968) to chart four US number-one albums in less than two years, with Love Yourself: Answer (2018) becoming the first Korean album certified Platinum by the RIAA; in the same year, they also became the first all-South Korean act to reach number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard Global 200 with their Grammy-nominated single «Dynamite». Follow-up releases «Savage Love», «Life Goes On», «Butter», and «Permission to Dance» made them the fastest act to earn four US number-one singles since Justin Timberlake in 2006.

As of 2022, BTS is the best-selling artist in South Korean history according to the Circle Chart, having sold in excess of 30 million albums. Their studio album Map of the Soul: 7 (2020) is the best-selling album of all time in South Korea, as well as the first in the country to surpass both four and five million registered sales. They are the first non-English-speaking and Asian act to sell out concerts at Wembley Stadium and the Rose Bowl (Love Yourself World Tour, 2019), and were named the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry’s (IFPI) Global Recording Artist of the Year for both 2020 and 2021. The group’s accolades include multiple American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Golden Disc Awards, and nominations for five Grammy Awards. Outside of music, they have addressed three sessions of the United Nations General Assembly and partnered with UNICEF in 2017 to establish the Love Myself anti-violence campaign. Featured on Time‘s international cover as «Next Generation Leaders» and dubbed the «Princes of Pop», BTS has also appeared on Time‘s lists of the 25 most influential people on the internet (2017–2019) and the 100 most influential people in the world (2019), and in 2018 became the youngest recipients of the South Korean Order of Cultural Merit for their contributions in spreading the Korean culture and language.

On June 14, 2022, the group announced a scheduled pause in group activities to enable the members to complete their mandatory South Korean military service, with a reunion planned for 2025. Jin, the oldest member, became the first to enlist, on December 13, 2022.

Name

BTS stands for the Korean phrase Bangtan Sonyeondan (Korean: 방탄소년단; Hanja: 防彈少年團), which translates literally to «Bulletproof Boy Scouts». According to member J-Hope, the name signifies the group’s desire «to block out stereotypes, criticisms, and expectations that aim on adolescents like bullets».^[2][3] In Japan, they are known as Bōdan Shōnendan (防弾少年団).^[4] In July 2017, BTS announced that their name would also stand for «Beyond the Scene» as part of their new brand identity.^[5] This extended the meaning of their name to encompass the idea of growth «from a boy to an adult who opens the doors that are facing forward».^[6]

History

2010–2014: Formation and early years

BTS was formed in 2010, after Big Hit Entertainment CEO Bang Si-hyuk wanted to form a hip hop group around RM (Kim Nam-joon), an underground rapper who was well known on the music scene in Seoul. BTS was originally supposed to be a hip hop group, but, seeing falling album sales, he changed his plans, thinking a different path would be more marketable. He chose to vary from the usual, highly regimented idol groups and create one where the members would be individuals rather than an ensemble, and free to express themselves.^[7][8] Auditions were held in 2010 with plans to launch the following year.^[9][10] The band members lived together, practicing up to 15 hours a day, and first performed before a small crowd of industry insiders in 2013.^[11]

BTS’ representation by Big Hit, rather than one of the three agencies that dominated K-pop at the time, allowed the individual members leeway to express their individuality and allowed them to have input into the music.^[13] On June 12, 2013, BTS released their debut single album 2 Cool 4 Skool, along with the lead single «No More Dream», neither of which sold particularly well at the time.^[14] Nevertheless, according to Kathy Sprinkel in her book on BTS, that single was «spotlighting young people’s anxiety in the face of lofty parental expectations, sent shock waves through the K-pop ranks. Here was a musical act that wasn’t pulling any punches. More specifically, they had a point of view, and they weren’t afraid to take on topics that are considered taboo in South Korean society and elsewhere.»^[15] The album reached the top five on South Korea’s Gaon Music Chart.^[16] In 2 Cool 4 Skool, BTS employed an old-school hip-hop sound from the 1990s.^[17][18] The album’s release was followed by appearances on Korean music shows, which caught the attention of reviewers and viewers.^[19][20]

In September 2013, BTS released the second entry in their «school trilogy»: the EP, O!RUL8,2?. The album was released alongside the single «N.O.»^[21][22] Similarly to 2 Cool 4 Skool, the new release had a theme of students feeling under pressure and needing to sacrifice their dreams and aspirations.^[21] According to scholar Kyung Hyun Kim, many of BTS’ earlier works such as «N.O.» and «No More Dreams» were «expressions of rebellion against the establishment that tapped into Korean teenagers’ frustrations with the country’s educational system» and, he stated, helped them build a fan base among young people in North America and Europe.^[23] That same month, BTS starred in their own variety show, SBS MTV’s Rookie King Channel Bangtan, in which members parodied variety shows such as VJ Special Forces and MasterChef Korea.^[24] At the end of the year, BTS was recognized with several New Artist of the Year awards in South Korea.^[25][26][27]

2014–2017

Skool Luv Affair and first concert tour

The last entry in BTS «school trilogy», the Skool Luv Affair EP, was released in February 2014.^[28][29] The release topped the Gaon Album Chart,^[30] and appeared on Billboard‘s World Albums Chart for the first time, peaking at number three.^[28][31] The EP was supported by two singles: «Boy in Luv» and «Just One Day».^[32] Following Skool Luv Affair‘s release, BTS played at their first fan meeting in Seoul, selecting the name A.R.M.Y. for the fan club.^[33] In July 2014, BTS hosted a concert in West Hollywood, their first show in the United States,^[34] and in August, they appeared at KCON in Los Angeles.^[35]

In August 2014, BTS released the album Dark & Wild, which reached number two in South Korea.^[32][36] It was supported by two singles: «Danger» and «War of Hormone».^[32] The group embarked on their first concert tour, 2014 BTS Live Trilogy Episode II: The Red Bullet, which lasted from October to December 2014.^[37] The band launched their first Japanese studio album, Wake Up, in December 2014; the release peaked at number three on the Oricon Albums Chart.^[38] After the album’s release, BTS held their 1st Japan Tour 2015 Wake Up: Open Your Eyes in February 2015.^[39] The Red Bullet Tour that had begun on October 17, 2014 in South Korea was resumed on June 6, 2015 in Malaysia and toured Australia, North America and Latin America before ending in Hong Kong that August. In all, the entire tour attracted 80,000 spectators at 18 cities in 13 countries.^[37][40]

Mainstream breakthrough and commercial success

BTS experimented with other styles of music besides hip hop in The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Part 1, released in 2015.^[32][41] BTS wanted to express the beauty and anxiousness of youth and settled on the title of «花樣年華» (Korean: 화양연화; RR: Hwayangyeonhwa), loosely interpreted to define «youth» metaphorically as «the most beautiful moment in life».^[42] The album served as an introduction to their youth trilogy, a triptych of albums dedicated to the struggles of young people.^[43] The single «I Need U» was a top-five hit in South Korea and garnered the group a win on SBS MTV’s The Show.^[44][45] The second single «Dope (Korean: 쩔어; RR: Jjeoreo)» reached number three on Billboard‘s World Digital Songs Sales Chart and its music video was viewed over 100 million times on YouTube.^[46][47] The group began the world tour extension of their Red Bullet Tour in June, titled 2015 Live Trilogy Episode II: The Red Bullet, visiting cities throughout Asia, Oceania, North America, and Latin America.^[37] «For You», in Japanese, was released together with Japanese versions of «War of Hormone» and «Let Me Know» on June 17, 2015, and immediately topped Oricon’s daily chart.^[32][48]

In November, BTS commenced their third concert tour, 2015 BTS LIVE «The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: On Stage», which began with three sold-out shows in Seoul, and was extended to Japan.^[49] Thematically, the EP focused more on the serious and speculative aspects of youth, touching on the pursuit of success, loneliness, affection for their origins, and the suffering of the younger generation due to unfavorable conditions in current society.^[50] The album topped the weekly Gaon Album and Billboard World Albums charts.^[51][52] It also marked their first appearance on the Billboard 200 chart,^[53] making it for one week at number 171,^[54] and eight of the tracks appeared on Billboard‘s World Digital Songs Sales Chart.^[55]

Their compilation album and the finale to their «youth trilogy», The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever was released on May 2, 2016. With 300,000 presold copies,^[56] it included three new singles: «Epilogue: Young Forever», «Fire», and «Save Me»,^[32][57] which debuted in the top three spots on the Billboard World Digital Charts.^[56] The album topped Gaon Weekly Chart in South Korea for two consecutive weeks and reached number 107 on the Billboard 200.^[58][59][60] The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever won Album of the Year at the 2016 Melon Music Awards.^[61] BTS embarked on their Asia tour extension, 2016 BTS LIVE «The Most Beautiful Moment in Life On Stage: Epilogue» from May to August 2016. Tickets for the 14 shows in 10 Asian cities sold out, some in as little as five seconds.^[62]

In September 2016, BTS released their second Japanese studio album Youth.^[63] The album sold 44,547 on the first day of its release, and charted 1st in the Oricon Daily Album Chart.^[64][65] The album was eventually certified Gold with sales of roughly over 100,000 in Japan.^[66] It was followed one month later in October,^[32] by their next studio album Wings, which combined the themes of youth presented in their previous «youth trilogy» with temptation and adversity.^[67] The album and its tracks, including the single «Blood Sweat & Tears» immediately rose to the top on eight music charts, including the Gaon Music Chart, and led the iTunes album charts in 23 countries.^[68][69] Wings opened at number 26 on the Billboard 200, with 16,000 album-equivalent units in the U.S. for the week of its release, the best week ever there for a K-pop album.^[70] It became the best-selling album in Gaon Album Chart history.^[71]

You Never Walk Alone and Love Yourself: Her

In February 2017, BTS released the repackaged edition of Wings entitled You Never Walk Alone. The 700,000 pre-orders of it (an increase from the 500,000 pre-orders of Wings) helped break the record for most albums sold in a month in South Korea, as it reached 1.49 million copies by the end of its first month.^[72][73] The lead single was «Spring Day»^[32] and it won Best Song of the Year at the 2017 Melon Music Awards.^[74] BTS’ second world tour, 2017 BTS Live Trilogy Episode III: The Wings Tour, began in February.^[75] On the tour, BTS played arenas in the U.S., such as New Jersey’s Prudential Center and California’s Honda Center. Tickets for the North American leg sold out within hours and two shows were added.^[76][77] After completing the North American leg, BTS attended the 24th Billboard Music Awards in May and won Top Social Artist,^[78] the first K-pop group to win a Billboard award.^[79] BTS fans cast over 300 million votes for the band and broke a six-year winning streak held by Justin Bieber, a performer with 100 million Twitter followers.^[80] This caused the international media to focus on the ability of BTS’ fandom to propel the group to such a victory.^[80]

BTS released a remake of Seo Taiji’s «Come Back Home» (1995) in July 2017, giving it new lyrics but maintaining the theme of urging societal change.^[81] Later that year, BTS embarked on their «Love Yourself» album series, with theme of the enlightenment of self-love through the «起承轉結» (Korean: 기승전결; RR: Giseungjeongyeol) narrative sequence of «beginning, development, turn, and conclusion.»^[82] BTS released its first part, their fifth EP, Love Yourself: Her, on September 18.^[79][83] RM considered «DNA», the lead single from that album,^[84] as «taking BTS to new ground. We tried to apply new grammar and perspectives.»^[32] He said of the album, «I believe it’s going to be the starting point of a second chapter of our career; the beginning of our Chapter Two.»^[85] Sonically, the EP served as «a dual exploration of the group’s electro-pop and hip-hop leanings».^[84]

