As most of us know, “There are people who make things happen, there are people who watch things happen, and there are people who wonder what happened. To be successful, you need to be a person who makes things happen.” and to be a person who makes things happen, this particular individual must work through nights, days disregarding what is happening or what will happen.
Nevertheless this success must grow from a tree, with deep roots set in shallow waters of passion and desire. However, it must be noted that this story of success is not about a single person but about seven individuals, who have raced with blood, sweat and tears in order to achieve what they are today.
The theory of success applies to almost every field in the world, to which the Industry of Entertainment is not a stranger. From singing to acting all things take up a lot of courage as well as effort.
All round the previous years the letters ‘BTS’ may have not been infamous to most, but maybe an introduction will do better. Bangtan Sonyeondan or BTS, debuting in 2013, immensely active till the present consists of seven boys from various parts of South Korea.
Gaining worldwide recognition through their single ‘DNA’, the path they created for themselves by producing, and writing their own songs is extremely remarkable. The band includes members; Kim Namjoon (RM), Kim Seokjin (Jin), Min Yoongi (Suga), Jung Hoseok (Jhope), Park Jimin (Jimin), Kim Taehyung (V) along with Jeon Jungkook (JK). Often focusing on issues faced by the common youth, they extended the message of ‘Love yourself’ widely.
Releasing their record breaking act ‘Dynamite’ last year, they were again capable of reaching limitless heights. Not only have they created great music but also attended the UN General Assembly in 2018, where leader RM spoke, “Tell me your story. I want to hear your voice, and I want to hear your conviction. No matter who you are, where you’re from, your skin colour, gender identity: speak yup.”, spreading the message of individualism to every corner of the world.
South Korea follows a strict policy when it comes to the entertainment field. Artists are expected to feed in numerous standards whether old or young. Most of the time artists are expected to go on strict diets and follow tough workouts.
Therefore, it was no exception for BTS, but to get past these. Starting their early formation in 2010, including team members, RM, Suga and Jhope, to be later joined by the remaining four, their starting pebbles were somewhat hopeless to which they even doubted the group’s debut. They began their career in a garage, where they used old technology to record songs, and also had to dance in front of a foggy mirror for more than 12 hours a day.
They were finally fit to debut under the company ‘BigHit Entertainment’. The scenario of BigHit didn’t appear to be a great one though, a company spat at by various other big entertainment companies, bringing them to be held out of many broadcasts.
However, the faith they had in the seven boys were incredible enough to bring them to the top of the world. Initially held at the agreement to debut as a Hip-Hop group, Bang Shi-hyuk, their primary producer, decided that having something like a ‘hero’ who speaks behalf of them without them speaking a single word for youth was more compatible than the initial plan.
Debut
Debuting on the 13th of June, 2013 with their Single album ‘2 Cool 4 Skool’. This single album topped number 5 on top selling charts locally, unfortunately it’s subsequent single “We are bulletproof Pt. 2” failed to chart.
This era of BTS accompanied fierce visuals including old-school, hip hop sounds. Their first, although ignored, focused mainly on how one sided the society is towards teenage dreams, demolishing freedom of teens, subduing their likes etc. In the same year they released ‘O!RUL8,2?’, an extended play, which had it’s single N.O peaked at the number 92.
This era once again was considerably devastating for the artist, with going on near bankruptcy. They were very much determined to close it all within a space of months, and move on normally.
But seeing a small number of fans that stayed behind for them made them better and stronger with belief. Following through, in 2014 they put out the album ‘School Luv Affair’ which brought them success to have their first ever fan meeting.
Later the same year they were able to hold a Concert in the US for 200 or so fans for free.
Thereafter, they exhibited the band’s first ever Korean Studio Album ‘Dark & Wild’. As expected by the standard of the South Korean music industry, for each artist or artists to be victorious they must achieve awards at various music chart shows like ‘Music Bank’. Being a band they didn’t get this privilege until 2015.
As mentioned above, 2015 marked a special incident in the troupe’s history. Acing with their latest single ‘I Need U’, they were able to gain their first ever Music Show Win, giving them hope and better understanding regarding viewer’s liking. The same year they conducted the ‘Red Bullet Tour’, touring along cities in Asia, North America, Latin America and Oceania. Acknowledging their success they were capable enough to have several hits throughout the year.
The hits included ‘Fire’, ‘Save Me’ and ‘Run’. In the upcoming year they won their first ever major Korean Album of the Year Award at the Melon Music Awards. Becoming the first artist’s to win this award apart from artist’s in the Big 3 Companies (SM,YG and JYP), yet once again creating another landmark locally. Towards the end of that year, a clear established path which they long awaited was granted.
Fame
The year 2017 highlights the worldwide acclaim they received after ‘Mic Drop’, ‘Spring Day’ and ‘DNA’, all of which charted in the Billboards Chart one after the other.
With fame around the world they made their US TV debut and also became the first K-Pop group to perform in the American Music Awards, bringing them more and more fans. Soon enough, they were one step close to something they never believed to have.
In 2018 they launched their ‘Love Yourself’ album series, which got the attention of the United Nations. This year included ‘Idol’ a famous hit by the boys. 2018 brought them more than initially targeted, they hosted their first ever stadium concert at Citi-Field, in New York. Surprisingly, the tickets were sold out within the space of 20 minutes. At the end of the year, a lot of awards were waiting for them to take home. One of the big scale Awards shows MAMA’s main four awards were captured by them in an instance.
With such acts, they presented an award at the Grammy Awards in February of 2019 February. Following Accolades in Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, etc. Bringing perfect performances on Voice and Britain’s Got talent, they express how much love they received from their fans. Releasing the band’s sixth extended play ‘Map of the Soul: Persona’ that year, the EP topped charts with it’s singles countless times.
