In order to become popular in the international music scene, you have to work hard, and BTS is a good example of that. The group has distinguished itself from other K-Pop groups with the power of its lyrics with meaningful messages, and with the help of its dazzling and charismatic performances. Kim YoungDae offers us an analysis of the success of this group, unique for its exceptional journey. For this, he surrounded himself with music professionals in order to have a broader overview of the phenomenon that is BTS. Let’s have a look at BTS’ career together! “BTS: The review” (2019) Book Review Author: Kim YoungDae Publisher: RH Korea Length: 286 pages ASIN: B07QJZ1WFZ
The Hip-Hop Idols
Before BTS became what it is today, namely a group with millions of records sold, artists such as BoA and PSY were able to find their audience beyond Korean borders, thus paving the way for the famous group. Now, the seven singers forming BTS; RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, JiMin, V, and JungKook are number one on the American, British, and Japanese music charts, and more. Their success is undeniable, even if the path traveled has been strewn with obstacles, each more difficult than the other to overcome.
— 방탄소년단 (@BTS_twt) May 23, 2015 This glory is such that thousands of people take their seats in stadiums around the world to see the group breaking all records. It has been proved once again this weekend when the group hold a free concert in the city of Busan, South Korea. However, BTS sees the birth of its fanbase, the ARMYs, in the United States, after having suffered derogatory remarks in Korea following its debut in 2013. The group breaks the codes by claiming to be a hip-hop group, which Koreans considered too effeminate and unworthy of attention, especially since BTS was not from a major production agency like YG, JYP, or SM. From their debut, however, the boys were able to stand out from the K-Pop musical stage of that time with their complaints against society, tearing young adolescents away from their dreams of hope for a better world. With hip-hop and R&B sounds, the group debuts, being ready to respond to anyone denigrating its productions.
— 방탄소년단 (@BTS_twt) May 5, 2015 RM, Suga, and J-Hope, rappers of the group, lead the group during the first albums of BTS’ career, highlighting the cruelty of society, while vocalists, Jin, JiMin, V, and JungKook sing the ideal future they wish to have. The boys’ messages are raw, aggressive, and heartbreaking, but there are always hints of hope here and there. It is with this authenticity in its music that BTS has found its fans all over the world to build a career as impressive as it is today, drawing direct inspiration from the members’ experiences. “Stop telling me to switch the path, hey, take care of your own business” - ‘No More Dream’
The New Model of Kpop
The success of BTS is hardly surprising since it follows the already pre-traced path of its elders, namely BoA, H.O.T, Big Bang, Super Junior, Psy, and so many others. However, BTS’ success is unprecedented, as day after day, the group is breaking records, receiving awards, and gaining fans at an impressive rate like no K-Pop group or artist has succeeded before. Moreover, it is common for Korean entertainment agencies to recruit members of foreign origin to form their groups in order to reach a wider audience; which is not the case with BTS. The seven members are all Korean, and proud to represent their country wherever they go.
— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) December 25, 2017 One of the other peculiarities of the group is its origin: a small agency little known to the public, which with the help of a single group manages to become in a few years the first agency in the country in terms of income. That agency is Big Hit Entertainment [now Big Hit Music, under HYBE Label], which pushes its artists to develop their abilities by allowing them to write their songs and compose their music. BTS has been able to win the hearts of Koreans gradually, and of so many others around the world, with the sincerity that emanates from the touching words of seven boys simply wishing to live “the most beautiful moment of their lives”. “They point fingers at me, but I don’t care at all. Whatever the reason for your criticism is” - Idol
The World’s Most Popular Pop Group
With the rise in popularity of BTS on the international music scene, a new phenomenon has emerged: that of “BTS fans”. Usually, it is common to proclaim yourself a “K-Pop fan” by liking one or more K-Pop groups. However, more and more people claim to be fans only of BTS (the phenomenon even sees the amusing term “BTS-Pop” being born on social networks). This particularly applies to the United States where the success of the group is more than affirmed, being the only Korean group to have been nominated at major award ceremonies such as the BBMA, AMA, or more recently, the Grammys.
— 방탄소년단 (@BTS_twt) May 22, 2017 After winning the “Top Social Artist” award at the Billboard Music Awards for several years in a row, BTS asserts its position as the most popular group in the world. However, the seven artists do not forget their roots since they often allude to Korea in their lyrics or video clips. Despite their rich activities mainly in Japan and the United States, they affirm it: they are first and foremost Koreans and nothing will change, as their song ‘Idol’ demonstrates. BTS’ music, although Korean (with the exception of three English titles), manages to reach people of all ages, genders, and races. The authenticity of its titles largely explains how this Korean group knew how to gain a very diversified fanbase while raising awareness for the right causes. Indeed, the members of BTS are leveraging their popularity to lend their voices to campaigns for UNICEF, and have even held speeches at the United Nations, a first for a K-Pop group.
— 방탄소년단 (@BTS_twt) November 19, 2016 The story of their success is yet to be written, and Kim Youngdae is well aware of it. BTS represents a source of fascination for many, and who knows when an artist will have the same path. If you want to understand the source of the BTS phenomenon, you will find in his book analyses of the group’s discography, as well as a number of interviews with journalists, critics, and composers dissecting the path that BTS traces. “Yeah, the past was honestly the best. But my best is what comes next” - Yet to Come Kpopmap Rating : 9/10 If you are a fan, or just curious about BTS, this book is for you! Let us know in the comment below what you think of the group BTS!
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