Reasons for BTS’ Global Popularity

Yashi Priya, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Bangtan Sonyeondan, widely popular as BTS, is a seven-member boy band from South Korea that debuted in 2013 with their lead single ‘No More Dream‘ from the album 2 Cool 4 Skool. The artists were under Big Hit Entertainment, a small company with humble beginnings. As the name of the group suggests, the septet desire “to be resistant to bullets, so it means to block out stereotypes, criticisms, and expectations that are aimed at the adolescents like bullets, to preserve the values and ideal of today’s adolescents.”

With their hard work, dedication, and passion for music, they continued to create music that resonated with the masses. As a result, they gained appreciation and love from the people around the world, and this catapulted them to stardom not only in Asia but also in the West, and the rest of the world. But this is not all! Here are a few reasons why BTS was able to leave a mark in the music industry and people’s hearts globally.

Offer diversity in music

BTS discography is known for its variety and inclusiveness. From rap, hip-hop, and ballads, to contemporary R&B and pop-rock, they’ve tried everything. They experiment with different genres and styles and sing about socially relevant issues that need discussion. This thought and ideology is reflected in the company’s motto as well. Bang Si-hyuk, the founder of Big Hit, intended for them to be real boys who shared their true personalities and talents and not remain immaculate idols groomed amid studio culture.

Offer diverse themes and address social issues

BTS’ songs and music videos have underlying themes and messages. They talk about philosophy, literature, and address social issues. These not only enlighten their audience but also encourage them to promote the ideas to others. In many of their lyrics, one can find references to mental health, LGBTQ rights, societal expectations, and its subsequent pressures, materialism, and the quest for independence, among others. The boys often write these lyrics from their experiences and understanding, and this helps them connect with their fans who identify with such issues.

Mesmerising and powerful performances

K-pop acts are known for their powerful performances which include singing, dancing, and audience engagement. BTS also follow the same routine but add a touch of their own to own the stage. They are known to put their best foot forward and experiment with something new at every stage performance. Their appeal and charm transcended the language barrier. Their music videos have always been stunning with the perfect collaboration of dance, style, props, and sets that are known to add to intricate theories.

The bond between BTS and ARMY

Apart from the phenomenal performances and soulful music, the best part about BTS is their sincere and unconditional love for their fans, the ARMY. During concerts, meetups, or even in day-to-day life, one can observe their unwavering love for the ARMY. And, this love is reciprocated in equal amount. At the concerts, the every-hyped audience channelizes the energy to the boys with their chants and singing. In daily life, they send messages of positivity and cheer to them.

Hold numerous records to their name

There’s no denying that BTS’ music transcends nationality, race, and geography. They’ve created heart-warming music that has reached new milestones and have set records. From holding the record for the music video with the most views in 24 hours in 2019, with ‘Boy with Luv‘ (featuring Halsey) from Map of the Soul: Persona to creating the first K-pop album to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and the first K-pop act to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Artist 100 Chart, BTS has done it all. Their world tours that sell out within minutes are proof of their popularity and demand. Furthermore, they have addressed the United Nations 73rd General Assembly and have also paralleled the record of The Beatles of having three Billboard No. 1 within a year.

BTS is a mix of talent, charm, originality, and hard work — a combination truly hard to come across. It’s no wonder that they surpass expectations to set new highs and receive love and appreciation for their choices. What are your thoughts on BTS? Pen them down in the comment section.