On September 24, 2021, BTS made history as the first South Korean band to perform and deliver a speech at the United Nations General Assembly. Their music's universal language resonated with a global audience, breaking linguistic barriers and fostering a sense of understanding. During their speech, BTS leader Kim Namjoon, known as RM, shared a heartfelt message emphasizing the power of youth and the importance of self-love and understanding amidst the world's challenges. One of his impactful quotes was, "No matter who you are, where you're from, your skin color, gender identity, just speak yourself. Find your name and find your voice by speaking yourself." This message struck a chord with the audience, inspiring countless individuals to embrace their identity and stand up against discrimination.
The excitement surrounding BTS's UN performance lies in their influential role as global ambassadors for positive change. Their music transcends borders, uniting a diverse fanbase called the "ARMY" in a worldwide community that advocates love, acceptance, and empathy.
Following their UN performance, BTS received an invitation to the White House to discuss racism and youth empowerment with President Biden. This invitation showcased their significant influence, not just within the entertainment industry but also in the realm of global diplomacy. As cultural ambassadors, BTS's influence goes beyond the music charts, transcending boundaries and fostering meaningful conversations on pressing social issues. The hype surrounding BTS's accomplishments underscores their influence to connect diverse communities and inspire a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
On 13 June 2023, BTS celebrated the 10 year anniversary of their debut. For the readers who don’t know about BTS or why BTS is cherished by millions, let us start by answering the above questions.
What is BTS?
K-pop emerged as a wave from the 1990s, which not only captured Asian attention, but also created hallyu (Korean wave implying the spread of South Korean popular culture) that reached the shores of the western world. But the hallyu captured the global attention with PSY’s Oppa Gangnam Style that became a hit in 2012. We remember being in school and listening to that song on radio, as YouTube and especially a personal computer, laptop or phone was a novelty for school kids back then. BTS debuted in 2013 on the backdrop of this k-pop that had a strong foothold in the korean music industry and k-pop’s rising global popularity.
BTS is one amongst the many Korean bands, but it is the one that has created history.
You might think we are using the phrase ‘creating history’ very casually but it is not so. Kim Namjoon aka RM, Kim Seokjin aka Jin, Min Yoongi aka Suga, Jung Hoseok aka j-hope, Park Jimin aka Jimin, Kim Taehyung aka V and Jeon Jungkook aka Jungkook are the seven members of BTS. Since they belonged to a small company called BigHit entertainment, BTS or Bangtan Sonyeondan meaning Bulletproof Boyscouts, was given very rough treatment in their early years. They didn’t have anyone to guide them, vouch for them or even support them. Their struggle is highlighted in the recent book “Beyond the Story” written by BTS and Myeongseok Kang.
The K-pop industry was ‘ruled’ by big companies that can be equated with our Bollywood production houses like Dharma production or Yash Raj films. Hence, for a small company to dream of such a team was in itself a big challenge. The concept of ‘band’ or ‘kpop group’ is quite different. Many people are aware of bands like The Beatles, Coldplay, One Direction, etc. But kpop groups are different for many reasons. First, k-pop groups are formed through an audition that leads to a set of trainees that are given training in vocals or rap or both, dancing and other aspects of an ‘idol’ career. This training can last for a few months to a few years and is a process of constant evaluation. It is through this rigorous process that a k-pop group debuts and they eventually become ‘idols’ which is not just an icon, but someone who leads and can be an inspiration for many. Hence, unlike western musicians, k-pop idols have to abide by some rules because their role is that of responsibility - responsibility of their fans who are mostly youngsters. In India actors like Amitabh Bacchan, Shah Rukh Khan and cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Mahendra Singh Dhoni are an inspiration for their fans. It is a hundred times more serious responsibility for korean idols.
Thus, to sum up, BTS is a k-pop group composed of seven idols who are not only singers, rappers and dancers but also lyricists and producers.
Who is BTS?
If we were to answer this question, we’d probably write a book of more than 800 pages. The members of BTS are: RM (leader, rapper), Jin (vocalist, eldest member), Suga (rapper, producer), j-hope (rapper, choreography leader), Jimin (vocalist, dancer), V (vocalist, is also an actor), Jungkook (main vocalist, youngest member).
But apart from this technical information, BTS is a unique amalgamation of seven different personalities coming together and creating a synergy that is irreplaceable. Each member has a different approach, different mindset and different personality, but together they move as one, sing as one and act as one. This is what makes BTS unique. Another element that differentiates them from others is that their fans never feel it is a one-way love. They love their fans equally and there is a constant communication between the members and their fans officially called ARMY (Adorable Representative MC for Youth). They always thank ARMY at every award function and keep us in their thoughts. Their series called ‘RUN BTS’ is a variety show where the members through different games are able to show the fans their true selves. Many fans often claim that these Run BTS episodes are a free therapy for them. What makes these seven people unique is that they don’t show just their “perfect image”. They are able to show their imperfections - their flaws, their shortcomings and sometimes even the thoughts of loneliness and depression. They highlight and cherish their hard work more than their successes and they never hide their failures. Throughout the years they have donated millions to charity and have partnered with UNICEF to promote self-love through their “Love myself” campaign. They have been nominated for Grammys thrice and continue to break records that have never been broken. There are countless awards and records that bear their name, and that list is very long. But for us, BTS is not defined by the wins in terms of awards, but by the impact their music holds.
1. "Epilogue: Young Forever (Album - The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever)
"Epilogue: Young Forever" is a heartfelt ode to youth and the passage of time. The song's soaring chorus encapsulates the desire to remain young and embrace the fleeting moments of life.
Significant Lyrics:
"Forever we are young
Under the flower petals raining down
I run, so lost in this maze
Forever we are young
Even when I fall and hurt myself
I keep running toward my dream"
2. "Life Goes On" (Album - BE)
Released during the unprecedented times of the pandemic, "Life Goes On" reassures listeners that even in the face of challenges, life continues, and hope prevails. This comforting track delivered a message of unity and resilience to BTS's global ARMY.
Lyrics:
"Like an echo in the forest
The day will come back around
As if nothing happened
Yeah, life goes on
Like an arrow in the blue sky
Another day flying by
On my pillow, on my table
Yeah, life goes on like this again"
3. "Epiphany" (Album - Love Yourself: Answer)
Sung by the talented vocalist Jin, "Epiphany" is a powerful ballad that conveys the message of self-love and acceptance. Jin's emotive vocals and the impactful lyrics make this song a standout in BTS's discography.
Lyrics:
"I'm the one I should love in this world
Shining me, precious soul of mine
I finally realized so I love me
Not so perfect but so beautiful
I'm the one I should love"
4. "Spring Day" (Album - You Never Walk Alone)
A beloved fan-favorite, "Spring Day" delves into themes of loss, longing, and the hope for a reunion. The song's emotive lyrics and wistful melodies struck a chord with listeners worldwide.
Lyrics:
"You know it all
You're my best friend
The morning will come again
No darkness, no season is eternal"
5. "Magic Shop" (Album - Love Yourself: Tear)
"Magic Shop" serves as a comforting embrace from BTS to their fans, offering solace and healing during challenging times. The song's warm lyrics and soothing harmonies create an emotional sanctuary for listeners.
Lyrics:
"Trust me, come to this place
Come to this magic shop
To the me who had stopped
Bring your choppy dreams and run"
6. "Make It Right" (Album - MAP OF THE SOUL: PERSONA)
A collaboration with singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, "Make It Right" expresses the determination to mend broken relationships and make amends. The song's heartfelt lyrics and catchy melody leave a lasting impression.
Lyrics:
"I was lost, I was trying to find the answer
In the world around me
Yeah, I was going crazy
All day, all night
You're the only one who understood me"
7. "00:00" (Zero O'clock) (Album - Map of the Soul:7)
This song talks about how there are days which are bad, days when nothing seems to be going well. BTS send Hope and optimism through the lyrics:
"Put my hands together to pray
Hoping that tomorrow I'll laugh more, for me
It'll be a better, for me
When this song ends
May a new song begin
Hoping that I'll be a little happier, yeah
.. and you're gonna be happy
.. and you're gonna be happy
I hold my breath for a very brief moment
And give myself a pat today, as well
.. and you're gonna be happy
.. and you're gonna be happy
Turn this all around
When everything is new, zero o'clock"
BTS's music has transcended language barriers and touched the hearts of millions globally. Their songs carry powerful messages of love, self-discovery, and perseverance, making them a source of inspiration for their devoted ARMY and other listeners. These selected tracks are a testament to BTS's artistry and their ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level.
BTS included international sign language in the music video of their song 'Permission to dance' which was released on July 9, 2021. Incorporating sign language into the music video and live performances of "Permission to Dance" was a conscious decision by BTS, driven by their desire to create a more inclusive and accessible experience for their diverse audience. By using sign language, BTS sent a powerful message that transcended language barriers and demonstrated their genuine concern for making their art universally understood and appreciated.