Love Yourself: Her debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200.^[86] The album had 1,664,041 sales in May 2017 to lead the Gaon Chart,^[87] and was the first in 16 years to exceed 1.2 million copies sold since g.o.d’s fourth album Chapter 4 (2001).^[88][89] «DNA» was released simultaneously with the EP, and its music video accumulated 21 million views in its first 24 hours.^[90] It became BTS’s first entry on the Billboard Hot 100, charting at number 85, making them the first K-pop boy band to reach that chart.^[91] The single rose to number 67 the following week and became the highest-charting song on the Hot 100 for any K-pop group.^[92] A remix of «Mic Drop» from the album, featuring Desiigner, was released as a single and peaked at number 28, the first time a K-pop group had cracked the top forty.^[93][94] Both singles attained Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in early 2018.^[95] «Mic Drop» achieved Platinum status in the US later that year.^[96]

In November 2017, BTS became the first K-pop group to perform at the American Music Awards.^[97][98] BTS won Artist of the Year at the 19th Mnet Asian Music Awards in December, winning for the second consecutive year.^[99] They released «DNA» and «Mic Drop» together with a new song «Crystal Snow» as a single album in Japan on December 6, 2017, though the songs were made digitally available elsewhere.^[32][100] It topped the Oricon Chart for the week of its release. It was the only album by a foreign artist to be certified Double Platinum in Japan in 2017.^[101][102]

Later that month, they made their Japanese television prime time music show debut on Music Station Super Live,^[103] and ended the year performing on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.^[104][105]

In 2017, BTS partnered with UNICEF on the «Love Myself» campaign, intended to help end violence, abuse and bullying, and to promote self-esteem and well-being among young people. Both Big Hit and the group pledged money to promote the campaign, and BTS sold special «Love Myself» merchandise and set up dedicated booths at concert venues. The campaign was renewed in 2021, with UNICEF deeming it to have been successful.^[106]

2018–2020

Love Yourself album series

BTS won major awards at the Golden Disc and Seoul Music Awards in January 2018.^[107][108] In March, the group premiered an eight-episode documentary titled Burn the Stage that offered a behind-the-scenes look at their 2017 Wings Tour, exclusively on YouTube Premium.^[109][110] Their third Japanese studio album, Face Yourself, was released on April 4, 2018,^[111] and quickly reached the top 5 of the U.S iTunes Albums chart. A nine-minute short film, titled Euphoria: Theme of «Love Yourself: Wonder» and featuring the song «Euphoria», followed the next day as a prelude to the group’s third Korean-language studio album, Love Yourself: Tear.^[112] BTS promoted Tear‘s May 18, 2018 release with an appearance at the 25th Billboard Music Awards two days later,^[113] where they made their initial BBMA performance with their single, «Fake Love».^[114][115] The group also won Top Social Artist for a second consecutive time.^[116][117] The album coincided with the «轉» or «turn» of the series, touching on the tortuous enlightenment of loving without being loved, the pains and sorrows of separation, and providing encouragement to those without dreams.^[118]

Love Yourself: Tear debuted at number one its first week on the Billboard 200, becoming BTS’ first number-one album in the US and the first K-pop album to top the US albums chart.^[119] It also became BTS’ first top-10 release in Britain, reaching number eight on the UK Albums Chart.^[120] «Fake Love» became BTS’ top-10 single on the Hot 100, the first time a song sung mostly in a language other than English had debuted in the top 10.^[121] BTS released their compilation album Love Yourself: Answer in August, 2018.^[122] The album was supported by the single «Idol» and its alternative digital release featuring Nicki Minaj.^[123][124]

Love Yourself: Answer sold over 1.9 million copies on the Gaon Album Chart in August 2018.^[125] The album became BTS’ second number-one on the Billboard 200 and led to their highest US sales week in the country to that point with 185,000 album equivalent units.^[126] In November 2018, Love Yourself: Answer became the first Korean language album to be certified Gold by the RIAA.^[96] «Idol» and Love Yourself: Answer both received Platinum certifications in the US, with sales of more than 1 million.^[127]

In conjunction with Love Yourself: Answer’s release in August 2018, BTS commenced their world tour, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself, with two concerts in the Seoul Olympic Stadium, which sold out in a matter of seconds, as did others of the 22 shows in 12 countries.^[129][130] In October, BTS released their collaboration with Steve Aoki «Waste It on Me», their first all-English language feature.^[131][132] For the final stop of the North American leg, the group performed at Citi Field in New York City, marking the first time a Korean act performed at a US stadium.^[133] According to StubHub, BTS was the second best-selling concert act outside the US, behind only Ed Sheeran.^[134] That October, BTS renewed their contract with Big Hit Entertainment through 2026.^[135]

In early November 2018, a popular Japanese music show cancelled BTS’ performance, citing a T-shirt a member wore the year before, bearing a photograph of a mushroom cloud following the bombing of Nagasaki.^[136] In the same month, the Jewish human rights organization Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC) stated that BTS owed an apology for that shirt, and for clothing and flags with Nazi symbolism.^[137] Big Hit Entertainment issued an apology, explaining that the images were not intended to be hurtful to the victims of Nazism or atomic bombings and that the group and management would take steps to prevent future mistakes.^[138] They also stated the flags were meant to be a commentary on the Korean school system.^[139] The apology was accepted by SWC and the Korean Atomic Bomb Victim Association.^[140][141] John Lie, in his scholarly article on BTS, opined that the Nazi incident showed that the group is not tightly controlled, as are other K-pop ensembles, whose every move seems scripted, and that the members have opinions and are not afraid to express them.^[142]

At the 20th Mnet Asian Music Awards, BTS won Artist of the Year and ranked number eight on Billboard’s year-end Top Artist Chart and were also the number two act of the year in the Duo/Group ranking, only behind Imagine Dragons.^[143][144] They were also listed as one of the 50 most influential people by Bloomberg for their «willingness to address social issues, mental health, and politics, despite being in a genre often painted as bubble gum pop».^[145]

Map of the Soul: Persona, stadium world tour and BTS World

In February 2019, BTS, for the first time, were presenters at the Grammy Awards.^[146][147] In April, Time named them one of the Time 100, the most influential people of 2019.^[148] Their EP, Map of the Soul: Persona, was released on April 12 with the single «Boy with Luv» (Korean: 작은 것들을 위한 시; RR: Jageun geotdeureul wihan si), featuring American singer Halsey.^[149] The EP’s release was followed by a performance on Saturday Night Live, the first K-pop act to appear there.^[150] Map of the Soul: Persona became the first Korean-language album to reach the number one position in both the UK and Australia,^[151][152] and the group’s third album to top the Billboard 200 in less than a year.^[153] Map of the Soul: Persona became the best-selling album ever in South Korea in terms of physical copies sold, with more than 3.2 million sales in less than a month.^[154][155] «Boy with Luv» debuted at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 in April 2019, the highest placement ever for a K-pop song.^[156]

Following their two wins at the 26th Billboard Music Awards in May, including for Top Duo/Group,^[157] BTS embarked on their world tour stadium extension, Love Yourself: Speak Yourself.^[158] Due to the demand, BTS added more shows after tickets for the first dates sold out within two hours.^[159] In the lead up to the release of their mobile game BTS World, in June 2019 BTS released «Dream Glow» featuring Charli XCX,^[160] «A Brand New Day» with Zara Larsson,^[161] and «All Night» with Juice Wrld.^[162] The group released the song «Heartbeat» with a music video from the game’s official soundtrack, titled BTS World: Original Soundtrack.^[163] The soundtrack was certified Double Platinum by Gaon.^[164] On July 3, 2019, pre-orders for the single «Lights» crossed one million copies, marking the first time a foreign artist had accomplished this in Japan since Celine Dion in 1995.^[165][166] «Lights» debuted at number 81 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 for the chart issue date of July 8, 2019 and reached number one the following week.^[167][168] On August 8, 2019, «Lights» received Million certification from the RIAJ, denoting shipments of one million copies.^{[169][170][171]}

Love Yourself: Her and Love Yourself: Tear both crossed 2 million copies in August.^[172] All three albums of the Love Yourself series have sold more than 2 million copies each in South Korea.^[173] Love Yourself: Tear gained silver certification by the BPI for sales in the UK, becoming their third album to do so following Love Yourself: Answer and Map of the Soul: Persona.^[174] For the final stop of their record-breaking Love Yourself: Speak Yourself World Tour, the group played Seoul’s Olympic Stadium.^[175] BTS was the third top-grossing touring musical act of 2019.^[176] That same month, they released a remix version of the song «Make It Right» featuring Lauv.^[177] In November, BTS won three times at the 2019 American Music Awards, for Best Tour, Favorite Duo or Group – Pop/Rock, and Favorite Social Artist (the second consecutive year).^[178]

In December, they attended both the 2019 Melon Music Awards and 2019 Mnet Asian Music Awards. In each case, they became the first group to sweep the four major awards.^{[179][180][181]} At the 34th Golden Disc Awards, BTS became the first artists in history to win grand prizes in both the physical and digital categories in a single year.^[182] Map of the Soul: Persona was named the second best-selling physical album of 2019 in the US by Nielsen Music behind Taylor Swift’s Lover and was ranked sixth overall on the chart of Top 10 Albums (Total Sales) in the US.^[183] BTS wrapped 2019 as the fourth highest ranked group on Billboard‘s Top Billboard 200 Artists–Duo/Group ranking, behind Queen, Imagine Dragons and the Beatles.^[184] Map of the Soul: Persona was named as the third best-selling album of 2019 by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), making BTS the first Korean artist to be listed on the Global Top 10 Album Chart in consecutive years.^{[185][186][187]} The IFPI named BTS as one of the best-selling artists of 2019 for a second consecutive year, making them the first non-English speaking act to achieve this.^[188][189]

Map of the Soul: 7, «Dynamite» and Be

In January 2020, BTS released «Black Swan» along with a choreography art film performed by MN Dance Company of Slovenia as the first single from their album, Map of the Soul: 7.^[190][191] Album distributor Dreamus reported that stock pre-orders of the album reached a record-breaking 4.02 million.^[192] Later that month, BTS performed at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards, making BTS the first Korean act to perform at the Grammys.^[193][194] Map of the Soul: 7 was released on February 21 to favorable reviews.^[195][196] The album was supported by the single «On» and an alternative digital release of it featuring Australian singer Sia.^[197] According to Gaon Chart, Map of the Soul: 7 sold over 4.1 million copies in nine days after its release, surpassing Map of the Soul: Persona to become the best-selling album in South Korean history and the first album to be certified quadruple million.^[198] The album debuted atop the US Billboard 200, making BTS the fastest group to earn four number one albums since the Beatles in 1966–1968.^[199] «On» debuted at number four on the Billboard Hot 100, giving BTS its first top-five hit, and the most Hot 100 top-10 entries of any Korean act, with three.^[200] BTS planned to support the Map of the Soul album series with a concert series, Map of the Soul Tour, beginning in April,^[201] but this was indefinitely postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.^[202]

In April 2020, BTS became the first K-pop artist to sell more than 20 million albums cumulatively,^[203] making them the best-selling artist in South Korean history.^[173][204] That month, amid the pandemic restrictions, BTS held a two-day online streaming concert event titled Bang Bang Con, where the group shared footage of past concerts on their YouTube channel.^[205] On June 7, BTS headlined YouTube’s Dear Class of 2020 online graduation event, performing «Boy with Luv», «Spring Day», and «Mikrokosmos».^[206] Their commencement speeches highlighted their own graduations and offered «messages of hope and inspiration for the class of 2020 in both Korean and English».^[207] On June 14, BTS held an online live concert, Bang Bang Con: The Live, as part of the seventh anniversary of their debut.^[208] It garnered peak viewership of 756,000 live viewers in 107 countries and territories, setting the record for the largest audience for a paid virtual concert.^[209][210] On June 19, BTS released the Japanese single, «Stay Gold», from their fourth Japanese album, Map of the Soul: 7 – The Journey, which was released worldwide on July 14.^[211][212] It surpassed 564,000 copies in its first week, breaking the record for highest first week album sales by male foreign artists in Japan.^[213]

