BTS: The Band That Changed K-Pop
You've surely heard BTS' second English-language hit “Butter” on the radio, or perhaps you've heard Megan Thee Stallion's remix of the song on TikTok . Bang PD of BigHit Music Entertainment put together a seven-member K-pop boy band called BTS. The band consists of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Junkook. RM is the leader of the group. Jimin, Jin, V and Jungkook are all a part of the vocal line. RM, Suga, and J-Hope are a part of the rap line.
The hip-hop song, “No More Dream”, marked the group's debut in the summer of 2013. Their music has gone through several eras since then. In 2016, Wings marked the beginning of the third BTS era, which was characterized by each member's own solo song. In 2017, the Love Yourself era began. Through four stages - beginning, development, turn, and conclusion - the series explored the process of loving oneself. The album Love Yourself was about the joy and happiness that comes with falling in love. Through award shows and other activities, "DNA" became the track that introduced them to a much wider audience in the western industry. It also helped them in creating a new look and sound. The song focuses on the expression of a young, passionate love, which is a shift from the band's previous songs.
RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook have all worked hard to get to where they are now, whether it's through album releases or breaking records. BTS has been rapidly increasing in popularity since their debut. From winning their first MTV award to being nominated for a Grammy and being the first boy band to perform at the United Nations General Assembly, they've accomplished a lot. Right now, BTS is the most popular boy band in the world. The Seoul-based band is the first Korean act to reach the top of the Billboard Hot 100.
Aside from their music, one thing that distinguishes this band from others is their attention to more important issues such as mental health. BTS made history by being the first K-pop group to address the United Nations General Assembly in September of 2018. Their "Love Myself" campaign, which was developed in collaboration with UNICEF, was aimed at preventing youth violence and increasing global education for those in need.
BTS' major comeback is just around the corner, with their first anthology, Proof, set to be released on June 10th. Three new songs will be released three days before the K-pop group's ninth debut anniversary. According to BigHit music, the first CD track will act as "The Diary of BTS." While the album lists all of BTS's title singles in chronological order, “Born Singer”, a remastered version of the group's 2013 song, kicks off this 19-track CD. The boys share their story of trying to make it in the music industry and the feelings they've experienced a month after making their debut, using J.Cole's “Born Singer” remastered version as a soundtrack.
Proof will include three new songs that are said to explore their past, present, and future, as well as revisit prior releases. The album "Yet to Come," subtitled "The Most Beautiful Moment," is a direct parallel to the band's main storyline, which was established by their album trilogy issued between 2015 and 2016. BTS has been constantly growing year after year, hitting new records and releasing big singles.
