BTS, when you stepped foot into the United States for your first Billboard Music Awards in early 2017, I thought of you as the most handsome and attractive men out there. Namjoon, or RM, you've caught my eye as the first BTS member I've known and loved. You had beautifully sculpted face and the smoothest sounding English I've heard from a person that had a different first language when you said the congratulatory speech from winning the Best Social Artist.
Then, it grew to V (Taehyung), Jungkook, Suga, Jimin, J-Hope, and finally Jin, completing the loves of my life. I'm so glad that I've found to grow with you in 2018.
1. You made history overseas
Who knew a 7-member boyband was the first group from South Korea to win major American music awards, RIAA gold-certified songs, and album, RIAA platinum-certified song, perform at a stadium in the US, to speak at the United Nations, to get a Grammy nomination, and to go into the hearts of millions of Americans? It is BTS, and I am so glad to be a part of this history.
2. You got me into watching your highly addictive show, Run BTS!
If I didn't have to do anything this summer, I spent free time catching up on episodes of Run BTS that I didn't have to pay a single penny to watch. Episodes that show different sides of BTS than most people are accustomed to seeing BTS as. Plus, who could not get into the cutest moment on this show?
3. Your music speaks volume to all walks in life
From Jimin's Serendipity soothing babies to J-Hope's Hope World making a child with autism feel happier BigHit knows what they're doing when they mean 'Music for Healing.' The Love Yourself series is a prime example, especially in the current state of our society where depression and anxiety is prevalent, of music that help people cope with mental illness.
4. Your image inspires us to love ourselves and to make a change
Having the first music group from Korea to speak at the UN about loving ourselves in order to make a change is revolutionary. RM's speech told us a story from RM's childhood up to the present: be proud of your identity and to speak yourself.
5. You will reach to the highest potential in 2019 and beyond.
I smell future collaborations with the greatest artists, big awards, more overseas awards for the music, and overall more presence outside of Korea. I really hope my peers near and far get to know you not only as artists but as the best people in the world. BTS, you are the world domination for 2019. And I hope this song, Paradise becomes viral.
Buckle up your seat belts, Bangtan is ready to soar.
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