Looking back at BTS's career journey over the past decade, many people ask: "What is the greatest achievement after all their efforts?". More than prestigious awards, money, power, perhaps the achievement that Kpop superstars are most proud of is that their music has changed "perception", "people" and "lives".
BTS has not only rewritten the history of the кσяєαn music industry but also contributed to positively changing the public's perception of Asian culture. This is also the core point that Bang Shi Huyk emphasized when talking about BTS's success in his recent interview.
Meanwhile, fans expressed similar views to what the "father of BTS" mentioned:
In the past, when it came to music dominating the world, Asian music in general or K-pop in particular was more obscure than US-UK music on the world map. It was not until BTS that the кσяєαn or Asian music industry could write a new page in history. The group has truly become a worldwide phenomenon and is recognized as the leader of the current Asian music industry.
Journalist Ben Beaumont-Thomas, music editor of The Guardian (UK) news, commented that BTS's success has made "prejudices and limitations around songs that are not sung in English disappear". Moreover, Asian culture - especially кσяєαn culture - has become a topic that people around the world discuss, research and love popularly around the world, especially in Western countries.
Realizing this change in the world about Asian culture early, HYBE Chairman Bang Si Hyuk confidently talked about BTS's success in the global market in a video interview with Asia Society. When asked if he ever imagined he would be leading the global rise of K-pop and кσяєαn culture, Bang PD immediately mentioned his “eldest sons”.
He said that: “Honestly, I never imagined this kind of success. When I was young, the global market or the U.S. market, which represents the global market, felt so far from me. All those involved were heroes to me who I could never possibly approach. And when BTS and I embarked on this journey together, I never thought it would lead us to where we are now.”
He continued to talk about BTS’s influence in changing perceptions of Asian culture: “About two and a half years after BTS debuted, I felt like I could actually achieve things that had never been done before in Asia. I really encouraged members of BTS and myself to try our best to realize our dreams. And step by step, as we chased the dreams in our sights, we arrived at where we are now. Looking back now, the things I do often feel surreal, just like what’s happening tonight.
Honestly, I can’t take credit for everything, but before BTS became a global success, understanding Asian culture was very limited and narrow-minded. But that changed through BTS and my efforts. We penetrated the world, and people appreciated our culture for what it was.”
Bang PD's affirmation was unanimously supported by netizens. They also show their respect to the “father of BTS” by recognizing the group’s contributions:
- I love how the question was directed to hm but still included BTS in his success. He made sure the world know it was not only his but also BTS. It's a team effort.
- I have to thank you immensely for putting together BTS and bringing it to the world. We often praise our 7 members for their success through their hard work BUT, we forget that thanks to you ,and your efforts , this all happened. So…..thank you from the bottom of my heart for building BTS and bringing sooo much joy into my , and our lives. Gamsahabnida from this Montreal ARMY !
- For giving BTS a start sir I will always respect u for that
- No matter what people say about Mr. Bang but I will always respect him for believing in BTS and giving them the support to continue their journey when things were not good.
- He trusted BTS talent, potential and dreams from the start till now and will in the future. He let them be themselves while given them the right advice: that's the recepi for success
- They would not have been as successful without each other. Not sure another manager would have trusted allowed such creativity as he did with BTS. They also felt confident in his support. If they hadn't believed in him; they would have left.
- I respect Bang PD because he worked so hard along with our boys so they could become the legends they are today.
While Korean netizens criticized his response like:
- He only got there because of luck.
- It’s embarrassing that HYBE is becoming the face of K-Pop.
- Just shut your mouth and come to Korea and attend the hearing.
- The riches earned through illegal methods have ruined K-Pop.
- He’s still in the U.S.?
After all, Bang was previously selected as the winner at the Asia Game Challenger Awards in New York in October. This award is a testament to the positive influence of Bang PD and BTS in promoting Asian music and especially the Hallyu wave globally!
