Music is the universal language of mankind. Of that, there is no doubt. We tend to bond over it, and in truth, it is often one of the subjects we discuss with friends and family when we meet.
Such was the case when I met some family members recently. We talked about the recent passing of music legend Tina Turner. We discussed her contribution to the industry and her very public trials and tribulations in the early stages of her career.
I then told them about my recent interest in BTS, the Korean super group that has significantly impacted the music industry globally. To say I was met with astonishment would be an understatement. That isn't to say that I was surprised. A year ago, I would have rolled my eyes as well. Back then, I couldn't fathom why their fans, fondly called Army, were so devoted to them. But then, one day, I listened without prejudice, and lo and behold, I became an Army too. That's the thing about BTS – their fans range in age from little kids to seniors.
There's much to like about the music these seven Korean men – Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and JungKook – produce. It doesn't quite fit any genre, although they were seen as a hip hop act when they debuted in 2013. These days, their musical style tends to transcend labels. Many of you may throw in the "boy band" insult, but I strongly disagree. Aside from the love theme so familiar to boy bands, the group tends to tackle some serious issues -- mental health, self-empowerment, individualism and loving yourself, among others. Add to the mix a solid vocal and rap line. And as a side note, they are pretty nimble on their feet and easy on the eye.
It took a few years to gain fame internationally, but the world soon caught up with BTS mania. In 2017, the group became the first South Korean act to reach number 1 on the US Billboard charts. The guys began to perform at sold-out concerts worldwide following that. They haven't looked back since.
It's not just in music that BTS has made its presence felt. The guys are pretty awesome role models, as they were featured on the cover of Time magazine in 2018 as one of the publication's "Next Generation Leaders". They've also appeared at the United Nations and visited the White House in 2022 to discuss anti-Asian hate.
BTS has worked hard to get to where they are, and their success is in no small part due to their talent, grit and devoted Army. While the group is currently on hiatus as its members take turns fulfilling South Korea's mandatory national service, the guys haven't forgotten their legion of fans. They often appear on social media to chat with them.
Two members of BTS are already serving in the military and the other five will also fulfill their national obligation before they regroup in 2025. In the meantime, several of them have released solo albums or singles while the two youngest members are expected to release their mix tapes (as they call them) soon. And yes, their solo projects have also met with great success.
While it will be a while before we see them together in the studio or on stage, they haven't forgotten their fans. In celebration of their 10th anniversary this year, BTS will release a new single, "Take Two", on June 9. The group's music label, BigHit Music, says the single is a thank you to fans for their continued support and devotion. There's already a great buzz about it online, and like most fans, I'm looking forward to hearing their latest gem.
It will be about two years before we see BTS together again as a band, but to quote one of their many hit singles, their fans undoubtedly believe that the best is yet to come.
Elaine Claire is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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