“Individually they are great, together phenomenal” is a comment that one ARMY shared this week when referencing the uniqueness of each of three documentaries released by J-hope, SUGA, and more recently, Jimin. This quote truly captures the essence of this blog and even more exciting is the fact that it could literally apply to everything BTS-related, don’t you think?
Ask any dedicated fan of BTS, and they will tell you there is a magic to BTS that is unique, and while human language can sometimes fail when trying to express the full depth of their experiences and understanding, the impact of finding BTS is oftentimes life-changing for many. Sometimes it happens so quickly that it leaves you speechless - almost as quick as SUGA picking a Number 1 on the HOT 100 after only hearing a few bars - see “Suchwita,” Episode 15 with Jung Kook. Other times, it’s a gentle, nondescript unfolding, like the way the sun’s rays delicately announce the dawning of a new day. Although the intensity may differ, both experiences can be breathtakingly beautiful.
Just in case you’re reading this, and you’re relatively new to BTS, let’s shine the spotlight on how phenomenal they really are and take a look at this tweet, posted just this week by @btschartmaster. When counting the number of releases that have taken place since BTS announced they were embarking on the next chapter of their career (in June of last year), the list currently stands at 120 songs and 7 albums with the words ‘still counting’ added in for good measure. The fact that three of the seven BTS members are now serving in the military makes these numbers even more impressive. For ten years non-stop, BTS powered their way through the history books, breaking record after record, until it got to the point where they were breaking records previously set by themselves. Driven by passion, desire, hard work, and an unwavering dedication to their craft, they have forever changed the landscape of music - setting new standards, breaking boundaries, crossing borders, and in the process redefining what is possible in the industry.
They may not have won the coveted Grammy that so many artists aspire to, but BTS have reminded their fans several times since, that it was never about the Grammys, the accolades, or the glitz and glamor. First and foremost it was about seven young men from South Korea who loved music and secondly, it was about their fans, A.R.M.Y! One would not exist without the other and even though fans acknowledge that they may never have a personal and intimate relationship with BTS, the connection that fans feel through their music and shared experiences speaks volumes about the magic BTS and their fans share.
Often, we hear the expression that the numbers don’t lie and despite huge financial benefits, BTS will always be the first to say it’s about the people and not the profits. Take for example j-hope’s headlining performance at Lollapalooza in 2022. News agencies worldwide reported on how j-hope drew a crowd of 100,000 attendees to his performance, the largest crowd in the 30-year history of the event and a feat that no other headliner had ever come close to. Another 2022 achievement was reported by Variety Magazine, who stated that BTS’ “Yet To Come” free concert in Busan was viewed by “upwards of 49 million people.” Of course, BTS has reigned supreme when it comes to their success on the international stage and although they wouldn’t claim to have ‘paved the way,’ other artists over the years have openly expressed BTS’ leading influence. Artists such as Hoshi from Seventeen, Seo Taiji, Aileen, Twice, KARD, Monsta X, and many more.
The title, “BTS: A League of Their Own” encapsulates the extraordinary wave that BTS has been riding since “I Need U” humbly placed first on a Korean weekly music show back in 2015. This song proved to be a pivotal turning point in their career and although they would go on to win the top social artist award at Billboard in 2017 and earn a double daesang ‘all kill’ at the MMA and MAMA awards in 2019, there have been many more moments of sheer joy and celebration for the seven BTS members since then and for their company Big Hit (formerly Big Hit Entertainment).
These comments by YouTuber and analyst Steve Choi from the channel “OK Pop!!” are incredibly affirming. When commenting on BTS’ top-tier status he said, “They have an overwhelming presence, and they seem to be operating in a different dimension. Regardless of what they do, they excel, and they occupy a space of their own.” So whether it’s a league of their own, a space of their own, or a story of their own, they deserve to be celebrated and cherished by their fans. Technically BTS is taking a break from their group activities to allow for their mandatory military service, however, fans will be the first to say that they have been run off their feet trying to keep up with all that is going on and to be honest, they wouldn’t have it any other way!
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Written By: Shelley & Jazzy
Edited By: Aury
Checked By: Miranda