The choice to include sign language also aligned with BTS's values as artists who embrace their responsibility to positively impact society. Over the years, BTS has consistently used their platform to address important social issues, such as mental health, self-love, and equality. "Permission to Dance" reflects their commitment to creating a world where everyone can come together, regardless of differences, and celebrate the joy of music as a unifying force.
Why BTS?
This is a question which almost every parent of an ARMY asks their child. So let’s say that this is an answer from ARMY to those parents and society at large. “What is so special about those Korean boys?”, “How can you love their culture? Don’t you love India?”, “Do you even understand what they are singing or talking about?”, “Why are you wasting time by listening to some foreign songs?” - these and many such questions are bombarded on a person when that person says that they like BTS or any K-pop band. Many of the ARMY that we know became an ARMY when they were going through turbulent times. Our generation (GenZ) and those after us live in a very complicated society. Mental health issues are talk of the town, but there are very few parents who openly talk to their child about mental health. Seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist at such a young age is looked down upon not just by the society but even the parents who can see their child withering. There’s a concept called ‘broken homes’ which essentially means a family where the parents have divorced or separated. Though few families go through this, there are many issues with today’s families that spring from both parents being working parents and thereby the child is not given the time and attention he/she needs. Many parents have ambitions of their own and force them on their child. Burdened under the pressure of multitude of classes right from 5-6 years of age, the child grows in a stressful environment. This pressure concretizes itself when that child enters the competitive atmosphere of JEE/NEET/CET or other competitive examinations. Failure or even a setback can result in depression or other issues like anxiety, insomnia, etc which the child cannot deal with effectively. Most of the ARMY that we know of, became an ARMY when they were going through their hardest times. Some experienced academic failures, while some grew up in a complicated family devoid of love and attention. When you are going through something but cannot even communicate what you are going through becomes a tough phase to come out of. ARMYs usually say that we don’t find BTS, BTS finds us. We met BTS when we ourselves were going through a phase full of hardship, stress and depression. Our confidence was low and so was our self-esteem. But even though we had supportive family and friends we were not able to convey our feelings. Every ARMY has a BTS song that found them first and acted like the rescue hand they needed while they were drowning. BTS’s songs reflect this anxiety, depression and uncertainty that they themselves had experienced. But then they also give us songs that are full of optimism, hope and confidence. They are like our silent companions, patting on our backs and telling us that ‘You never walk alone’*. From not being able to smile to laughing wholeheartedly while watching Run BTS and from not being able to get out of the bed to being able to face our fears with our heads held high, BTS has helped us to help ourselves. They have taught us to love ourselves, irrespective of what the judgments of the society are. They have inspired us to work hard because even though we fail to achieve our goal, our hard work will help us achieve great things.
We love BTS because in a world of English, they proudly produce music that is Korean and that teaches us to love our own languages. We love BTS because unlike most of the songs in the current Indian music industry that revolve around love and alcohol and materializing women and their bodies, BTS’s songs send a message of self-love, equality, struggles and self-growth. Just because we love k-pop doesn’t mean we don’t value our music or culture. In a world of globalization where there’s so much interconnectedness, isn’t this thought very narrow, that if we love some other culture then we don’t love ours? Psychologists have confirmed that we believe in and incorporate things we listen to often, including songs. It is similar to the concept of 'Autosuggestion'. The ones who are listening to BTS' songs are therefore, believing in the fact that they are enough, that they should accept and love themselves, that they should chase their dreams no matter how many failures they have to face. BTS are empowering the youth, motivating them and setting those fans on the right track who would've gone astray. BTS songs are not just emotionally empowering, but some of their music videos are educational while setting creative standards. We are glad that we found BTS, or more aptly, they found us. This is the thought that every ARMY would have.
We stan the right idols - idols who motivate us to think better, speak better and act better. Idols who tell us to keep our phones down and study; Idols who tell us to work hard and never stop running towards our dream even if we face failures; Idols who tell us to stand back up and give us the strength to fight ourselves and the failures.
So, the next time you meet an ARMY, or a k-pop stan, instead of asking the question ‘why’, ask the question ‘how’ and you’ll be able to have a very enriching conversation with the person no matter what your age group is!
*You Never Walk Alone is the name of one of their albums.
Special thanks to Yashashree Kulkarni for her inputs and to all the ARMYs (we’ve met physically or virtually, or we’re yet to meet) thank you for being the best family <3
References:
Beyond The Story: 10-Year Record of BTS (Book by BTS and Myeongseok Kang)
Translations of BTS songs' lyrics: www.genius.com , www.billboard.com , www.youtube.com and Spotify app.
