Korean Pop, or simply K-Pop, has long proven that it is a force to be reckoned with. Sure, bands hailing from the Asian country are famous for their groovy hits that can light up any party even if no one understands a word being said in the chart-topping songs.
In fact, Korean pop music has become such an international sensation that some of its well-known bands have replaced popular singers around the world. Perhaps the biggest group and the one most of us are familiar with is BTS – who doesn’t know the iconic Korean boy band that has stolen millions of hearts with its good looks and catchy tunes?
What is BTS?
The group, consisting of Jimin, V, Suga, Rm, J-hope, Jin, and Jungkook, quickly expanded its reach to the United States after conquering Asia. The Korean stars aren’t just known for their good looks and flawless skin, but also for their remarkable talent. They continue to push themselves and reap amazing rewards, including dethroning some of the music industry’s record-holders.
Formed in 2013 by Big Hit, BTS, or Bangtan Boys, was initially introduced as a hip-hop boy band and has since ventured into other genres.
Interestingly, opportunities for international tours started opening up for the band the following year after it attracted attention at the KCON in Los Angeles — this was long before the band was famous even in their own country. From then on, the United States became their second home.
Carving Name in the Industry
There’s no doubt that they are destined for greatness. They also have one of the strongest fan base, called ARMY, which stands for Adorable Representative M.C for Youth.
As with any other stars, the biggest money-making factor would be the audience and because BTS has a massive number of supporters around the globe, it became easy for the group to make it to the top.
They can arguably be compared to the Beatles, after their albums Love Yourself: Answer, Love Yourself: Tear, and Map of the Soul: Persona, tied with the English group to have claimed three Billboard No. 1 albums in one year.
Unseating Taylor Swift
But besting others seems to be one of the things the band has a natural gift for. Some of the other artists they ousted included pop star Taylor Swift for the record of the most number of views on a music video in 24 hours.
The Blank Space hitmaker’s ME! had previously held the title with 65.2 million views, but BTS’ Boy With Luv, which amassed 74.6 million views in the same timeframe, easily stole the record from the 29-year-old.
Awards
This year, they went home with gold after snatching two awards at the Billboard Music Awards – the first one for the Top Duo category, beating Panic! At the Disco, Maroon 5, Dan + Shay, and even Imagine Dragons.
They also won a second award for the Top Social Artist category winning against Ariana Grande, Louis Tomlinson, and K-Pop groups EXO and GOT7.
Dubbed by some as K-Pop princes, it is likely that they will keep on soaring and breaking records. Many expect that BTS will continue to be popular in the ever-unforgiving US market. The septet has also worked with big names in the industry like Halsey and Nicki Minaj, even making an appearance on Saturday Night Live.
