Since their debut in 2013, the seven-member K-pop boy band, BTS, has broken multiple records. It is, without a doubt, the biggest boy band in the world right now. Though, there have been plenty of popular boy bands, but none can compete with BTS. They’re the first Korean group to top the Billboard 200 in the U.S. This clearly shows how much people love BTS and why they are so popular in the United States.
BTS was featured on the international cover of TIME magazine for its “Next Generation Leaders” issue and they also appeared in the magazine’s annual “100 Most Influential People In The World” issue. But don’t you ever wonder how on Earth does one music group get so big and influential? .
Well, here are 10 reasons why BTS is so popular in the United States.
10Highlighting Social Issues
The highlight of their music is being vocal about social issues. Till now, mostly, the music of many boy bands has revolved more around teenage romance, how to impress a girl and topics similar to that. But BTS is different and that is what makes them so popular in the United States. BTS writes songs that touch upon a range of social topics like Mental health, social commentary, loss and overcoming obstacles, difficulties teenagers deal with, and learning to love oneself for who you are. They focus more on the themes of self-empowerment rather than the millennial romance.
9Music video is a journey
It is very rare that you come across such music which makes you feel as if you are on journey. BTS music takes the listener on a voyage as they develop and discover themselves through their youth and the message is a hopeful one, reminding youth of the bright future they have. Encouraging them to step out of the shadow of the expectations of the previous generation and consistently doing so.
8Presence of Historical and Literature References
Their lyrics are not mere random words grouped together for fun but in fact, the lyrics are highly powerful. BTS lyrics have historical and literature references which makes them more impactful. Also, the lyrics even touch upon many interesting physics and psychological concepts which is so amazing. I mean have you ever heard any song incorporating concepts of quantum physics in its lyrics? I am sure you must have not and that is why everybody is loving BTS.
7Set in an alternative universe
BTS music videos are often set in an alternative universe which visually sets them apart. The universe is created by BTS management company, Big Hit Entertainment, and is called the BTS Universe or Bangtan Universe. The universe involves a series of music videos, short films, book and even webtoons that follow characters based on all of BTS’s members. The universe was first introduced with their song “I Need U” and continues to do so.
6Ever-evolving Genre
Although BTS started out predominantly as a hip-hop group, their musical style has evolved over the years to incorporate a number of genres and influences into their music. They have been influenced by so many music personalities which include, among others, Eminem, Drake, ’90s Korean group Seo Taiji and Boys, Justin Bieber, Post Malone, etc. Therefore, the music of BTS includes rock, R&B, EDM, neo soul and gospel, disco and many more.
5Highly talented band members
BTS members are highly talented as they not only know how to make great music but also play musical instruments.So, most of the members have musical talent and can play one or multiple instruments. They can play piano, guitar, saxophone, drums and ukelele. One more interesting thing that you guys would be amazed to know is that Suga, who is one of the band’s rappers and a well-regarded composer, has a perfect pitch. It is really astonishing as it is something that is assumed to happen only in about 1 out of every 10,000 people.
4Superb dancing
Another reason what makes BTS videos so popular is their performance. They are not only incredible musicians but also superb dancers. They are intimately involved in the writing and composition and production of their own music, as well as the choreography of their routines.
Their videos are extraordinarily entertaining and captivating with their slick dance routines. Watching a BTS music video is like watching a bright, colourful movie.
3Open about their own struggles
The BTS members have been vocal about their struggles, especially regarding mental health. Fans look up to them being role models and comfort to youth through their journey and experiences. BTS are ambassadors for UNICEF’s #ENDViolence through their Love Myself campaign, which led to them attending the United Nations General Assembly and RM giving the speech on behalf of BTS. Suga openly discusses his struggles with mental illness and fame through his words and also his music, most recently doing so in the lyrics of ‘Suga’s Interlude’ featured in Halsey’s 2020 upcoming album Manic.
2Honest and grounded
As BTS has grown in popularity, fame and wealth they have been genuine and honest about its impact on them. They have been vocal about how and what they do to stay grounded. They say they do so by reminding themselves of where they began and the reason why they continue on this journey. This solidifies their connection with their fandom who can relate to them, and there is a real sense of unity between the fans (known as BTS ARMY), BTS, and their message.
1Philanthropists at heart
BTS is more than just music. They use their social influencing power responsibly by launching a number of philanthropic endeavors and getting involved in various social causes. Their signature philanthropic endeavor has been the Love Yourself campaign in partnership with the Korean arm of UNICEF, which launched in 2017. The campaign was meant to work with young victims of domestic and school violence and sexual assault. Most recently, they donated $1,000,000 USD to the Black Lives Matter movement, which was one of the largest celebrity donations made. Within 24 hours, their loyal BTS Army had matched their total donation. They also donated another million to Live Nation’s Crew Nation campaign to support music and live entertainment workers in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hope you enjoyed our list of 10 reasons why BTS is so popular in the United States. Tell us in the comments why do you like BTS and which is your favorite BTS music video? Do not forget to give this video a big thumbs up!