In 2013, BTS (aka the Bangtan Boys) stepped onto the K-pop scene thanks to record label Big Hit Entertainment. Members Kim Namjoon (RM), Kim Seokjin (Jin), Min Yoongi (Suga), Jung Hoseok (J-Hope), Park Jimin, Kim Taehyung (V), and Jeon Jungkook.
All seven members hail from layered backgrounds like hip-hop and professional dance, proving their expertise in the entertainment industry. Originally a hip-hop group, BTS quickly became a force in South Korea – and around the world – thanks to the constant growth of its music, lyrics, and on-stage charisma.
BTS released its first single, “No More Dream,” from its debut album 2 Cool 4 Skool in 2013. The album’s hip-hop elements set the tone for BTS’s early career. The group showed off its talent with various multi-language album releases in Korean and Japanese. Dark & Wild, Wake Up, and The Most Beautiful Moment in Life Pt. 1 & 2 offered glimpses into BTS’s potential in K-pop.
In 2016, BTS’s second Korean LP Wings sold one million copies in South Korea, solidifying its spot as a rising group in music. Singles like “Blood Sweat & Tears” helped the album skyrocket. An official part two release of Wings titled You Never Walk Alone continued where the previous album’s left in 2017. A resounding message of hope remained a recurring theme throughout the lineup of must-have records.
As BTS’s success continued to grow, so did its worldwide status. The septet’s 2017 singles “DNA” and “Mic Drop” kick-started its rise on the U.S. charts. It was no surprise the initial EP release Love Yourself: Her was also highly successful.
By a new all-time high in South Korea and number seven in the U.S., the nine-track album secured another win for one of K-pop’s best. Love Yourself: Her experimented with a variety of genres, including electro-pop and hip-hop. Not only did BTS stick to its roots, but it also delivered a sneak peek into its creative versatility.
Following a string of U.S. TV appearances, BTS set out to take the world by storm. Like the band’s previous albums, Love Yourself: Her was the beginning of a unique three-album series. First, BTS released the Japanese-language LP Face Yourself. Later, the follow-up Love Yourself: Tear marked the band’s first U.S. number one hit.
A collaboration with Nicki Minaj on the single “Idol” helped the next LP, Love Yourself: Answer, gain more traction. Not only did BTS sell over one million copies of the third installment of the Love Yourself series in South Korea, the album also topped charts in the U.S.
BTS’s status as a worldwide pop phenom took a significant turn with its Map of the Soul: Persona era. Additional collabs with famous American artists like Halsey on “Boy with Luv” helped the group obtain a third number one LP in the U.S. Soon enough, BTS became one of the most in-demand musicians in the pop industry. It continued to break records with Map of the Soul: 7 and Map of the Soul: 7 — The Journey in 2020.
More recent singles like “Dynamite,” “Butter,” and “Permission to Dance” were radio hits. BTS’s signature high-energy sound and lyrics captivated fans and casual listeners alike. In the meantime, concert documentary films, mobile games, award show performances, and collaborations featuring artists like Snoop Dogg, Coldplay, Zara Larrson, and Charli XCX allowed BTS to break down barriers as a South Korean artist.
Along with incredible album sales, BTS embarked on sold-out world tours. With choreographed dance sequences and flashy stage setups, the boy band put on quite the show for its loyal fanbase.
Individual style sets BTS apart from the typical boy band. Perhaps that’s why the septet’s status as a music phenom is an undeniable feat.
Along with incredible album sales, BTS embarked on several sold-out world tours throughout its career. With choreographed dance sequences and flashy stage setups, the band put on quite the show for its loyal fanbase. The same went for TV appearances on late-night talk shows, award ceremonies, and more.
Despite BTS’s recent hiatus announcement, its popularity continues to grow, especially with a long list of music awards under its belt. Some of them include nine AMAs, 10 MTV VMAs, and 12 BMAs. Not to mention two well-deserved Grammy nominations from the Recording Academy.
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