The American A.R.M.Y: Why BTS Is Bigger Than K-Pop
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The American A.R.M.Y: Why BTS Is Bigger Than K-Pop

A primer for those not in the know about what is possibly the hottest Asian import since Nintendo.

243
The American A.R.M.Y: Why BTS Is Bigger Than K-Pop
ABC
Kim Namjoon, Kim Seokjin, Min Yoongi, Jung Hoseok, Park Jimin, Kim Taehyung Jeon Jungkook...BTS!

So goes the beginning of the fan chants favored by followers of the biggest Kpop group in the world, who call themselves the ARMY. These seven young men, known better to most by their stage names of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook, are in a league of their own when it comes to the normally rabid world of Korean pop music fandom.

But in the back half of last year, their success in the U.S skyrocketed. Last May, they beat out Justin Bieber and a slew of other A-listers to claim Top Social Artist at the Billboard Music Awards; in November they became the only Kpop group ever to perform at the American Music Awards, and, more recently, their singles Mic Drop and DNA have both been certified gold by the RIAA and have been featured on the cover of Billboard magazine.

So, if you are new to BTS as I was in November, you might be wondering how it is possible that a group singing almost exclusively in their native Korean has managed to gain so much traction here in the U.S.

For my money, it is a combination of several factors, some of which are typical in the Korean scene and others decidedly less so. For example, the rabid fandom is normal in idol culture, but what sets the A.R.M.Y apart from other fanbases (for me) is the diversity present. Korean pop music is a savvy blend of pop, R&B and rap which draws people of all ages from all over the globe.

Unique to BTS in the country's music industry is huge and near-constant social media engagement and the fact that they write and produce all of their of own music. Often, songs are ghost-written for groups by groups of up to eight songwriters, which have included several successful American artists. Even more important are the topics they cover in their lyrics,  which range from earnest love to scathing critiques of social and societal norms in South Korea.

All this to say, if you are not listening to them, you absolutely should be.

Listen below: (turn on captions if you want translations)

For more about the band and its formation: http://www.etonline.com/bts-everything-you-need-kn...


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

47210
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

29933
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

954056
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

169026
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments