BTS – The Incredible Rise of the KPop Band

Love them or hate them, you can’t help but groove to their songs. BTS is one of the biggest boybands in the world right now, and some believe they might even become one of the biggest boyband in history.

Having outsold and outperformed some of the best known western artists, the Kpop phenomenon, comprised of 7 members, continues to reach new critical and commercial heights, buoyed by their ever loving fans, the ARMY. So, what made BTS the standout group in the Kpop world?

Humble Origins, Deep Roots 

The Kpop industry is both lauded and criticized for its trainee model, where any individual hoping to become an entertainer undergoes rigorous training.

The model has been compared to both college and corporate slavery, but it is this model that brings out the impeccable dance and singing routines and the meticulously crafted videos that are attached to Kpop. BTS too, had the benefit of this long and arduous training, however, they had the cards stacked against them.

They did not come from the ‘big 3’ entertainment companies of Korea, and weren’t already known to the public, as many trainees were. Their initial outputs also received moderate response from the Korean fans, which further hurt their blossoming career.

However, it was this very underdog nature that now plays in their favor. Fans all over the world appreciate the hard work and effort that goes into their work, and the themes of struggle, trials, and triumph often features in their work.

Indeed, many today argue that BTS is a ‘genuine’ success in the kpop industry, since most other bands had massive investments made by their entertainment companies.

Making Music Count

BTS works under the label BigHit, whose motto is ‘music and artist for healing’. Most Kpop bands tend to steer shy of the more controversial issues, but not BTS. Having struggled in the past, the band continues to echo and explore darker themes in its body of work.

The band has also been known to tackle issues that are controversial and taboo in South Korea, including mental health, the fearfulness of youth, and class divides. Fans often find depth and connections in their work, with lyrics connecting back to other themes and narratives.

Like all musicians, BTS also had their fair share of naysayers and criticism, but they have continued to display a sort of lyrical and sonic experimentation that few dabble in today. From the feel-good English song Dynamite to the soulful longing of the Korean ballad Spring Day, BTS has something for everyone.

Behind the Scenes

Another factor that has made BTS a big success is its ability to foster connection with its massive fanbase. The members of the Kpop band are regularly active on social media, reply to comments, and produce content such as Run BTS, an online variety show that has them participate in goofy activities.

Most interactions between fans and artists, be it in the east or west, are driven by the marketing angel but this band at the same time also maintains artistic aesthetics. By letting their hair down, BTS has been able to keep the loyalty of fans for years.

More importantly, the members of the band have been very open in their personal feelings and struggles. Back in 2018, rapper Suga of the Kpop band openly discussed the social stigma that surrounds mental health in Asia, including his home country Korea, and talked about his experience of depression.

He and RM also talked frankly of their pain following the death of Kim Jong-Hyun, a member of the hit band Shinee who died by suicide in 2017. South Korea struggles with very high levels of mental health issues, which are often compounded for trainees.

Expected to work long hours, they forgo friendships and family, and are often tied up in long contracts that they may be pressured to pay off as soon as possible. By hinting, even indirectly, at the problems of the industry, BTS broke the silent barrier around the issue and hopefully paved the way for change.

The Army

Of course, any discussion of BTS and its enduring mega-fame would be incomplete without a mention of its fanbase, called ARMY. Comprised of individuals from all demographics across the world, the ARMY is known for a kind of dedication to BTS few can compare to.

Before their break into the western sphere, the media was already paying attention to BTS thanks to the many social media and popularity contests the band was winning. So massive has been their impact, especially online, that even media juggernauts such as Time magazine have taken note.

Not only do these fans support the boyband, but also each other. They translate content from Korean to English, provide links to streams and shows, meticulously detail the schedule of the band, and also organize the fans whenever required, be it for voting or for cracking new records on YouTube or streaming.

For many fans, BTS is not just about the music, it is also about the community that comes with the kpop phenomenon, one that allows them to explore their own feelings, interests, and passions without the fear of judgement.

Following the footsteps of their idols, ARMY has also regularly organized and contributed to charitable events. There is no one thing that makes BTS what it is. Rather, it is a mix of many hard-earned favorable factors, from forging connections with fans to the ability to be vulnerable in front of millions. And by far, its working splendidly.