BTS: The Trailblazers of K-Pop
How 7 Men Became Stars & Paved The Way For K-Pop In The Modern Music Industry
By Chrissy James
Who would've thought that a small, underfunded company like BigHit Entertainment would ever bring rookie hip-hop group Bangtan Sonyeondan (or BTS for short), to sensational fame? Most people wouldn't have, which is exactly why the group faced excessive backlash and discrimination from other established and prevalent public musical figures. However, clearly it wasn't enough, considering BTS has managed to gut their way through all existing competitors in the industry, forever redefining K-Pop as a genre of music and a cultural experience.
Bad Boy Rookies
On June 13th, 2013, BTS released their debut album 2 Cool 4 Skool, a hip-hop discography that detailed their experiences as emerging artists in the Korean Music scene. The album talked about personal experiences with critics while also exclaiming their hopes and dreams as musicians. Let's look at more context. BigHit Entertainment, was a small, underground label that couldn't even afford a studio when producing for BTS. Mixing and mastering in a garage, the 7 boys would then experience immense pressure from society to over-perform due to the lack of luxuries the company could provide. Early fans can even remark their signature look, wearing fake designer clothing, fake chains and sunglasses to portray themselves as quote on quote "Bulletproof," and badass.
Despite coming from little start-up capital and having massive competitors, the label persevered and helped BTS leave the rookie category by 2015 when they released their albumThe Most Beautiful Meaning of Life Pt.1. The trilogy was a core part of their rise to fame, as BTS became one of the first K-Pop groups to talk about gritty issues such as mental health, and self-love while also delving into notions of youth and discovery. It was also the first album where all 7 members played a heavy role in the song-writing and production process.
How To Get That Bread 101: Brotherhood.
Part of BTS' appeal has not only been their incredible musicality and dashing looks, but it also has a lot to do with their dynamic relationships with one another. As Min Yoongi, also known as Suga from BTS, states when talking about their the group's relationships, “We’re real brothers, period."
Fans have always appreciated the authenticity and genuine love the group has for one another, making their music feel a bit more special. Many K-Pop groups actually suffer from disbandment due to difficulty among members. But this level of cooperation and bonding was a driving force for BTS which helped them prolifically produce music and comebacks for fans. Their common love and dedication to their craft never went unnoticed.
Fans also appreciate the imagery and elaborate storylines of their songs. The Most Beautiful Moment in Life not only talks about mental health and self-discovery, but it does so through a built-in story line where each member has their own vice or struggle they are grappling with. It was a great campaign that hooked listeners in, giving them a way to learn about the self through with eye-catching and touching visuals.
Where Has The Time Gone? & Where Are We Going?
Over the past few years, BTS has accomplished a lot! They charted multiple American and Western music awards, making space for Asian entertainment in international spaces. They came out with their own show called Run BTS where they did challenges, advertised their songs, and flaunted their brotherly bonds which grew their fanbase significantly. They toured multiple countries, outsold stadiums and helped contribute up to $5 billion in revenue towards the South Korean Economy. They've collaborated with artists from all over the world, while continuing to show up and represent their heritage. They've paved a way for K-Pop and Asian media for many before them, even being called the Beatles of Korea.
After multiple wins, the 7 men temporarily disbanded in 2022 to fulfill their mandatory service. Yet even before, during, and after that, each member has individually released their own EPs and albums. Even as they've recently finished their terms, BigHit has confirmed that BTS will be having their first World Tour since enlisting in 2026, which has ARMYs (the name of their fanbase) overjoyed.