BTS released their first English-language single, «Dynamite», on August 21.^[214] «Dynamite» debuted at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, earning BTS their first chart topper and making them the first all-South Korean act to earn a number one single in the US.^[215][216] The single also topped Billboard‘s new Global 200 for the week ending September 24, as well as Global Excluding US charts, becoming the first single to top both simultaneously.^[217] «Dynamite» peaked at number five on the US Mainstream Top 40 and on the. Billboard Pop Singles chart, becoming their first Top 10 on each and the former the highest-charting entry by a Korean act.^[218][219] On August 31, BTS made their MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) debut with the first live performance of «Dynamite»^[220] and won four awards: Best Group, Best Choreography, Best Pop Video, and Best K-pop (the last three for their music video for «On»).^[221] On October 14, they performed the single at the 2020 Billboard Music Awards and won the Top Social Artist award for a fourth consecutive year.^[222][223]

On October 2, 2020, BTS released a remix of Jawsh 685 and Jason Derulo’s single «Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat)».^[224] It topped the Hot 100.^[225] On October 10 and 11, BTS hosted a two-day virtual pay-per-view concert at KSPO Dome in Seoul, called Map of the Soul ON:E, which drew 993,000 viewers from 191 countries and territories.^{[226][227][228]} On November 20, BTS released their fifth Korean studio album Be, led by the single «Life Goes On».^[229] «Life Goes On» debuted at number one on the Hot 100,^[230] BTS’ third consecutive US number-one single in three months and the first song performed primarily in Korean to top the chart.^[231][232]

On November 24, 2020, BTS became the first Korean pop artists recognized by the Recording Academy when «Dynamite» received a nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.^[233] The group won the Special International Music Award at the 62nd Japan Record Awards.^[234] Kim, in his book on the influence of Korean popular culture, suggested that 2020, the worst year in many people’s lives, was a noteworthy one for Korean culture, with Parasite winning the Academy Award for Best Picture and BTS posting three number-one hits on the Billboard Global 200.^[235]

2021–present

«Butter», «Permission to Dance» and Proof

On March 4, 2021, the IFPI named BTS its Global Recording Artist of the Year for 2020, the first Asian and first non-English speaking act to top the ranking.^[237] BTS occupied three spots in the Global Album Sales Chart of 2020, with Map of the Soul: 7 at number one, Be (Deluxe Edition) at number two, and Map of the Soul: 7–The Journey at number eight.^[238] On the newly launched Global Album All Format Chart, Map of the Soul: 7 claimed first place and Be (Deluxe Edition) claimed fourth.^[239] On March 14, 2021, BTS performed «Dynamite» at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, becoming the first Korean nominee to perform, though they did not win the award.^[240] On April 1, BTS released «Film Out», the first single from their then-upcoming Japanese compilation album, BTS, the Best.^[241] BTS held a two-day online streaming event on their YouTube channel beginning April 17, titled Bang Bang Con 21, and aired three of their previous in-person concerts.^[242]

BTS released their second English-language single, «Butter», on May 21.^[243] It debuted at number one on the Hot 100—their fourth number one in nine months—making them the quickest act to achieve four chart-toppers since Justin Timberlake in 2006, and the fastest group since the Jackson 5 in 1970.^[244] Their next English-language single, «Permission to Dance», was released on July 9.^[245] It became BTS’ eighth number-one on the Digital Songs chart, extending their record as the group with the most number-one entries on the ranking.^[246] The band released the single «My Universe» with Coldplay on September 24, 2021.^[247] The single debuted at number one on the Hot 100, making it the first collaboration between two groups to debut at number one.^[248] The band held an online concert, titled Permission to Dance on Stage, on October 24, 2021, in Seoul.^[249] On November 23, «Butter» earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards.^[250][251] Between November 27 and December 2, BTS held their first live performances before an in-person audience since before the pandemic. The band played four sold-out shows at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles as a continuation of their Permission to Dance on Stage concert series.^{[252][253][254]}

On January 15, 2022, a fictional webtoon based on BTS, titled 7Fates: Chakho, was released. The comic surpassed 15 million views globally in its first two days of availability and became the highest-viewed title ever launched by Webtoon.^[255][256] The band held three limited-capacity concerts at Seoul Olympic Stadium on March 10, 12, and 13—the largest music gatherings^[a] approved by the South Korean government since the pandemic restrictions were imposed—with a total audience of 45,000 people.^[257][258] On April 3, BTS performed «Butter» at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards,^[251] though the song did not win the award for which it was nominated.^[259] On April 8, the band earned seven nominations at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards^[260] and won three, making them the most-nominated and the most-awarded group in the show’s history.^[261][262]

BTS released their three-CD anthology album Proof on June 10, 2022.^{[263][264][265]} On June 14, during their ninth anniversary celebrations, the band announced a temporary suspension of group activities to focus on solo projects and other endeavors.^[266][267] Hybe Corporation, which owns Big Hit,^[268] clarified in subsequent statements that BTS was neither disbanding nor going on hiatus, but would be actively furthering their individual careers with the label’s full support while still participating in group activities, including the filming of Run BTS.^[269][270] The incident caused Hybe Corporation’s stock to decline rapidly, resulting in a decrease in market value of US$1.7 billion.^[271] On August 24, Billboard magazine reported that BTS would be performing in Busan on October 15 in a benefit concert in support of the city’s efforts to have a World Exposition in 2030, participating under the banner Yet to Come.^[272][273]

Military service and scheduled separation

In spite of the announcement of the October 2022 benefit concert, Hybe Corporation’s stock prices continued a sharp decline to below its original IPO amid continuing market speculation about the implications of the upcoming mandatory military enlistment of the band’s members and its potential breakup.^[274] Under South Korean laws, all able-bodied males must complete between 18 and 21 months of military service, usually by age 28.^[272] Bloomberg News reported the concert as a success, but also indicated that there were no further concert dates scheduled. It was estimated that if the band members must complete their service, Hybe Corporation would lose nearly US$10 billion dollars over ten years, with the loss to the South Korean economy at nearly US$39 billion.^[275]

In October 2022, Big Hit confirmed that Jin, the band’s oldest member, aged 29, had withdrawn his enlistment deferral request and would enlist by the end of the month, after concluding his solo music promotions for his single «The Astronaut».^[276] The other members are expected to enlist at later times, with the group planning to reunite in 2025 after the conclusion of their service obligations.^[277][278] At the end of that month, BTS earned five nominations for the 2022 MAMA Awards, with the band members receiving eight further nominations as solo artists.^[279] On November 15, BTS earned three nominations at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, including a nomination for Best Music Video for «Yet to Come». «My Universe» was nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, making BTS the only act to be nominated three years in a row in this category since its introduction in 2011. The band was also nominated for Album of the Year as featured artists on Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres.^[280] Jin enlisted in the military as an active duty soldier on December 13.^[281] On December 20, Variety announced the upcoming theatrical release of the band’s BTS ‘Yet to Come’ in Busan concert film in February 2023.^[282] Following their scheduled separation, their concert film titled Yet to Come was released on February 1, 2023.^[283]

Artistry

Influences

BTS have cited Seo Taiji and Boys,^[284] Nas, Eminem, Kanye West, Drake, Post Malone, Charlie Puth, and Danger as musical inspirations.^[285] They have also cited Queen as an influence, saying they «grew up watching videos of Live Aid».^[286] During their concert at Wembley Stadium in London, Jin paid tribute to Queen by leading the crowd in a version of Freddie Mercury’s «ay-oh» chant.^[286] «Hip Hop Phile» which was released when BTS’ hip-hop concept was at its height, pays homage to the artists who influenced them, including the South Korean group Epik High, Jay-Z, Biggie, CL Smooth, and others.^[287]

Their 2016 album Wings was inspired by Hermann Hesse’s coming of age novel, Demian.^[288] Their song «Blood Sweat & Tears» quotes Friedrich Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra, and its music video features visual references to Herbert James Draper’s The Lament for Icarus, Pieter Bruegel’s Landscape with the Fall of Icarus, and Bruegel’s The Fall of the Rebel Angels.^[289] Among the literary and other sources that have inspired their works are those by Haruki Murakami, Ursula K. Le Guin, Carl Jung, George Orwell and Nietzsche.^[290] The Love Yourself series was influenced by Erich Fromm’s The Art of Loving,^[268][291] and their 2018 song «Magic Shop» from Love Yourself: Tear was inspired by James R. Doty’s memoir Into the Magic Shop.^[292]

Musical style

Since their inception, BTS have emphasized hip hop as their musical base, largely due to the influence of RM and Suga’s background as underground rappers;^[293] during early visits to the US, the group received mentoring from American rappers.^[294] Bang Si-hyuk previously acknowledged that K-pop as a whole draws from black music,^[295] and author Crystal S. Anderson stated, «BTS’s rising popularity in the US represents the continuation of the ways that K-pop functions as part of a global R&B tradition.»^[296] T.K. Park and Youngdae Kim of Vulture deemed the track «Outro: Her» from Love Yourself: Her as the best example of the group’s understanding of old-school hip hop, with raps inspired by Chuck D and Tupac and jazzy chords from the 1990s to create a classic hip hop sound.^[297]

The release of «Blood Sweat & Tears» in 2016 accelerated BTS’ transition from a hip hop to a pop group. Park and Kim noted that the song draws from dancehall, reggaeton, and moombahton but opts for a «baroque mysticism» rather than the «partylike atmosphere of its influences».^[297] The group also began incorporating traditional Korean elements into their music. For example, their single «Idol» (2018) features an adlib from Pansori, a Korean form of operatic storytelling, and vocal imitations of the sounds of Korean janggu drums.^[300]

While BTS maintains roots in hip hop, their sound has diversified. They first experimented with R&B, rock and jazz hip hop on Dark & Wild in 2014;^[301][302] EDM in their The Most Beautiful Moment in Life album series;^[50] moombahton and tropical house on Wings and You Never Walk Alone ;^{[303][304][67]} future bass and Latin pop in their Love Yourself album series;^[82] slow-dance ballads,^[305] emo rap, Afro pop,^[306] funk, trap, pop rock, and hip pop in their Map of the Soul album series;^[307] and disco in their single «Dynamite».^[308][309] The band members have explored different genres on solo tracks, such as neo soul on V’s «Stigma» and flowing R&B on Jimin’s «Lie».^[303]

Lyrical themes

Since their formation, BTS have believed that telling their own stories is the best way for the younger generation to relate to their music.^[310] Writing many of their own lyrics,^[311][312] the group discusses universal life experiences such as sadness and loneliness in their work and turn them into something lighter and more manageable. RM stated that BTS tries to avoid a preaching or reprimanding tone in their songs «because that’s not the way that we want to spread our message … We’re born with different lives, but you cannot choose some things. So we thought that love, the real meaning of it, starts with loving ourselves and accepting some ironies and some destinies that we have from the very start.»^[313] When asked if it is difficult to write about things like mental health, Suga responded,

We feel that people who have the platform to talk about those things really should talk more, because they say depression is something where you go to the hospital and you’re diagnosed, but you can’t really know until the doctor talks to you … More and more, I think artists or celebrities who have a voice should talk about these problems and bring it up to the surface.^[313]

Themes explored in BTS’ discography range from exploring «the troubles and anxieties of school-age youth» to «themes like love, friendship, loss, death, and more.»^[314] Early BTS songs, such as «No More Dream» and «N.O» from their school trilogy, were described by Tamar Herman as motivated by personal experiences with South Korea’s rigid approach to education and called for change to the educational system and societal expectations.^[315] The members’ experiences with South Korean youth culture also inspired the songs «Dope» and «Silver Spoon» (Korean: 뱁새; RR: Baepsae) from their youth trilogy. These songs reference generational disparity and millennials giving up romantic relationships, marriage, children, proper employment, homes, and social life in the face of economic difficulties and societal ills while facing condemnation from the media and older generations.^[315] The group’s label dubbed The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever, the conclusion to their youth trilogy, «a special album that marks the conclusion of the epic journey of the series, containing the last stories told by young people who, despite an uncertain and insecure reality (The Most Beautiful Moment in Life Pt. 1) continue to surge forward (The Most Beautiful Moment in Life Pt. 2).»^[316] Wings focused on mental health, criticisms of the K-pop «idol» scene, and delivering a female empowerment message.^[317] The Love Yourself series introduced new themes regarding youth culture in South Korea, including the excitement of love, pain of farewell, and enlightenment of self-love.^[318] According to Kathy Sprinkel, BTS’ 2020 «quarantine album» Be «chronicles the group’s coming to terms with a suddenly new reality and offers support for their listeners going through the same upheaval and uncertainty».^[319]

BTS’ lyrics have also addressed topics outside youth culture. The song «Am I Wrong» from Wings questioned societal apathy towards changing the status quo; the lyric «We’re all dogs and pigs / we become dogs because we’re angry» appeared to reference South Korean Ministry of Education official Na Hyang-wook, who advocated a caste system for the country and who reportedly described average people as «dogs and pigs». BTS released the song amid the 2016 South Korean political scandal that resulted in the impeachment of president Park Geun-hye.^[315] RM and Suga’s personal struggles with mental health have inspired some of their music.^[313][297] «Not Today» from 2017’s You Never Walk Alone is an anti-establishment anthem, urging «all the underdogs in the world» to keep fighting,^[320] and «Spring Day» honored the victims of the Sewol Ferry tragedy.^[321] Journalist Jeff Benjamin praised BTS in Fuse for «speak[ing] honestly about topics they deem important, even in a conservative society».^[322] Former South Korean president Moon Jae-in said: «Each of the seven members sings in a way that is true to himself and the life he wants to live. Their melody and lyrics transcend regional borders, language, culture, and institutions.»^[323]

Impact

On April 29, 2019, Time magazine named BTS one of the 100 most influential people of the year, labeling them the «Princes of Pop».^[324] Billboard executive Silvio Pietroluongo compared the group’s influence to that of the Beatles.^[325] MRC Data executive Helena Kosinski noted that «although BTS weren’t the first to open the doors to K-Pop worldwide, they were the first to become mainstream. They don’t just appeal to young people but also to the 50s and 60s age demographic.»^[326] The first non-English speaking artist to make the Global Artist Chart in 2018, BTS was the second best-selling artists worldwide across multiple media platforms, second only to Drake.^{[327][328][329]} In 2020, BTS became the first non-western and non-English speaking artist to be named IFPI’s Global Recording Artist of the Year.^[237] In South Korea, BTS accounted for 41.9 percent of album sales in the first half of 2019, up from their market share of 25.3 percent the previous year.^[330]

In 2022, Youna Kim described BTS as having spearheaded the Korean wave, representing the global expansion of Korean culture as effectively as Psy did in the previous decade and with the strength of influence that the Academy Award-winning South Korean film Parasite had in 2020.^[331] South Korea’s central bank, the Bank of Korea, found in 2021 that BTS, including a «ripple effect» that included increased tourism to South Korea; increased interest in Korean culture, movies, and study of the Korean language; and added approximately US$5 billion per year to South Korea’s economy, a growth of about 0.5 percent.^[332] A 2018 study showed that, on average, 800,000 foreigners per year had visited South Korea over the past four years for BTS-related reasons.^[333]

Writers identified BTS as leaders even among other highly influential K-pop groups such as Girls’ Generation, Super Junior, Exo, Twice, and Blackpink^[334] and note that BTS’ success shows the importance of a strong, active fan base in the age of social media, where fan campaigning can be as important as musical quality to a song’s success.^[335] The group has also distinguished themselves at the forefront of the business side of the K-pop industry by pursuing less restrictive contracts with their management company to maximize their artistic originality and creativity.^[336][337] With this newer approach to career management, BTS created closer ties to the South Korean youth and encourage individuality and authenticity among their audience.^[142]

Diplomacy

Political scientist Joseph Nye developed the concept of soft power in his 2004 book Soft Power: The Means to Success in World Politics,^[338][339] which researchers such as Maud Quessard have applied to BTS and their influence on entertainment diplomacy and international relations.^[340] Nye wrote, «when one country gets other countries to want what it wants might be called co-optive or soft power in contrast with the hard or command power of ordering others to do what it wants».^[341] Youna Kim and Maud Quessard all read the currency of soft power as including culture, political values, and foreign policy, which applies to BTS’ ability to be co-optive in their approach to spreading their message of harmony, acceptance, and addressing life’s setbacks via their broad appeal on the international stage.^[340]

BTS were invited to address the United Nations General Assembly in September 2018^[342][343] and perform before 400 officials, including President Moon Jae-in, at the 2018 Korea-France Friendship Concert in Paris, a summit celebrating the friendly relations between France and South Korea.^[344] That year, BTS became the youngest recipients of the Order of Cultural Merit. Despite cultural medals traditionally being given to recipients with over 15 years of achievement, Moon recognized the group, five years into their career, for their contributions in spreading Korean culture and language worldwide.^[345][346] In September 2019, BTS were mentioned by Moon while announcing strategies for the content industries, for having pioneered innovative business models through direct communication with fans.^[347] In 2020, BTS received the James A. Van Fleet Award in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the promotion of US-Korea relations, the youngest honorees to receive the award.^[348][349] In July 2021, they were appointed Special Presidential Envoy for Future Generations and Culture by President Moon. In their role as envoys, they help to «raise awareness on global agendas, such as sustainable development, to our future generations and to strengthen the nation’s diplomatic power across the world»^[350] and appear at international events such as the 76th United Nations General Assembly.^[351] On May 31, 2022, BTS visited US President Joe Biden at the White House to discuss the recent rise in anti-Asian hate crimes and discrimination.^[352]

Fandom

According to Kyung Hyun Kim, BTS’ rise was facilitated by a great increase in music video programming and consumption on YouTube and the coming of an idol empire, including merchandising of nonmusical products, games, and fantasy fiction, as well as an expansion of online music fandom.^[353] The group has a large, highly organized, online community of fans known as ARMY (Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth), which translates the group’s lyrics and social media posts into other languages and matches charitable contributions of BTS’ members. As of 2020, some 40 million ARMY members subscribe to the band’s YouTube channel, with more than 30 million following the official BTS Twitter and Instagram accounts.^[80] The fan community helps generate BTS’ number-one chart rankings via coordinated campaigns on streaming platforms,^[354] as well as pushes to feature BTS’ music on radio stations and television.^[355] Some ARMY members may even surpass the group itself in influence among BTS fans.^[356]

BTS interacted and engaged with their followers from their earliest days via social media,^[357] as well as via BTS Universe, an alternate storyline involving the members told through music videos, mobile games, books, short films, and more that gives fans room to theorize.^[358] Kim suggested that ARMY are drawn to BTS since the members are seen as underdogs, originating from the Korean countryside and a relatively minor Korean entertainment company, which allows young fans to identify with them.^[359] BTS’ lyrics speak to social values, and fans respond by trying to improve the world. As a result, the fandom regularly embraces activism on charitable causes and socio-political issues such as refugee crises, racial discrimination, children’s rights, global warming, and the COVID-19 pandemic.^{[360][361][362]} Feedback from ARMY to BTS affects the group’s actions and lyrics; BTS has eliminated certain Korean words that sound like American racial slurs from their songs and ended collaboration with a Japanese producer when Korean ARMY members deemed his views extreme.^[363]

Per South Korean author Jiyoung Lee, the relationship between BTS and ARMY is «a mutual exchange between artists and their fans» that is about more than merely «ensuring the band’s primacy», but also «extending the band’s message of positivity into the world». Lee opines that BTS and ARMY are «a symbol of change in zeitgeist, not just of generational change».^[364] The band members themselves agree and have long acknowledged their fans’ role in their success.^[365] According to Sarah Keith, «BTS embody a moment of generational transformation. ARMY represents a ‘coming of age’ for the young, in which cultural production and influence are global and meaningful, and where the youth are politically and socially engaged.»^[366]

Endorsements and awards

Among BTS’ endorsement deals, the group has partnered with Puma beginning in 2015, BTS initially promoted its sportswear as Puma Korea’s brand ambassadors before expanding to become global ambassadors in 2018, and promoting the remix of Puma’s «Turin» and «Sportstyle» line worldwide.^{[367][368][369]} In 2019, BTS signed with Fila to endorse its sportswear.^[370] BTS has also served as global brand ambassadors for LG Electronics’ smartphones,^[371] and Hyundai Motors’ 2019 flagship SUV the «Palisade»^[372] and hydrogen fuel cell electric SUV, the «Nexo».^[373] BTS became global ambassadors of the electric street racing series Formula E to promote how electric vehicles can help combat climate change.^[374] In 2020, BTS partnered with Samsung Electronics,^[375] releasing a limited BTS-themed version of the Galaxy S20+ and Galaxy Buds+.^[376] As the first male pop group ever to collaborate with Dior, BTS sported ensembles from Kim Jones’ Pre-Fall 2019 collection at their concert at Stade de France.^[377] The band became global brand ambassadors for Louis Vuitton in April 2021.^[378]

Members

• Jin (진) – vocalist^[379]
• Suga (슈가) – rapper^[380]
• J-Hope (제이홉) – rapper^[381]
• RM – leader, rapper^[382]
• Jimin (지민) – vocalist^[383]
• V (뷔) – vocalist^[384]
• Jungkook (정국) – vocalist^[385]

Discography

Filmography

Films

• Burn the Stage: The Movie (2018)
• Love Yourself in Seoul (2019)
• Bring the Soul: The Movie (2019)
• Break the Silence: The Movie (2020)
• BTS: Permission to Dance on Stage – LA (2022)
• BTS: Yet to Come in Cinemas (2023)

Online shows

• Run BTS (2015–present)
• BTS In the Soop (2020–2021)

Concert tours

• The Red Bullet Tour (2014–2015)^[386][387]
• Wake Up: Open Your Eyes Japan Tour (2015)^{[388][389][390]}
• The Most Beautiful Moment in Life On Stage Tour (2015–2016)^[391]
• The Wings Tour (2017)^[392]
• Love Yourself World Tour (2018–2019)^[393][394]

