BTS: A Journey from Pre-Debut to Global Superstardom

K-pop (Korean Pop) is a genre of music originating in South Korea, characterized by a fusion of various musical elements such as hip hop, R&B, EDM, and traditional Korean music. K-pop has gained worldwide popularity in recent years, especially among young people, with the help of social media platforms such as YouTube and Twitter.

K-pop groups typically consist of several members, and they often undergo rigorous training in singing, dancing, and acting before their debut. K-pop is known for its high-energy dance routines, colorful and elaborate music videos, and catchy pop melodies. K-pop has also become a cultural phenomenon, with its own fashion trends, beauty standards, and fandom culture.

There are numerous K-pop groups, each with their own unique style, sound, and fan base. Here are some of the most popular K-pop groups:

1. BTS - A seven-member group known for their socially conscious lyrics, intricate choreography, and global popularity.
2. BLACKPINK - A four-member girl group known for their fierce performances, stylish music videos, and collaborations with Western artists.
3. EXO - A nine-member group known for their powerful vocals and intricate dance routines, as well as their unique concept of being "aliens" from another planet.
4. TWICE - A nine-member girl group known for their catchy pop hooks and colorful music videos.
5. Red Velvet - A five-member girl group known for their versatile music style and experimental concepts.
6. NCT - A large, ever-expanding group with multiple sub-units, known for their high-energy performances and innovative music.
7. Stray Kids - A nine-member group known for their self-produced music and intense choreography.
8. ATEEZ - An eight-member group known for their powerful performances and unique blend of traditional Korean and Western music.

These are just a few examples, as there are many more K-pop groups with their own dedicated fan bases.

A Journey with BTS

BTS, also known as the Bangtan Boys, is a seven-member South Korean boy band that has taken the music world by storm. The group includes members RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, who all possess their unique musical talents, dance skills, and personalities. BTS has redefined K-pop music and culture with their blend of hip hop, pop, and R&B, and their meaningful lyrics that often address societal issues, mental health, and self-love. 

BTS Yet to Come cr. Hybe

From their pre-debut days to 2023, BTS has become one of the biggest and most influential music acts in the world, breaking numerous records both in South Korea and internationally, and setting new standards for K-pop and global pop music with a massive fan base known as the ARMY. Here is a summary of some of the major events and milestones for BTS during this time:

• Pre-debut: The seven members of BTS, RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, were recruited by Big Hit Entertainment through auditions and trainee programs starting from 2010. They underwent rigorous training in singing, dancing, and performing, and built a strong bond and sense of teamwork.

• 2013: BTS made their official debut with the single "No More Dream" from their first single album "2 Cool 4 Skool". The group faced initial skepticism and criticism for their hip-hop influenced style and socially conscious lyrics, but gradually gained popularity and recognition, particularly among young and international fans.

• In 2014, BTS released their first studio album "Dark & Wild", which included hit singles such as "Danger" and "War of Hormone". The album peaked at number 2 on the Gaon Album Chart, solidifying the group's status as rising stars in the K-pop industry.

• In 2015, BTS released their third mini-album "The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Part 1", which marked a turning point for the group. The album's lead single "I Need U" became a massive hit and won several awards, while the music video for the song introduced the group's "HYYH" (The Most Beautiful Moment in Life) storyline, which would become a major theme in their music and visuals.

• In 2016, BTS released their second studio album "Wings", which became a major commercial success and helped the group gain more international recognition. The album included hit singles such as "Blood Sweat & Tears" and "Spring Day", and debuted at number 26 on the US Billboard 200 chart, the highest ever for a K-pop album at the time.

• 2017: BTS continued their upward trajectory with the release of their mini-album "Love Yourself: Her", which included the global hit single "DNA". The group embarked on their "Wings" world tour, selling out venues in North and South America, Europe, and Asia, and becoming the first K-pop act to perform at the American Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards. The group also launched their "Love Yourself" campaign, promoting self-love and acceptance through their music and message.

BTS Fake Love cr. Korean Herald

• 2018: BTS reached new heights of success with the release of their third studio album "Love Yourself: Tear", which became the first K-pop album to debut at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album included hit singles such as "Fake Love" and "Idol", and earned BTS numerous awards and nominations, including at the Grammy Awards. The group also embarked on their "Love Yourself" world tour, selling out stadiums and arenas around the world and becoming one of the highest-grossing tours of the year.

So from their debut in 2013 to 2018, they went from being a relatively unknown K-pop group to a group with millions of fans around the world. From 2019 to 2022, it was clear that BTS impact on the global music industry would become a force to reckon with;

• In 2019, BTS released their album "Map of the Soul: Persona", which debuted at #1 on the US Billboard 200 chart, making them the first group since The Beatles to have three #1 albums in less than a year. The lead single "Boy With Luv" featuring Halsey became their highest-charting song on the US Hot 100 chart at the time, peaking at #8.

• In 2019, BTS embarked on their "Love Yourself: Speak Yourself" world tour, which included stadium shows in major cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Paris, and São Paulo. The tour was a huge success, grossing over $170 million and breaking attendance records in several cities.

• In 2020, BTS released their album "Map of the Soul: 7", which debuted at #1 on the US Billboard 200 chart and became their fourth #1 album in the US. The lead single "ON" became their 20th top 10 hit on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart. They then forced to cancel their "Map of the Soul" world tour due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, they adapted quickly by holding online concerts and events, including their "Bang Bang Con" virtual concert, which drew millions of viewers from around the world.

• That same year, BTS became the first Korean act to receive a Grammy nomination, with their single "Dynamite" being nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.

• In 2021, BTS released their album "BE", which they described as a reflection of their emotions and experiences during the pandemic. The album debuted at #1 on the US Billboard 200 chart, making them the first group to have five #1 albums in less than two years since The Beatles. They again made history by topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart with their single "Butter", which became their fourth #1 hit on the chart. They also broke several streaming and sales records with the song, which became a global phenomenon.

BTS Grammy performance cr. GettyImage

• In 2022, BTS released their album "Proof", which included several of the band's singles through the years; a selection of discography "favourites" chosen by the band members; and various demos and previously unreleased tracks like Yet To Come, For Youth. 

• In 2023 - present, each member of the group will be pursuing solo projects and collaborations. Jhope with Jack in the box, Jin with Astronaut, RM with Indigo and Jimin with his solo album, Face.  

Objectively speaking, BTS has made a tremendous impact on the music industry, not only in South Korea but also globally. They have redefined K-pop music and culture, inspiring a new era of music and creating a new platform for Korean artists to gain international recognition. Their music and message have resonated with millions of fans worldwide, and they have used their influence to raise awareness of important societal issues such as mental health and self-love. BTS has become a cultural phenomenon, transcending language and cultural barriers and inspiring many people worldwide. BTS' influence has gone beyond music, making them global icons and ambassadors of Korean culture.