BTS: The South Korean Band Taking Over the World, by Ava Haro

Please enjoy this article written by a student in DMHS's "Introduction to Journalism" class!

You may have heard of the South Korean band that is taking over the music industry:, selling millions of albums, touring across the world, appearing on almost every talkshow you know, and inspiring people everywhere. Their name is BTS.

BTS [Hangul: 방탄소년단; RR: Bangtan Sonyeondan- (bulletproof boy scouts)], also known as the “bangtan boys” are a seven-member K-pop group from Seoul that debuted in 2013 under 

Big Hit Entertainment.  Their message is that a group that can withstand social pressures and that provides a voice for the younger generation. Even though their messages are directed to the younger generation you don’t have to be in the younger generation to be part of their fanbase called ARMY!  “The Army stands for A: Adorable, R: Representative, M: Master of Ceremonies, Y: Youth and is said to be the most devoted and loyal fan of BTS” (DocumenTV). 

BTS’s music style has changed a lot over the years. They cover all kinds of genres, from hip-hop to ballads. BTS started to gain a lot of popularity around 2016-17. This was around the time they released their “Love Yourself” albums. BTS wanted to promote self-love in the young generation. They wanted to focus on topics like mental heath. BTS tells a story about falling in love, an inevitable breakup, and an epiphany about self-love (Bangtan Journal). These albums were a breakthrough for people all over the world. BTS’s songs really connected to everyone, they helped people that were struggling with self-love and mental health to know that they were not the only ones. 

Meet the members! Who are they?

RM: Leader, Rapper, Producer

Kim Namjoon, aka RM is the leader of BTS! He is currently 26 years old. RM was the first member to join BTS in 2010. He likes nature, art, and making music.

Jin: Vocalist, Visual

Kim Seok-Jin aka Jin is a vocalist and visual (a visual is a good-looking member so you will be more drawn to the group). He is the oldest member in BTS at 28 years old. He is known for being very handsome, and he knows it! His nickname is ‘Worldwide Handsome.’ He loves dad jokes!

Suga: Rapper, Producer

Suga is a astounding rapper. Suga is the second oldest at 27. He used to rap in Daegu’s underground rap scene before BTS.  He does a lot of work producing BTS’s music. He likes to sleep and rap.

Jhope: Rapper, Dancer

Jung Ho-seok aka Jhope is 26 years old and known in BTS for being one of the top dancer. His name is about hope; he loves to spread sunshine and happiness.

Jimin: Vocalist, Dancer

Park Jimin aka Jimin is 25 years old and known as a vocalist and dancer in BTS. He used to be a contemporary dancer. When you combine his angelic voice and beautiful dances, it’s breathtaking. He is one of the most known members in BTS.

V: Vocalist, Dancer, Actor

V, aka Kim Taehyung is 25 and a Vocalist, Dancer, and Actor for BTS. He’s super creative and very involved with the arts. He is known a lot for his looks and deep voice, often going viral.

Jungkook: The “Golden Maknae”

Jeon Jungkook is 23 years old, and BTS’s Maknae, a korean term for the youngest person in a group. Despite being the youngest, he is a multi-talented member. He is a main vocalist, and part of the dance line with Jimin & Jhope. He usually is in the center of BTS’s dance formations. His ability to sing, rap, and dance gives him the ‘golden’ part of his name.