See also

• Philanthropy of BTS

Notes

References

Bibliography

• Anderson, Crystal S. (2020). Soul in Seoul: African American Popular Music and K-pop. University Press of Mississippi. ISBN 978-1-4968-3009-8.
• Hunt, Robert; McKelvey, Fenwick (2019). «Algorithmic Regulation in Media and Cultural Policy: A Framework to Evaluate Barriers to Accountability». Journal of Information Policy. 9: 307–335. doi:10.5325/jinfopoli.9.2019.0307. JSTOR 10.5325/jinfopoli.9.2019.0307. S2CID 213521720.
• Jin, Dal Yong (2022), «Transnational Cultural Power of BTS: Digital Fan Activism in the Social Media Era», in Kim, Youna (ed.), The Soft Power of the Korean Wave: Parasite, BTS and Drama, Routledge, pp. 142–154, ISBN 978-1-00310-248-9
• Ju, Hyunshik. «Premediating a Narrative of Growth: BTS, Digital Media, and Fan Culture». Popular Entertainment Studies: 19–33. ISSN 1837-9303.
• Keith, Sarah (2022), «BTS as Cultural Ambassadors», in Kim, Youna (ed.), The Soft Power of the Korean Wave: Parasite, BTS and Drama, Routledge, pp. 152–167, ISBN 978-1-00310-248-9
• Kim, Kyung Hyun (2021). Hegemonic Mimicry: Korean Popular Culture of the Twenty-first Century. Duke University Press. ISBN 978-1-4780-1358-7.
• Kim, Kyung Hyun (2022), «BTS and the World Music Industry», in Kim, Youna (ed.), The Soft Power of the Korean Wave: Parasite, BTS and Drama, Routledge, pp. 107–117, ISBN 978-1-00310-248-9
• Kim, Youna (2022), «Introduction: Popular Culture and Soft Power in the Social Media Age», in Kim, Youna (ed.), The Soft Power of the Korean Wave: Parasite, BTS and Drama, Routledge, pp. 1–38, ISBN 978-1-00310-248-9
• Kim, Young-dae (2019a). BTS–The Review: A Comprehensive Look at the Music of BTS. Translated by H.J. Chung. RH Korea. ISBN 978-8-925-56582-8.
• Lie, John (2022), «BTS, the Highest Stage of K-Pop», in Kim, Youna (ed.), The Soft Power of the Korean Wave: Parasite, BTS and Drama, Routledge, pp. 118–128, ISBN 978-1-00310-248-9
• Nye, Joseph S. (2004). Soft Power: The Means to Success in World Politics. Hachette UK. ISBN 978-0-78673-896-0.
• Quessard, Maud (2020), «Entertainment Diplomacy», in Balzacq, Thierry; Charillon, Frédéric; Ramel, Frédéric (eds.), Global Diplomacy: An Introduction to the Theory and Practice, Palgrave Macmillan, pp. 279–296, doi:10.1007/978-3-030-28786-3_21, ISBN 978-3-03028-785-6, S2CID 211355635
• Shapiro, Marc (2018). Burn the Stage: The Rise of BTS and Korean Boy Bands. Riverdale Avenue Books. ISBN 978-1-62601-490-9.
• Sprinkel, Katy (2021). BTS: One. Triumph Books. ISBN 978-1-64125-643-8.

External links

• Official website

Кто он — Ким Тэхён: описание личности

«На 10% гений, на 90% идиот», — так лидер группы Намджун шутя охарактеризовал Ви из BTS одной фразой. Действительно, артист способен совершать поступки, не поддающиеся логическому объяснению, но это только подчеркивает шарм неординарного, удачливого парня. Элегантный Ким Тэхён, фото которого тому подтверждение, внешне совершенно не походит на чудака.

Физически, внутренне повзрослевший 24-летний Ким Тэхён BTS называет не просто коллективом, а своей семьей. Несмотря на различие характеров добродушный Ви сумел найти общий язык со всеми. Особенное взаимопонимание возникло с Чимином — они пришли в агентство одновременно.

Около года сверстники жили в одной комнате, сблизились и доверяли друг другу секреты. Весь макне-лайн по-особенному дружен. Старшие участники искренне радуются дружбе младших и стараются опекать их как братьев.

Видео

Биография

Ким Тэ Хён в 2021 году признан самым красивым мужчиной в Южной Корее. Он основной участник южнокорейской группы BTS (Bangtan Boys), которая является ярчайшим представителем направления k-pop. Поклонники называют его Ви. Такое короткое имя исполнитель выбрал себе сам, когда продюсеры предложили ему три варианта.

«Ви: Виктория – победа», — так объяснил свой выбор певец.

Для публики он выбрал образ «странного» юноши. Может сотворить что-нибудь невообразимое, чем приводит одновременно в шок и в восторг многомиллионную армию фанатов. Его стиль пытаются копировать, но только он знает, как ему удается выглядеть естественно в пижаме Burberry и джинсовой куртке во время интервью.

Информация об участниках

Имена участников

Перед вами имена участников на русском, на английском и на корейском языках, а также их псевдонимы. Прочтите о каждом из них в отдельных статьях.

• Ким Намджун (Kim Namjoon, 김남준). Псевдоним: PM (RM).
• Ким Сокджин (Kim Seokjin, 김석진). Псевдоним: Джин (Jin, 진).
• Мин Юнги (Min Yoongi, 민윤기). Псевдоним: Шуга (Suga, 슈가).
• Чон Хосок (Jung Hoseok, 정호석). Псевдоним: Джей-Хоуп (J-Hope, 제이홉).
• Пак Чимин (Park Jimin, 박지민). Псевдоним: Чимин (Jimin, 지민).
• Ким Тэхен (Kim Taehyung, 김태형). Псевдоним: Ви (V, 뷔).
• Чон Чонгук (Jeon Jungkook, 전정국). Псевдоним: Чонгук (Jungkook, 정국).

Состав

В состав участников БТС входит семь человек. Каждый из них уникален и очень талантлив во многих областях. Но тем не менее в группе они занимают некоторые позиции.

• Намджун – лидер, рэпер, продюсер, композитор, модель. Входит в хен-лайн и рэп-лайн.
• Сокджин – вокалист, продюсер, композитор, модель. Входит в хен-лайн и вокал-лайн.
• Юнги – рэпер, продюсер, композитор, модель. Входит в хен-лайн и рэп-лайн.
• Хосок – рэпер, танцор, продюсер, композитор, модель. Входит в хен-лайн, рэп-лайн и дэнс-лайн.
• Чимин – вокалист, танцор, продюсер, композитор, модель. Входит в макне-лайн, вокал-лайн и дэнс-лайн.
• Тэхен – вокалист, танцор, продюсер, композитор, модель, актер. Входит в макне-лайн, вокал-лайн и дэнс-лайн.
• Чонгук – макне, вокалист, танцор, продюсер, композитор, модель. Входит в макне-лайн, вокал-лайн и дэнс-лайн.

Хен-лайн — старшие участники группы.

Макне-лайн — младшие участники.

Как различать участников?

Чтобы различать участников нужно прочитать о них как можно больше информации и посмотреть много фотографий.

Известный научный факт: если человек прожил всю жизнь среди представителей чернокожей расы, ему будет сложно различать между собой представителей европеоидной (белой) расы или азиатской и наоборот. Мозг учится распознавать лица еще в детстве. Но эту способность можно развить став взрослым если долго изучать лица.

Выучить мемберов для кого-то легко и занимает пару дней, а для кого-то требуется до полугода. Вам в помощь мы подобрали картинку с их именами на русском.

Сколько лет и даты рождения

Участникам БТС от 22 до 27 лет на 2020 год. По корейскому возрасту (в Корее прибавляется один год и исчисление начинается с момента зачатия) им от 23 до 28 лет.

• Джин – 04.12.1992, 27 лет
• Юнги – 09.03.1993, 26 лет
• Хосок – 18.02.1994, 26 лет
• Намджун – 12.09.1994, 25 лет
• Чимин – 13.10.1995, 24 года
• Тэхен – 30.12.1995, 24 года
• Чонгук – 01.09.1997, 22 года

Есть определенный порядок, в котором всегда упоминаются участники и это возраст. От самого старшего до самого младшего (макнэ) участника группы. Есть одно исключение: лидер Намджун всегда идет в начале, хотя и не является старшим.

Рост участников

Рост участников БТС не очень изменился по сравнению с дебютом, кроме того, что в профайлах некоторых мемберов рост был завышен. Например Чимин в 2013 был 175 сантиметров, а в 2017 уже 173, то же самое было у Шуги. А вот Тэхен и Чонгук наоборот подросли с 176 до 178.

• Намджун – 181
• Джин – 179
• Тэхен – 179
• Чонгук – 178
• Хосок – 177
• Юнги – 174
• Чимин – 173,6

Вес участников

Несмотря на то, что профайлы БТС стали более честными, в корее все еще слишком обращают внимание на вес. Так, Чонгук при росте 178 весит 66, но в имеет заметную мышечную массу, которая не вписывается в эти килограммы. В одном из интервью он говорит, что его попросили не качаться, чтобы сохранять юношескую картинку. Поэтому к данным о весе мы просим относится более критично, чем к данным о росте.

В списке указаны известные на 2020 год официальные данные.

• Намджун – 64 кг (2013) 67 кг (2017)
• Джин – 60 кг (2013) 63 кг (2017)
• Юнги – 57 кг (2013) 59 кг (2017)
• Хосок – 59 кг (2013) 65 кг (2017)
• Чимин – 60 кг (2013) 61 кг (2017)
• Тэхен – 58 кг (2013) 62 кг (2017)
• Чонгук – 61 кг (2013) 66 кг (2017)

Знаки зодиака

Многие, кто интересуются гороскопом, хотели бы узнать знаки зодиака БТС по разным календарям.

• Намджун – Дева, Собака
• Джин – Стрелец, Обезьяна
• Юнги – Рыбы, Петух
• Хосок – Водолей, Собака
• Чимин – Весы, Кабан
• Тэхен – Козерог, Кабан
• Чонгук – Дева, Бык

Группа крови

Если вы интересуетесь Японскими гороскопами по группе крови вот для вас данные участников.

• Намджун – А, вторая
• Джин – 0, первая
• Юнги – 0, первая
• Хосок – А, вторая
• Чимин – А, вторая
• Тэхен – АB, четвертая
• Чонгук – А, вторая

Любимые цвета

К сожалению мы не можем знать точно какие любимые цвета участников БТС на данный момент: этот вопрос давно не задавался. Например цвета Чимина названы еще в 2013 году и с тех пор нет информации поменялись ли они. Но вот то, что есть:

• Намджун – черный, розовый и фиолетовый
• Джин – розовый и синий
• Юнги – белый
• Хосок – зеленый
• Чимин – черный, фиолетовый и синий
• Тэхен – серый, фиолетовый
• Чонгук – черный, фиолетовый

Новый Тэхён или начало эпохи V

Дебют группы состоялся 2013 году 13 июня. Тогда фанаты впервые увидели ТаТу и он моментально стал очень популярен. Зрители влюбились в певца с первых концертов, где он ведет себя очень уверенно.

Звезда  умеренно заигрывает с публикой, слегка облизывая губы, эффектно смахивая очки или подмигивая. Ну и конечно волосы, которые он часто перекрашивает и эффектно взъерошивает во время выступлений.

Фанатки называют его мастером соблазнения в полный рост. Мемберы же, зная его в реальности, утверждают что он чудной, самый необычный человек в мире. Его часто называют Инопланетянином или 4D, из-за того, что он может выкинуть такое, что все падают от смеха.

Обратите внимание! Ким переехал жить в общежитие Big Hit, так как ему предстояло много репетировать. Также он поступил в другую школу, чтобы быть ближе к общежитию. Ким очень много работал над собой, а продюсеры сразу же решили, что именно он будет вокалистом новой группы BTS. Однако продюсеры не спешили представлять его публике, поэтому никто не знал, кем будет седьмой участник новой группы. Во время всех презентаций Ким держался в стороне, чтобы его никто не увидел.

Кто он — Ким Тэхён: описание личности

Фото: , Taehyun’s Moment: UGC «На 10% гений, на 90% идиот», — так лидер группы Намджун шутя охарактеризовал Ви из BTS одной фразой. Действительно, артист способен совершать поступки, не поддающиеся логическому объяснению, но это только подчеркивает шарм неординарного, удачливого парня. Элегантный Ким Тэхён, фото которого тому подтверждение, внешне совершенно не походит на чудака.

Физически, внутренне повзрослевший 24-летний Ким Тэхён BTS называет не просто коллективом, а своей семьей. Несмотря на различие характеров добродушный Ви сумел найти общий язык со всеми. Особенное взаимопонимание возникло с Чимином — они пришли в агентство одновременно.

Около года сверстники жили в одной комнате, сблизились и доверяли друг другу секреты. Весь макне-лайн по-особенному дружен. Старшие участники искренне радуются дружбе младших и стараются опекать их как братьев.

