10 years of BTS: A journey of passion and resilience

BTS, 10년의 여정: 아이돌에서 글로벌 아이콘으로

Time now for our weekly Arts and Culture segment.
We have our culture correspondent Song Yoo-jin in the studio with us.
Welcome.

Good evening.

What do you have for us today?

Jung-min, we have a very big day coming up for K-pop fans.
BTS will be celebrating their 10-year anniversary next Tuesday, June 13th.
It's not an exaggeration to say that they've become one of the biggest and most iconic boy bands in the world, dominating music charts, sweeping awards, and even speaking at the United Nations.
But the group's journey hasn't always been plain sailing.
This week, I looked back on the group's 10-year history and uncovered what's behind their unparalleled success.

"(Two, three) Bang! Tan! Hello, we're BTS."


This appearance on Arirang TV was just three months after their debut but fast forward almost a decade,
( BTS !) and BTS has blossomed into a five-time Grammy nominee, TIME's Entertainer of the Year, music chart-toppers, and the most-followed music group on Instagram.

But BTS' success didn't happen overnight.
When the boys released their debut track "No More Dream" in 2013, they weren't signed with one of the big three record companies in Korea known for producing hit K-pop groups since the 90s.
Their rebellious bad boy looks and aggressive hip-hop music presented a stark contrast to the clean-cut, romance-singing boy groups K-pop fans were accustomed to.

It was actually social media that first rose the boys to stardom.

"Even before their debut, they were talking with their fans they always showed insight into who they are.
Nowadays we see Jungkook going on a live stream with 10 million people.
And back then they were doing it for just a few people on YouTube but it's always been that way."

This not only expanded BTS' reach but also fostered a deep connection with their fans, the ARMY.
But success wouldn't have lasted long without good music.
Unlike most K-pop songs written by renowned composers, BTS members actively contributed as songwriters and producers.

"You become a voice of a generation because you really put yourself out there or you put music out there that is very both personal and relatable.
That's what makes a great pop song or a great popular hit that every person can listen to it and feel, oh I feel that way."

"The song 'Love Myself' really empowered me.
I had a difficult time at work back then and the song gave me a lot of comfort."

Equally important is the fact that all seven members have remained together until now.

"Unlike many K-pop groups that pursue unit projects, BTS has always worked together other than releasing solo work.
This unity and strength are what define BTS."

"Their songs and dances are really cool, and it's just great to see the strong bond between the members."

All this paved the way for other K-pop acts to shine on the global stage.

"BTS has brought K-pop into the mainstream.
K-pop used to be a niche music loved by enthusiasts, but it's now become a universal genre enjoyed worldwide, like Latin or British pop."

No one could have predicted the immense scale of BTS' success 10 years ago.
Although they're currently taking time off as a group, who knows what extraordinary accomplishments they'll achieve in the next 10 years?



What a decade it's been.
And Yoo-jin, I heard that the boys gave a surprise present for their fans, the BTS ARMY.

That's right.
In celebration of their 10-year anniversary, the group dropped their latest single "Take Two" just a few hours ago.
The title signifies a new chapter for BTS as artists after completing their first.
HYBE says this song is a heartfelt tribute to the fans with the members expressing their deep gratitude for the unwavering support they've received.
Suga was involved in the overall production, while RM and J-Hope contributed to the songwriting process.


I just can't wait to hear the song.
But I've also heard that there are more exciting events lined up for next week.

Yes, Seoul City and HYBE have teamed up for this year's BTS Festa.
Held annually on June 13th, it celebrates BTS' debut with their fans.
This year's edition will be reaching unprecedented heights.
From next Monday, eight landmarks across Seoul, including Sebitseom Island, Namsan Tower, Seoul City Hall, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, and World Cup Bridge, will be lit up in purple, BTS' official color...

#BTS #Kpop #Boygroup #Debut #ARMY #BTS_Festa #10yrsWithBTS #방탄소년단 #케이팝 #아이돌 #데뷔_10주년 #BTS페스타 #Arirang_News #아리랑뉴스

📣 Facebook :   / arirangtvnews  
📣 Twitter :   / arirangtvnews  
📣 Homepage : https://v2.arirang.com/

2023-06-09, 18:00 (KST)