Not Just a Boy Band

Not+Just+a+Boy+Band

Eva Serrano, Writer

There is a misconception when it comes to boy bands, especially Bangtan Sonyeondan translated to Bulletproof Boy scouts, also known as BTS. They are a seven-member band from South Korea who debuted in 2013 under Big Hit Entertainment. The members RM (the leader), Jin, Suga, J-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook are known for their moving music and lyricism, their performances, their message of self-love, their brotherhood, and their fanbase ARMY (Adorable Representative M.C for Youth). There are assumptions that their success was immediate and that their support comes from bots, but it is all used in order to undermine the work they put in to get where they are now in 2022.

They have overcome countless obstacles. They started from an unknown bankrupt company and turned it into one of the most successful companies in South Korea. BTS did not grow under the light of money; they grew with ARMY. BTS experienced countless acts of hate, such as being called girls for wearing makeup, but their fanbase, ARMY, was with them every step of the way. When they began to gain more popularity in Western media, it left them vulnerable to racism. An example out of many is German radio host Matthias Matuschik comparing BTS to COVID. In his defense, he said he was not racist because his car was from South Korea (it was from Japan.) Again ARMY came in as their shield to demand justice. Loyalty and admiration go both ways in their relationship. At a conference in 2021, RM said, “When we talk about Asian hate, our path, all the awards, and our music, we just hope that this can truly help every Asian in the world, especially who live in the countries abroad.”

BTS has made many achievements in the music industry. In 2017, they became the first Korean group to be nominated and win Top Social Artist at the BBMA, and since then, they have won it every year. They are the first Korean artist to win Global Artist Recording of the Year in 2020 and have won it for two consecutive years. BTS was the first Korean act to be invited to the Grammys and be nominated. They have not just broken barriers in the music industry. BTS has a Love Myself campaign with UNICEF that began in 2017, which also connects to their Love Myself album series. They were invited to speak at the United Nations Assembly, and in their second invitation, they even performed. “Maybe I made a mistake yesterday, but yesterday’s me is still me. I am who I am today, with all my faults. Tomorrow I might be a tiny bit wiser, and that’s me, too. These faults and mistakes are what I am, making up the brightest stars in the constellation of my life. I have come to love myself for who I was, who I am, and who I hope to become,” said RM, the leader of BTS, in his speech at the UN. In 2021, the former president of South Korea, Moon Jae-In, appointed BTS as “Special Presidential Envoys.” On May 31st, BTS will go to the White House to speak with President Biden.

They have accumulated millions of fans through their talent, work ethic, personality, and dynamic. They have given people a place to feel welcome and loved by being open about their struggles and constantly connecting with their fans.  “They’ve really fostered my appreciation of life. I am more intentional about treasuring the memories I make and things that make me happy. Because of them, I realize a lot of the time small happiness’s are enough. I don’t need a grand fulfillment or achievement to say that I’ve lived a life full of love and warmth,” says 25 year old Winnie, a fellow ARMY. ARMYs have seen them grow up from being teenagers to adults, and even if they were not there from the beginning, there is a saying in the fandom that says, “You will find BTS when you need them the most.” BTS is not just a boy band; they use their voice and music to spread awareness on topics of mental health, political, and social issues. They give people a place to belong.