From the first days of being underestimated because they did not come from a major entertainment company, to becoming representatives of the nation at the United Nations and the Wнιтe House, BTS has rewritten the definition of success in the кσяєαn entertainment industry with their music, ideals, perseverance and desire.
Ahead of the most anticipated reunion in the Kpop world when the members are discharged from the military this June, let's take a look back at 10 unforgettable moments on BTS's journey to break all limits:
1. "Artist of the Year" at MAMA 2016: The spectacular overthrow of the "underdogs":
Their first Daesang at Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) is a testament to BTS’s relentless efforts. In an era dominated by Big 3 companies, BTS - a group from the small company Big Hit - has created a revolution with their own strength and inspirational story. This is not just an award, but also recognition from an industry that once turned its back on them.
2. The First global boost at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards:
The "Top Social Artist" award at the Billboard Music Awards is not only a personal achievement, but also a milestone for Kpop to officially enter the mainstream of αмєяι¢αn music. For the first time, BTS's name rang out among top artists such as Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande and they won thanks to the power of the global fandom.
3. "Love Yourself: Tear" Topping Billboard 200: Breaking language barriers
By entering the Billboard 200 with an album entirely in кσяєαn, BTS has successfully proven that music knows no borders. Love Yourself: Tear is not just an album, it is a global movement of self-love, contributing to changing the world's view of K-pop as a sustainable phenomenon, not a pαѕѕing fad.
4. Speech at the United Nations and the "Love Myself" campaign: When artists become social activists
The moment BTS appeared at the United Nations was a symbolic moment, showing the group's influence not only in the music field but also in politics, culture, and society. At the same time, it also affirmed the group's position as "21st century pop icon", "The treasure of кσяєα".
RM represented the whole group to deliver an impressive speech, promoting the "Love Myself" campaign in cooperation with UNICEF, which was also the moment BTS went beyond the role of artists, becoming the voice of global youth, encouraging self-confidence, self-acceptance and fιgнтing for a better world.
5. "Dynamite": A global нιт amid the pandemic
In the midst of the world's panic over ¢σνι∂-19, Dynamite appeared as a spiritual medicine with its bustling melody and optimistic message. As the group's first song entirely in English, Dynamite helped BTS reach the top of the Billboard HOT 100 - a peak that even European and αмєяι¢αn artists find difficult to achieve.
6. GRAMMY Nominations: A Historic Step in the International Music Industry
BTS’s nomination at the GRAMMYs is not only a source of personal pride, but also a signal of a change in the mindset inherent in the Western music industry. It puts K-pop on an equal footing with other genres and "paves the way" for many more Asian artists in the future.
7. "Butter": Proof of their heat never cooling down
Released in the summer of 2021, Butter swept every chart, from Billboard to YouTube. With its catchy melody and smart marketing strategy, BTS showed that they are not a "one-time phenomenon", but a stable musical force, capable of creating consecutive нιтs and maintaining the top spot.
8. Appointed as Presidential Special Envoy
In September 2021, BTS is no longer a national group, but a national icon. When President Moon Jae-in appointed them as Special Envoys for Culture, BTS became a "power" of кσяєαn diplomacy, conveying positive messages to young people and the world through their images, thoughts and actions.
9. Album "Proof" and Chapter 2 - transparent, mature and different
BTS's announcement of focusing on individual development while maintaining the group shows a rare maturity in Kpop. Instead of "secretly disbanding" like many other groups, they proactively shared with fans with transparency, creating a sustainable model for future generations.
10. Speech at the Wнιтe House
In June 2022, BTS appeared at the Wнιтe House at the invitation of President Joe Biden to discuss anti-Asian hate. Here, they did not sing, did not dance, just spoke, but each of their words was a declaration of equality, diversity and the power of Asian culture. At that moment, BTS was not just an artist but they were representatives of a new generation: sober, idealistic and responsible.
From small stages in кσяєα to the podium at the Wнιтe House, BTS has done what few people dare to dream of, which is to change the way the world views Kpop, and further, Asian culture. The above moments are just the tip of the iceberg called "BTS legacy". And one thing is for sure: that story is still being written with the hearts, sweat and dreams of seven boys.