Теги

BTS / Beyond The Scene / Bangtan Boys / Bangtan Sonyeondan / Bulletproof Boy Scouts / 방탄소년단 / 防彈少年團 / 防弾少年団 / ぼうだんしょうねんだん — южнокорейский боиз-бэнд, состоящий из семи участников: Рэп Монстр / Rap Monster, Джин / Jin, Шуга / Suga, Джей-Хоуп / J-Hope, Чимин / Jimin, Ви / V, Чонгук / Jungkook. Изначально группа называлась Bulletproof Boys Scouts, и дебют должен был состояться в 2011 году, после прослушивания «Hit It» компании Big Hit Entertainment. Но дебют отменили, и за два года обучения произошли изменения в составе группы.

Сценическое имя: Рэп Монстр / Rap Monster / 랩몬스터
Настоящее имя: Ким Нам Джун / Kim Nam Joon / 김남준
Дата рождения: 12 сентября 1994 года
Место рождения: Ильсан, Коян, Южная Корея
Позиция в группе: лидер, вокалист, рэпер
Рост: 181 см
Вес: 67 кг
Группа крови: A
Знак зодиака: Дева

Сценическое имя: Джин / Jin / 진
Настоящее имя: Ким Сок Джин / Kim Seok Jin / 김석진
Дата рождения: 4 декабря 1992 года
Место рождения: Анян, Южная Корея
Позиция в группе: ведущий вокалист, «лицо» группы
Рост: 179 см
Вес: 63кг
Группа крови: О
Знак зодиака: Стрелец

Сценическое имя: Шуга / Suga / [SE]슈가[/SE] / Agust D
Настоящее имя: Мин Юн Ги / Min Yoon Gi / 민윤기
Дата рождения: 9 марта 1993 года
Место рождения: Тэгу, Южная Корея
Позиция в группе: рэпер
Рост: 174 см
Вес: 59 кг
Группа крови: О
Знак зодиака: Рыбы

Сценическое имя: Джей-Хоуп / J-Hope / 제이홉
Настоящее имя: Чон Хо Сок / Jung Ho Seok / 정호석
Дата рождения: 18 февраля 1994 года
Место рождения: Кванджу, Южная Корея
Позиция в группе: рэпер, главный танцор
Рост: 177 см
Вес: 65 кг
Группа крови: А
Знак зодиака: Водолей

Сценическое имя: Чимин / Jimin / 지민
Настоящее имя: Пак Чи Мин / Park Ji Min / 박지민
Дата рождения: 13 октября 1995 года
Место рождения: Пусан, Южная Корея
Позиция в группе: вокалист, ведущий танцор
Рост: 173 см
Вес: 61 кг
Группа крови: А
Знак зодиака: Весы

Сценическое имя: Ви / V / 뷔
Настоящее имя: Ким Тэ Хён / Kim Tae Hyung / 김태형
Дата рождения: 30 декабря 1995 года
Место рождения: Тэгу, Южная Корея
Позиция в группе: вокалист
Рост: 178 см
Вес: 62 кг
Группа крови: АВ
Знак зодиака: Козерог

Сценическое имя: Чонгук / JungKook / 정국
Настоящее имя: Чон Чон Гук / Jeon Jung Kook / 전정국
Дата рождения: 1 сентября 1997 года
Место рождения: Пусан, Южная Корея
Позиция в группе: макнэ, вижуал, ведущий танцор, рэпер, вокалист
Рост: 178 см
Вес: 66 кг
Группа крови: А
Знак зодиака: Дева

Источник 1
Источник 2

Кегли: Bio Korean

BTS

Наверняка вы хоть раз слышали об очень известной к-поп группе — BTS. Возможно, вы даже знаете, что в составе этой группы 7 участников, но знаете ли вы их имена? А если и настоящие тоже, а не только сценические? А, может, вам просто хотелось бы поближе познакомиться с каждым из них? Что ж, если вам интересны ответы на все эти вопросы, смело обращайтесь к этой статье.

Здесь мы рассмотрим каждого участника лично, познакомимся с фактами о них. Разбирать их биографию мы не будем. Задача этой статьи — позволить показать вам каждого участника как индивидуальность, используя фотографии и некоторые факты. Воспримем всех мемберов не просто как участников группы BTS, а как отдельных личностей.

Всем удачного просмотра, и прямиком в мир корейской музыки!

BTS (Beyond The Scene)

В группе 7 участников (далее — их сценические имена):

• RM (РМ) — лидер
• Джин
• Чимин
• J-Hope (Джей-Хоуп)
• Шуга
• V (Ви)
• Чонгук

Хён-лайн (старшие): Джин (самый старшый), RM, J-Hope, Шуга
Макнэ-лайн (младшие): Чонгук (самый младший), V, Чимин

Познакомимся с каждым по отдельности, пойдем в порядке от старшего к младшему.

Джин

Ким Сокджин

Сценическое имя: Джин (Jin)
Реальное имя: Ким Сокджин
Имя как солиста: Джин
Дата рождения: 4 декабря 1992
Позиция в группе: вокалист, вижуал
Место рождения: Квачхон, Кёнгидо, Южная Корея
Персонаж BT21: RJ (альпака)
MBTI: INTP (ученый)
Рост: 179 см
Эмодзи, которое используют для его описания: 🐹 (хомяк)

Персонаж BT21 и наброски мембера, по которым и был создан персонаж + обложка фотофолио мембера, из которого взяты последующие фото:

Фотографии из фотобука «Me, Myself, and Jin ‘Sea of JIN island'» которые помогут лучше узнать мембера:

Шуга

Мин Юнги

Сценическое имя: Шуга (Suga)
Реальное имя: Мин Юнги
Имя как солиста: Agust D
Дата рождения: 9 марта 1993
Позиция в группе: рэпер
Место рождения: Пукку, Тэгу, Южная Корея
Персонаж BT21: Shooky (печенька)
MBTI: ISTP (виртуоз)
Рост: 176 см
Эмодзи, которое используют для его описания: 🐱 (кошка)

Персонаж BT21 и наброски мембера, по которым и был создан персонаж + обложка фотофолио мембера, из которого взяты последующие фото:

Фотографии из фотобука Me, Myself, and SUGA ‘Wholly or Whole me’ которые помогут лучше узнать мембера:

J-Hope (Джей-Хоуп)

Чон Хосок

Сценическое имя: Джей-Хоуп (J-Hope)
Реальное имя: Чон Хосок
Имя как солиста: J-Hope
Дата рождения: 18 февраля 1994
Позиция в группе: рэпер, танцор, саб-вокалист
Место рождения: Пукку, Кванчжу, Кёнгидо, Южная Корея
Персонаж BT21: Mang (в маске лошади)
MBTI: INFJ (активист)
Рост: 177 см
Эмодзи, которое используют для его описания: 🐿 (бурундук, белка)

Персонаж BT21 и наброски мембера, по которым и был создан персонаж + обложка фотофолио мембера, из которого взяты последующие фото:

Фотографии из фотобука Me, Myself, and j-hope ‘All New Hope’ которые помогут лучше узнать мембера:

RM (РМ)

Ким Намджун

Сценическое имя: РМ (RM)
Реальное имя: Ким Намджун
Имя как солиста: RM
Дата рождения: 12 сентября 1994
Позиция в группе: лидер, рэпер
Место рождения: Тонджакку, Сеул, Южная Корея
Персонаж BT21: Koya (коала)
MBTI: ENFP (борец)
Рост: 181 см
Эмодзи, которое используют для его описания: 🐨 (коала)

Персонаж BT21 и наброски мембера, по которым и был создан персонаж + обложка фотофолио мембера, из которого взяты последующие фото:

Фотографии из фотобука Me, Myself, and RM ‘Entirety’ которые помогут лучше узнать мембера:

Чимин

Пак Чимин

Сценическое имя: Чимин (Jimin)
Реальное имя: Пак Чимин
Имя как солиста: Чимин
Дата рождения: 13 октября 1995
Позиция в группе: вокалист, танцор
Место рождения: Кымджонгу, Пусан, Южная Корея
Персонаж BT21: Chimmy (собачка)
MBTI: ESTP (делец)
Рост: 175 см
Эмодзи, которое используют для его описания: 🐤 (цыпленок)

Персонаж BT21 и наброски мембера, по которым и был создан персонаж + обложка фотофолио мембера, из которого взяты последующие фото:

Фотографии из фотобука Me, Myself, and Jimin ‘ID:Chaos’ которые помогут лучше узнать мембера:

V (Ви)

Сценическое имя: Ви (V)
Реальное имя: Ким Тэхен
Имя как солиста: V
Дата рождения: 30 декабря 1995
Позиция в группе: вокалист
Место рождения: Согу, Тэгу, Южная Корея
Персонаж BT21: Tata (сердечко)
MBTI: INFP (посредник)
Рост: 179 см
Эмодзи, которое используют для его описания: 🐻 (медведь)

Персонаж BT21 и наброски мембера, по которым и был создан персонаж + обложка фотофолио мембера, из которого взяты последующие фото:

Фотографии из фотобука Me, Myself, and V ‘Veautiful Days’ которые помогут лучше узнать мембера:

Чонгук

Сценическое имя: Чонгук (Jungkook)
Реальное имя: Чон Чонгук
Имя как солиста: Чонгук
Дата рождения: 1 сентября 1997
Позиция в группе: макнэ (младший), вокалист, танцор, саб-рэпер
Место рождения: Пукку, Пусан, Южная Корея
Персонаж BT21: Cooky (заяц)
MBTI: INTP (ученый)
Рост: 178 см
Эмодзи, которое используют для его описания: 🐰 (кролик)

Персонаж BT21 и наброски мембера, по которым и был создан персонаж + обложка фотофолио мембера, из которого взяты последующие фото:

Фотографии из фотобука Me, Myself, and and Jung Kook ‘Time Difference’ которые помогут лучше узнать мембера:

Если у вас есть еще какие-то инетесные факты, дополнения или поправки — пишите в комментариях! А также кто стал вашим любимчиком (биасом)?

BTS (Korean: 방탄소년단 Bangtan Sonyeondan; Japanese: 防弾少年团 Bōdan Shōnendan; also known as the Bangtan Boys and Beyond the Scene) is a seven-member boy group under BigHit Music. They debuted on June 13, 2013 with their first single 2 Cool 4 Skool.

History

Pre-debut

BTS first came to prominence after winning Big Hit’s «Hit It» auditions in 2010 and 2011, establishing their final lineup in 2012. In the time leading up to their debut album, the group members began engaging with fans through social media outlets like Twitter, video blogs as well as releasing songs via their YouTube page.

Prior to joining the group, RM was an established underground artist having released several tracks. Suga was also an established underground rapper, and Jin was a university student. J-Hope had been a member of a street dance team called NEURON and was an active participant in the underground dance scene. Preceding his addition to BTS, Jimin was a student at Busan High School of Arts, but later transferred to Korea Arts High School. Although Jung Kook was in high demand by several talent agencies, he decided to join BTS after hearing RM perform.

2013: Debut with «2 Cool 4 Skool», O!RUL8,2?

The group debuted on June 13, 2013 with the release of their debut single album 2 Cool 4 Skool with «No More Dream» as the title track. A music video for the track «We Are Bulletproof Pt.2» was released in July.

On September 11, they released their first mini-album O!RUL8,2? with «N.O» as the title track.

2014: Skool Luv Affair, Dark & Wild, and Japanese debut

Their second mini-album Skool Luv Affair was released on February 14 with «Boy in Luv» as the title track. A repackage was later released on May 14 and the group used «Miss Right» for their follow-up promotions.

BTS made their Japanese debut by releasing the best album 2 Cool 4 Skool / O!RUL8,2? which consists of Japanese versions of songs from their first two releases in Korea. Dark & Wild, their first full-length album, was released on August 20.

