If you tuned into the BBMA (Billboard Music Award) show this year, you might have felt puzzled by a few things. Specifically, the unbelievable coordination the audience displayed when chanting what sounds like "BBS." Along with the fact that an Asian boy band you've never heard performed on stage in a foreign language.
What you were witnessing was a performance by a record-breaking, South Korean band known as BTS. Not only is the band known for inciting 'fan chants' by audiences anywhere they perform, they're also noted for their flawless singing/rapping in both Korean and English, while seamlessly dancing as a 7-member group. I would know since I'm one of the millions of fans they have worldwide. They've beat Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez for awards and succeeded in topping American music charts for the first time as a Korean band. Currently, they're on a sold-out world tour, which was inclined to include additional shows to meet the national demand and hype from all their fans in the U.S.
I was first introduced to their music genre, K-Pop, one fateful day while pursuing through an endless loop of random YouTube videos. It wasn't long before I discovered one of their more recent MV's and got hooked, watching late into the night. Here are some reasons BTS gave me to start loving K-Pop boy bands.
Their Creative and Beautifully Produced Music Videos
I quickly realized as a BTS fan, that every music video they produced had a key feature. It was the obvious effort to create a completely unique and beguiling product that was an integral aspect of their brand as a group. You came to expect the unexpected from BTS MV's and they never failed to wow their fans and viewers with various cinematic styles, camera angles/movements and other elements of an entirely original production.
Their Impeccable Dance Skills
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Most if not all Korean bands are expected to maintain perfect choreography at all times. But when BTS dances it always seemed like they put more energy into their movements to reflect the energy of their music. Their routines are nearly always perfectly executed but unique to each member's dance level and style.
The Incredible (Literal 'Army') of Fans Behind Them
BTS would never have achieved the fame and recognition they hold today without the constant support they receive from their estimated 11 million fans around the world. They are in the audience at every performance chanting out each member's name, they even mobilize at airports and form barriers for the boys to walk between when arriving and departing for flights, like a real Army! You have to be pretty incredible to influence fans that much.
The Love They Show Each Other
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It's not an uncommon sight to see BTS members feed one another, hug, hold hands and perform other intimate acts that most American boy band members wouldn't be caught doing alive. It's simply a norm in Korean society for people of the same gender to be more familiar with one another and naturally, more touchy-feely without the sexual connotation involved in western countries.
The Love They Show Their Fans
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BTS has regular fan meets whenever they come out with new material. They give their fans opportunities to meet them and (mostly) are grateful for the time and love they invest in their band. They're always calling out their 'Army' for being their source of energy and inspiration, it's no wonder their fanbase numbers quadrupled in the last two years.
Their Incredible Live Performances
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What makes a BTS live performance? A perfect mixture of energetic dance moves, skillful camera angles, and close-ups as well as (of course) a catchy song that incorporates rap and harmonization. You'll find yourself chanting along with the crowd before you know it.
How Silly They Are In Real Life
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Sometimes you'll ask yourself as an Army member... do I really idolize these weirdos? Don't worry, it's completely natural. You'll eventually learn that it's only a matter of time before these guys get into some sort of mischief offstage. They practically turn into little boys, looking for something fun or silly to do, it's one of the many many reasons fans continue to love them.
Their Individualism Despite Being in a Boy Band
BTS members in order from left to right: RM (Nam Joon Kim), Jin (Seok Jin Kim), Suga (Yoon Gi Min), Jungkook (Jeong-guk Jeon), Jimin, (Park Ji Min), J-Hope (Ho Seok Jung), and V (Tae Hyung Kim).
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It can be a struggle for individual members of a band to stand out, especially in Asia. However for BTS, every member has their own distinct style and attitude that sets them apart from their band mates. For example, RM is known for his charisma and professionalism as the leader of the band. Jin is the oldest member and makes sure all the members are taken care of with their busy schedules, almost like a mother. Suga is the main rapper, music is his life and he's always hanging out in his miniature studio at home. Jungkook is an incredible dancer but on the shyer side off camera, as the youngest he's spoiled by the others. Jimin is also known for his amazing dance skills as well, along with the childish antics he displays with V. J-Hope is a front-line dancer that is the most energetic, both in and out of the spotlight, you'll never catch him without a trademark smile.
The Ridiculous Outfits They Dare to Wear
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In an obvious demonstration of how silly they truly are, BTS will occasionally surprise their fans with erm, unusual costumes? It's like a reminder to their followers. We might look suave and on point when performing at award shows, but don't forget who we reallyare.
The Deep Meaning Behind Their Music
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You wouldn't think it with the upbeat, catchy, feel of most BTS songs these days but their lyrics touch on some serious topics. A few to mention are empowered women, anxiety, social class, depression and self-worth. Even if you don't speak Korean you can get the sense that they have a more serious intention to their music, especially when listening to the more melancholy songs they've produced/written. What helps even more is the fact that, more often than not, there's lyrics included in their music videos.
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