Moving out from that year, BTS stepped into an Golden Era unknown to them. Embarking on a journey of seven years together as seven members, they decided to commemorate their anniversary by releasing another album ‘Map of Soul 7’ prior to the pandemic.
This album was called ‘Magnum Opus’. It became a hit within a few days after being sold out by minutes. All these wasn’t what made the year unforgettable. Midst the pandemic they released their first ever English Single ‘Dynamite’, for which the music video broke YouTube premiere records with three million viewers.
Setting out once again without much expectations, According to RM ‘Dynamite’ was a song which they presented for people to have fun in the pandemic. They took it very far, further than what they imagined in 2013 when the troupe debuted. Cornering into a Grammy nomination whilst being the first K-Pop act to do so, They valued nothing more than the love of their fans, ‘Army’.
Later, including ‘BE’ into the list of their albums, Bangtan closed the year with participation on Award shows and an Online concert. Here in the present year, they set with singles like ‘Film out’, ‘Butter’, and ‘Permission to Dance’. Out of which ‘Butter’ was selected as ‘Song of Summer’ at VMA’s very recently.
Powerful band
Being a part of the Western music industry by collaborating with artists like Halsey, Steve Aoki, Nikki Minaj, Megan thee stallion, Max, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Jason Derulo, Lauv, JuiceWrld, Charlie XCX, Zara Larsson and The Chainsmokers. BTS are a powerful band in the 21st century.
However, not many people know how much hatred and criticism they experience from viewers at times. Once accused of plagiarism, it was devastating seeing how people treated them due to false news. Not only plagiarism, but they also faced racism. The fact that they are Asian doesn’t mean they have no talent. Apparently, Asia out of all continents is the largest, which makes it a centre of culture and creativity.
However, many people are fed to a gospel that high, record breaking music is only for Europeans.
But well, then why would this band still be here? Nothing else but it’s just they are here, their hard work, creativity, content, presentation and else what are perfect to fit in the standards of Western music industry.
Legacy
Young, with full of passion BTS has created a legacy of their own, if it is to be looked at the band’s legacy doesn’t come from their awards or achievements. In fact, the legacy is itself created by their music. For example take a look at their latest ‘Permission To Dance’, this song was a very hopeful song signaling the end of Covid-19.
The title isn’t a typical title, it is shuffled from the topic ‘Stories on Pandemic’, this clearly brings out how much they focus on creativity when writing their notes. Comprehending sound on the theme ‘Finding Oneself’, creating another legacy, they have influenced many artists to add the theme among their lines too.
Giving these messages, they even now given value several other sayings from the past, “Music doesn’t have a language, It itself is a Language”, BTS is a K-Pop band so they mostly sing in their tongue of Korean, but that hasn’t ever affected listeners to push their music aside. Army’s around the world claim that their music itself is a different language speaking to the world on behalf of Youth.
A Legacy created will maybe forgotten, but in this case it seems their legacy is Immortal.
Fans
Climbing high as the rock band ‘The Beatles’, these seven boys have created the world’s biggest, proudest, happiest, craziest fandom, The Army. Armed with Army Bombs, the official lightstick of the band, they are some of the most loyal fans in the world.
Their fans prove that they were able to meet new people around the world due to the connection from the troupe. It’s simply amazing what they are doing just by using their voices and dancing.
Nevertheless, the fans say that they are given a different sort of comfort when listening to the songs. Not only achieving milestones internationally, nationally too they have achieved more than many other artists. In the music video of ‘Idol’, they referenced the hanbok, national wear of South Korea. Increasing attention towards the country. All their hard work made them to be one of the “best things South Korea ever did”.
Mentioned by President Moon Jae-In on many occasions, on July 21st they were set as special Presidential Envoy for Future Generations and Culture, appointed with responsibility to raise awareness among young people for sustainable development, the band represented their country in many international events, subsequently at the 76th UN General Assembly.
Gifted Diplomatic passports by the president, they are often introduced as ‘South Korea’s Pride’, to be known that not only their mother’s and father’s but also the Army is really proud of their work.
Anti-violence program
Launching the campaign ‘Love Myself’ alongside UNICEF, an anti-violence program in 2018, BTS uplifted consciousness regarding oneself, Often writing songs about suicide, loss, mental health issues, female empowerment it wasn’t a new thing to upraise the voices of the unheard to license them for a new day.
We only see the nice flower bouquet, for which the florist’s hands have worked tirelessly, similarly Bangtan’s struggle was real too. RM’s mother, who opposed her son’s rapping dream, broke her son’s computer and mic in order to stop him focusing on music.
Another member Suga too fought with money, he mentioned that there were times he had to choose between transportation or food, making it hard.
There were days for the group when not all had enough food, living in a cramped room with one washroom didn’t ever improve the state. Nonetheless, their effort plus teamwork brought them far. Clearly seen it’s the tough work that made them who they are today. They still have a prosperous road to go far, and climb more heights better than any.
The band Bangtan Sonyeondan, selling out stadiums like Seoul Olympic, Rose bowl, Wembley etc, creating hopes in young people all over the world, serving a responsibility of expressing their culture overseas and of course creating the best music for years to come has garnered the title “The Best Boy Band in the World”.
Humbly accepting and receiving the recognition, it’s the band’s perfect qualities that highlight them. To those who think “oh it’s because of their wide fan base”, just come out and think better, it’s the attractive content that brings in a new Army everyday. BTS has become a keen inspiration ruling the today’s world, not to forget they have brought up a new look towards the industry with a general theme.
Seven boys from seven different small places have become ‘Immortal Legends’ of an ‘Immortal Legacy’.