2015–2016: The Most Beautiful Moment in Life trilogy and expanding popularity

The group released their third mini-album The Most Beautiful Moment In Life, Pt. 1 on April 29, 2015. Their title track «I Need U» was performed on various music shows, finally winning first place on SBS’s The Show on May 5, their first music show award since their debut. «Dope» was used for follow-up promotions in June.

On March 17, 2015, the group’s leader RM (then known as Rap Monster) released his first solo mixtape, the eponymous RM, for free on the streaming service SoundCloud. The mixtape was ranked 48th on the «50 Best Hip Hop Albums of 2015» list published by Spin Magazine.^[2]

Their fourth mini-album The Most Beautiful Moment In Life, Pt. 2 was released on November 30, 2015. The group completed their trilogy with the release of the special album The Most Beautiful Moment In Life: Young Forever on May 2, 2016.

The group has an extremely large social media presence and was noted by Forbes magazine as the most retweeted artist in March 2016. Following this, Twitter released a K-pop themed emoji featuring the group ahead of their Asia tour.

On August 16, 2016, Suga released his first solo mixtape titled Agust D for free on SoundCloud. The mixtape was listed among the «Top 20 Mixtapes of the Year» by Fuse TV.^[3]

2016: Youth and Wings

On September 6, BTS released their second Japanese album Youth. Later in September, their agency announced that the group would be releasing their second Korean full-length album Wings on October 10. Pre-orders for the album exceeded 500,000 copies. Upon its released, their album’s title track, «Blood Sweat & Tears,» achieved an all-kill on the music charts. BTS included solo tracks for the first time in their Wings album. The accompanying music video reached 6 million views within a day, beating the previous record.

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The album also debuted at #26 on the US Billboard 200 charts, marking it as the highest charting K-pop album ever and was the group’s third entry onto the chart, another first for a K-pop artist in the US market. They also set the record for best album sales week for a K-Pop group the album selling 16,000 units.^[4]

2017: You Never Walk Alone, Love Yourself: Her, and international recognition

BTS released a repackage of Wings titled You Never Walk Alone on February 13. The title track «Spring Day» swept the Korea music charts, achieving another all-kill for the group. In the United States, the track became the first song by a K-Pop group to break into the top 10 on the iTunes songs chart, and marked the first BTS appearance on the US’s Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart at #15.^[5][6]

On April 10, BTS was the first K-pop group to be nominated for a Billboard Music Award (BBMAs). The group won «Top Social Artist» at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards on May 21, beating such noteworthy artists as Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez and Shawn Mendes. In their awards acceptance speech, the group said: «We still cannot believe we’re standing here on this stage at the Billboard Music Awards…Most importantly, this award belongs to the every people all around the world that shine the love and light on us by the million and make BTS proud.»^[7] The group was also named «Best Dressed Boy Band» at the awards by Vogue Magazine.^[8]

On July 5, Big Hit Entertainment and BTS revealed a new logo for the band in a video released on the official YouTube channel. This video was accompanied by the announcement that in addition to being known as Bangtan Sonyeondan or Bulletproof Boy Scouts, their acronym would also stand for «Beyond The Scene» as part of their new brand identity.^[9]

On September 8, BTS released their fifth mini album titled Love Yourself: Her. The album debuted at number one in Korea on the Gaon Album Chart while its title track «DNA» debuted at number two on the Gaon Digital Chart.^[10] Internationally, BTS broke the record for most No. 1 spots held on iTunes Album Charts by a K-Pop group, with the album ranking No. 1 on the charts in 73 countries as of September 18.^[11] The album also debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 album chart, making it the highest charting K-pop album of all time, and the first K-pop album in the top 10 of the chart. The album became the group’s fifth entry on the Billboard 200 chart, breaking their previous record set earlier the same year of four entries on the chart. BTS remains the only K-pop group to have three or more entries on the Billboard 200.^[12]

Both of the top two spots on the Billboard Social 50 Chart were held by K-Pop groups for the first time in Billboard history, with BTS holding the No. 1 spot, and EXO holding the No. 2 spot for the ranking dated September 23, 2017.^[13]

On a special Naver V Live broadcast on September 18 to celebrate their comeback with Love Yourself: Her, the group announced their goal of making it onto the Billboard Hot 100 chart. «DNA» entered the Billboard HOT 100 at No. 85 for the week of October 7, becoming BTS’ first entry on the HOT 100 and achieving this goal for the group.^[14][15]

At the American Music Awards (AMAs) hosted on November 19, BTS performed «DNA» in their first American music award show performance, making them the first K-pop group ever to be invited to perform on the show.^[16] Following the performance, Guinness World Records announced that BTS will be included their 2018 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records for having the world’s most Twitter engagements and specifically for most Twitter engagements by a music group.^[17] BTS was also named by Twitter to be the most tweeted-about artist of 2017, and ranked 1st worldwide in yearly social media engagements with 502 million likes and retweets.^[18][19]

The group released a remix version of «Mic Drop» by producer Steve Aoki featuring rapper Desiigner on November 24, titled «MIC Drop (Steve Aoki Remix)». The single debuted at No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the highest-charting entry by a K-pop group on the chart.^[20] The song also debuted at No. 1 on the US iTunes chart, breaking their previous record for the highest-charting song for a K-pop group, which was set by «DNA» reaching No. 4 on the chart. This also made BTS the first K-pop group to reach the No. 1 spot on the Apple download service.^[21]

On December 12, BTS was represented on six of the Billboard «Year End» Charts. The group ranked No. 1 on the «World Albums Artists» chart, No. 2 on the «World Albums» chart, No. 1 on the «Social 50 Artists» chart, No. 2 on the «Top Artists – Duo/Group» chart, and No. 32 on the «Independent Albums» chart. They also ranked as No. 10 on the «Top Artists» chart and are the only K-pop artists to have made the list.^[22]

2018 (1): Hope World, album certification, and international accolades

On January 15, 2018, the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) announced that the Japanese single «MIC Drop/DNA/Crystal Snow» had recorded over 500,000 album sales and was certified double platinum. BTS was the only foreign artist to reach this level of certification in 2017.^[23]

On February 3, BTS’ single «MIC Drop (Steve Aoki Remix)» was certified gold (500,000 units) by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), becoming the first Korean group to have ever earned an RIAA certification.^[24] On February 12, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) announced that «DNA» was certified Gold for earning 500,000 units as of February 9. BTS previously became the first Korean group to ever earn certification by the RIAA with «MIC Drop (Steve Aoki Remix)», and are now the only Korean group to hold more than one certification.^[25] Two days later, BTS won two Gaon Chart Music Awards: «Album of the Year — 1st Quarter» for You Never Walk Alone, and «Album of the Year — 3rdQuarter» for Love Yourself: Her. The group’s frequent producer, Pdogg, also won the award for «Composer/Lyricist of the Year».^[26] For the February 17 issue, Billboard Magazine featured BTS as their cover artist. This is the first time BTS has covered a U.S. magazine, and also the first time Billboard Magazine has released individual covers for members of a band.^[27]

The mixtape Agust D by Suga was released unannounced on Spotify and iTunes worldwide for the first time on February 22, over 2 years since its original release. Within 24 hours, the album reached No. 1 on the worldwide iTunes charts and the iTunes Pop Charts.^[28] The following week, the album debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard World Albums chart dated March 3, 2018.^[29]

On February 28, BTS won «Musician of the Year» at the Korean Music Awards, making the group the first K-Pop group to have received the award.^[30]

On March 2, J-Hope released his first solo mixtape titled Hope World for free download on Google Drive, streaming on Spotify and SoundCloud, and for purchase on iTunes. The mixtape was accompanied by music videos for the title tracks «Daydream» and «Airplane». The music video for «DNA» reached 300 million views on March 6, 2018, making it only one of 3 K-pop videos to reach the benchmark and the fastest video to do so to date.^[31] On March 11, the music video for «Fire» reached 300 million views, making it the 4th K-pop video to reach the benchmark and making BTS the only K-pop artist to have 2 videos achieve the accomplishment.^[32] On March 11, BTS won both the «Best Fan Army» and «Best Boy Band» awards at the 2018 iHeartRadio Awards held in California, although the group declined to attend the event due to a busy schedule as they prepare for their upcoming album release later this year.^[33]

BTS won a Kid’s Choice Award for «Favorite Global Music Star», presented by Nickelodeon at a ceremony held in California on March 24, 2018.^[34]

2018 (2): Face Yourself, Love Yourself: Tear and Love Yourself: Answer

On Wednesday, April 4, 2018, BTS released their third Japanese album, Face Yourself, for purchase and streaming worldwide.^[35] At midnight on April 5, Big Hit Productions released a video titled «Euphoria : Theme of LOVE YOURSELF 起 Wonder» on their official YouTube channel. The 9-minute long video appeared to tease the release of the next mini-album in the ‘Love Yourself’ series and featured a new track titled «Euphoria». On April 16, the group announced on Twitter the upcoming release of a new album titled «Love Yourself: Tear», which was slated for release on May 18. Love Yourself: Tear was confirmed to be the sequel to Love Yourself: Her, but would be a full-length album including 12 new tracks and is their third full-length LP following Dark & Wild and Wings.^[36] On April 28, the music video for «Dope» reached 300 million views, making it the 5th K-pop video to reach the benchmark and making BTS the only K-pop artist to have 3 videos achieve the accomplishment.^[37]

BTS released a video titled «LOVE YOURSELF Tear ‘Singularity’ Comeback Trailer» on May 6 at midnight KST in advance of the release Love Yourself: Tear on May 18.^[38] The video features V as the solo vocalist for the track, his second solo track for the group and first as an album intro track singer. Within one hour and 29 minutes of its release, the music video reached 1 million likes on YouTube, making it the fastest BTS video to reach this milestone. Having surpassed the record of 8 hours set by «DNA», this also made «Singularity» the fastest music video ever to reach 1 million likes.^[39][40] Following the release of the «Singularity» video, BTS’ choreographer Son Sung Deuk declared V to be a member of the «Dance Line» on his Instagram account, placing V alongside Jung Kook and Jimin as the groups’ Main Dancers under J-Hope as the Lead Dancer.^[41] Love Yourself: Tear was released worldwide on Friday, May 18 on all streaming and download services.^[42] The music video for the title track, Fake Love, was released simultaneously and broke the world record for the fastest music video to reach 1 million likes by reaching the milestone in just 39 minutes.^[43] This broke the previous record of 1 hour and 29 minutes previously set by their song Intro: Singularity.

On May 20, BTS was awarded the Top Social Artist Award at the 2018 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, having captured 94% of the overall fan vote.^[44] A week later, BTS became the first K-pop act in charts history to top the Billboard 200 as the group’s Love Yourself: Tear opened at Number One. The album sold 135,000 album-equivalent units (including 100,000 pure album sales), becoming BTS’ highest-charting and first number one album in the US, the first K-pop album to top the US albums chart, and the highest-charting album by an Asian act. «FAKE LOVE» peaked at number ten on the Billboard Hot 100 that same week, becoming the band’s highest reaching song on the chart as well as their first in the top ten. Overall, «Fake Love» is the seventeenth non-English song to reach the top ten, and the first for a K-Pop group. The single also debuted at number seven on Billboard’s Streaming Songs chart with 27.4 million streams earned in the week ending May 24, giving BTS its first top ten on the chart and making “Fake Love” the first K-pop song to land on top ten since Psy’s “Hangover” feat. Snoop Dogg in 2014. Love Yourself: Tear also reached number eight on the UK Albums Chart, marking the group’s first top ten album in the country.^[44]

On July 17, the group announced the release of their second compilation album Love Yourself: Answer for August 24, 2018, with seven new tracks added to the release.^[45] Their 2018 world tour, titled BTS World Tour: Love Yourself, began the following day in Seoul. For the final stop of the North American leg, the band will perform at Citi Field, marking the first time a Korean act has performed at a U.S. stadium. All 40,000 tickets for the stadium date were later confirmed by Big Hit Entertainment to have sold out in under 20 minutes.^[46] On August 24, 2018, the album was released, along with the music video for «IDOL» and an alternative version of the track featuring Nicki Minaj.^[47] Debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200, the album became BTS’ second number-one album—their second of 2018—and their highest sales week in the country to date. It earned 185,000 album-equivalent units, which comprises 141,000 in pure album sales, 25,000 SEA units (39.01 million on-demand audio streams of the album’s songs) and 19,000 TEA units.^[48]Making BTS the only K-pop act with two Billboard 200 toppers and the first pop act with two number one albums in less than a year since One Direction topped the chart with Four in 2014, which followed their 2013 album Midnight Memories. In Canada, «Love Yourself: Answer» became the band’s first number-one album on the Canadian Albums Chart, earning over 10,000 consumption units. The single from the album, «IDOL», reached number five on the Canadian Singles Chart, marking BTS’ first top-ten hit in Canada.^[49]

On September 19, BTS was invited to attend the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly. According to UN sources, BTS will be attending the launch of UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund)’s “Generation Unlimited” partnership that will take place on September 24 at 12 p.m. local time at the UN Headquarters in New York, a day before the general debate will begin. “Generation Unlimited” is a new global partnership that is “dedicated to increasing opportunities and investments for children and young people aged 10 to 24.” BTS is said to have been noted by the United Nations for their UNICEF campaign called “Love Myself,” which launched in October 2017 and has raised over 1 million dollars as of June 2018. A UN diplomat expressed how exceptional it is for a K-pop artist to be invited to attend one of UN General Assembly’s regular sessions. Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres, UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta H. Fore, South Korean First Lady Kim Jung Sook, and several others are expected to attend.^[50]

On October 14, 2018 they performed at the Korea-France Friendship Concert in Paris, a summit meant to show the friendly relations between France and South Korea. Around 400 officials attended the meeting, including South Korean president Moon Jae-in.

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Four days later, Big Hit Entertainment sent an email to its company employees and stakeholders announcing that BTS had renewed their contract with the agency. According to the email, the renewed contract is 7 years in length.^[51]
On October 20, RM announced via BTS’ twitter to announce the release date for his second mixtape titled mono with the tracklist and a message «RM’s playlist ‘mono.’ 10/23». RM describes mono as a playlist, though some publications have referred to it as a «mixtape».

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On October 21, 2018, rapper RM released mono on digital and streaming platforms for free alongside a music video for its final track «Forever Rain». The playlist includes lyric videos for its second and third track, «Seoul» and «Moonchild», respectively. Mono debuted at number 1 on the global iTunes Top Albums chart, and later peaked at number 1 in 88 countries.

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Crossing over to film, Burn The Stage: The Movie was released in theaters worldwide on November 15, 2018. In the United States it accumulated $1.2 million on opening day for a total of $3.54 million over the three day weekend, breaking the record for for highest grossing event cinema musical production which was previously set in 2014 by the band One Direction. It ranked at number ten in the box office despite selling at only 620 locations compared to the 2,000-4,000 locations for the other top ten sellers.

On November 6, 2018, BTS won eleven awards at the MBC Plus X Genie Music Awards, including Album of the Year and Artist of the Year. On November 29, 2018, BTS won the grand prize («daesang») at the 3rd Asia Artist Awards. On December 1, 2018, BTS won a total of seven awards at the 2018 Melon Music Awards, including Album of the Year with Love Yourself: Tear, and Artist of the Year. On December 14, 2018, BTS won ten awards at the Mnet Asian Music Awards, including Album of the Year and Artist of the Year. This marked their third year in a row winning the Artist of the Year award.

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On November 9, 2018 «Love Yourself: Answer» became the first Korean album to be certified Gold (500,000+ units), and BTS became the first Korean group to get a Platinum (1,000,000+ units) certification with the single «MIC Drop» in the United States.

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According to StubHub BTS was one of 2018’s best selling concerts in the world, second to only Ed Sheeran.

In December 2018, Billboard reported that BTS ranked #8 in their year-end Top Artist Chart, alongside the likes of Drake and Taylor Swift. They were also the No. 2 act of the year in the Duo/Group ranking, only behind Imagine Dragons. In the same month they made the Bloomberg 50, citing their willingness to address social issues, mental health, and politics despite being in a genre that can be painted as bubble gum pop.

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Later in the month, it was announced that Love Yourself: Tear had been nominated for a Grammy Award for ‘Best Recording Package’.^[52]

2019: Map of the Soul: Persona and stadium world tour

In January 2019 they released a webtoon entitled «Save Me» that followed an Alternate Universe in their music video’s and short films.^[53] Later on in the month, it was announced that BTS had begun production on an upcoming album, with a planned release date between late April and early May. The album, titled Map of the Soul: Persona was announced on March 11, 2019, with the release date officially slated for April 12. On February 4, 2019, BTS were confirmed to attend the 61st Grammy Awards, held on the tenth of the same month. They were also announced to be presenting an award making them the first Korean to do so. It was their first time attending the event following an appearance by the group at the LA Grammy Museum in 2018.

BTS announced a stadium tour called Love Yourself: Speak Yourself in March 2019, with dates in multiple stadium venues including Wembley Stadium, Stade de France, MetLife Stadium, Rose Bowl, and Soldier Field. All dates had sold out within 2 hours, and shortly after, Big Hit announced second dates for all venues.

On March 27, RM released their latest comeback trailer, titled: Persona. The music video hit over 4 Million views in less that 6 hours. The video features similar clips from their comeback trailer, ‘Skool Luv Affair’.

2020 (1): Map of the Soul : 7, Map of the Soul : ~ The Journey ~, «Dynamite»

On January 7, the group announced the release of their fourth Korean full-length album, Map of the Soul : 7, on February 21, with pre-order sales beginning on January 9.^[45] On March 26, it was reported that BTS would be releasing a new Japanese album in the summer and would include the track «Stay Gold», to be used as the theme song for the Japanese drama Rasen no Meikyū.^[46] On May 7, BTS confirmed that they would be releasing their fourth Japanese full-length album, Map of the Soul : 7 ~ The Journey ~, on July 15.^[47] «Stay Gold» was released on June 19, 2020 as a pre-release single.^[48]

On July 27, BTS announced that they would be releasing an English digital single on August 21, ahead of their upcoming album which will be released in the second half of the year.^[49]

On August 21, BTS released their first English single, «Dynamite». It debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed for a continuous two weeks, becoming the 2nd group ever to do so.

2020 (2): Be, Suga’s hiatus

On November 6, it was announced that Suga would be going on a hiatus, halting any promotions with the group to recover from a recent shoulder surgery. Big Hit Entertainment released a statement saying, «Suga underwent surgery to repair his torn shoulder labrum on November 3. The surgery, to address a problem that had constantly been a health and wellness issue for Suga, was completed successfully, and he is currently resting and recovering following his physician’s advice that Suga must undergo a strict and unhindered period of recovery.»^[50] On November 20, the group released their seventh Korean mini album, Be. The music video for its title track, «Life Goes On» became their 27th music video to reach 100 million views.^[51] Four days later, the group was announced as nominees for the «Best Pop Duo/Group Performance» category at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards for their song «Dynamite», making them the first ever K-pop group to be nominated.^[52]

On December 1, South Korea passed the new ‘BTS Law’ affecting all big kpop stars and delaying their mandatory service. This came right before Jin’s 28th birthday, when he would’ve left the group for enlistment around the next month, in January 2021.^[53] With the new law, he won’t need to serve until he’s 30.

2021: BTS, The Best, «Butter» and «Permission To Dance»

On March 25, BTS announced through their official Japanese fan club that their newest Japanese best album, BTS, The Best, would be released on June 16. A single titled «Film Out» was released on April 2, two months before the album’s official release date.^[54]

On the midnight of April 27, it was announced that BTS would be releasing their second English-language digital single, «Butter», on May 21.^[55][56]

On July 9, BTS released their first English CD single «Butter». On July 23, they released the English remix single «Permission to Dance (R&B Remix)».

2022: Proof and military service

On April 17, 2022, BigHit Music released a statement through Weverse which announced that BTS would be releasing an album on June 10, 2022 with more information will be shared at a later date.^[57] A logo trailer was posted on May 5 which announced the name of the album to be, Proof.^[58] BigHit later explained that Proof is an anthology album that looks back at the group’s nine-year history and contains three new tracks.^[59]

On June 3, it was announced that BTS would be returning to perform on music shows for the first time after over two years.^[60] On June 14, the members revealed during their 2022 BTS Festa dinner that the group would be going on indefinite hiatus to focus on solo activities.^[61][62]

In October 2022, it was announced that the group will be on hiatus for their military service, with Jin being the first to enlist. The group is expected to reunite by 2025.^[63] On December 12, BigHit revealed that Jin would be enlisting as an active duty soldier on December 13.^[64]

On November 1, in a interview with Rolling Stone magazine between RM and Pharrell Williams, Pharrell announced that BTS will be featured in a song on his upcoming album Phfriends.^[65]

Members

Awards and nominations

Main article: List of awards and nominations received by BTS

Records

Main article: List of records set and broken by BTS

Recognition and honors

BTS was named «Best Dressed Boy Band» at the Billboard Music Awards by Vogue Magazine in May 2017.^[8]

BTS was named one of the «Top 25 Most Influential People on the Internet» by Time Magazine in June 2017, based on «their global impact on social media and their overall ability to drive news.»^[66]

On December 30, 2017, fashion website Polyvore named BTS their «Top Male Fashion Icons of the Year» for 2017.^[67]

For their March 2018 issue, J-14 Magazine named BTS the winner of their 2017 Teen Icon Award for «Iconic International Star» as determined by fan vote.^[68]

Big Hit Entertainment received an award at the 2018 iF Design Awards in Germany on February 8, 2018, in the Corporate Identity/Branding category under Communication Design, for their redesigned logo and brand identity for BTS. The iF Design Award is considered one of the world’s top three design awards.^[69]

TIME Magazine named BTS No. 1 on their list of «Best K-Pop Artists» published on February 9, 2018. The list called BTS «music’s biggest social media phenomena» and recognized their «upbeat onstage energy and their distinctive personalities.»^[70]

BTS was announced as the winner of the 2018 TIME 100 Poll, a reader poll opened to the public in the process of determining the official TIME 100 inductees for the year. While TIME editors are responsible for selecting the TIME 100, the reader poll is influential in determining which public figures are included in the final lineup; BTS received 15% of the overall public vote, with the next highest percentage at 5%.^[71]

Discography

Korean

Japanese

English

Concerts

• BTS Live Trilogy-Episode I: The Red Bullet (2014)
• BTS Live Trilogy Episode II: The Red Bullet (2014)
• BTS Live The Most Beautiful Moment in Life On Stage (2015)
• BTS Live The Most Beautiful Moment in Life On Stage: Epilogue (2016)
• BTS Live Trilogy Episode III: The Wings Tour (2017)
• BTS World Tour: Love Yourself (2018)
• BTS World Tour: Love Yourself: Speak Yourself (2019)
• Bang Bang Con The Live (2020)
• Map Of The Soul ON:E (2020)
• Permission To Dance : On Stage (2021-2022)

Japan tours

• BTS 1st Japan Tour 2015 Wake Up: Open Your Eyes (2015)

Endorsements

Trivia

• Their official fan club name is called A.R.M.Y. (stylized as ARMY), which stands for «Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth.»^[73]
• The literal translation of their Korean name (방탄소년단, or Bangtan Sonyeondan) in English is «Bulletproof Boy Scouts.»

Gallery

Main article: BTS/Gallery

Notes

References

Official links