BTS: A 10 YEAR PHENOMENON

Today is 13 June, a day of celebration for so many people around the world. If you are one of the few that don’t know, today is the anniversary of the debuting of one of the most influential bands in modern history.

BTS in 2013, following their official debut

BTS debuted on this special date in 2013, 10 years ago. A day that in my opinion changed the course of not only K-Pop (Korean Pop) but the music industry as a whole. 7 young men came together with one dream, to be singers. Not just any old singers but ones that would leave a lasting legacy, singers that would be remembered.

This in my opinion is one of the most inspirational stories that the industry of music has ever seen. 7 boys who joined a company that had no influence on the trajectory of K-Pop or had a seat at the table of the big boys. But one thing is for certain they had the talent and sheer unwavering dedication of a group that wouldn’t be beaten by anyone.

The dorm which the 7 boys shared at the very start

Starting from sleeping in a dorm no bigger than a box room to changing the course of society and the music industry globally whilst maintaining their humility and humble nature is the charm of such amazing and inspiring people.

Over the course of these last 10 years, BTS have not only left a hugely unmissable mark upon the world through music, but they have also more than lent a hand to supporting social causes on top. Speaking to their true nature and beliefs, that music is not only a 3-minute piece of sound, but it is a vehicle for driving change and impacting upon people’s lives at a much deeper level.

The wide range of BTS' discography

The impact that their music has had on millions of people worldwide is nothing short of remarkable. Their sensational variety from traditional pop to hip-hop, rap, house, and more displays what a well-rounded and multi-layered group that has been experienced by many around the world daily.

Not only is their music a phenomenon not to be missed, but the depth and detail at which they produce it is another incredible asset to their already bursting array of qualities. The honest and painfully truthful lyrics strike pure emotion and relatability into the hearts of so many. Their perfect ability to convey such raw emotion into beautifully crafted lyrics is one of perfect genius.

BTS' tweet sharing their support for the Black Lives Matter movement

But they aren’t just musical geniuses, they, as previously mentioned are spokespeople for a massive number of social issues that emanate throughout society. The lack of true racial equality throughout the world is something that is of massive importance to them as people who themselves have been racially abused. Their message is one of sharing love to everyone and projecting inclusivity no matter the person or background. This dedication to such a hugely important cause is an enormous undertaking, but one that they take with nothing but love and respect at the heart of.

BTS at the White House with US President Joe Biden talking about Anti-Asian hate

Their impactful words, their humble personalities, their powerful social stances and their music is more than enough to prove them as one of the most incredible groups the world has ever seen and that isn’t even half the story.

BTS’ unconditional love for their fans, the ARMY, is another one of the reasons as to why they are so remarkable. It is popularly stated that you should stan a group that stans you back. There is no better phrase to encapsulate and define the love, gratitude and unfaltering support that BTS and ARMY has.

From unequivocally backing their calls for social and racial justice by matching their $1 million donation to the Black Lives Matter movement in just 24 hours to the sensationally unmatched atmosphere that is blasted in a 80,000 seater stadium or arena when BTS perform. The BTS Army has such an incredible connection that goes way beyond the confines of just music, they are intrinsically linked in their everyday endeavours and interests and not only stan BTS as artists but each member as an individual human being.

BTS & Army sharing their love at a concert

Their unfiltered approach to supporting the members is one that only other groups could dream of having. The BTS Army are always ready on hand to support and protect the members at any given moment. Some, who lacking understand or education, would refer to this is ‘crazed psycho fangirls’ but those that truly get it know that the BTS Army are so protective of the group because of the torment and abuse the members have received. Not to mention the outright disrespect that has been thrown at the members both individually and as a group.

In a world where they have burst onto the world stage that exudes judgment and a dislike to something different, it is easily understood why the Army would be quick to ensure that they do their duty at protecting and whole-heartedly supporting BTS at any given moment. At the end of the day, in a world that is changing and progressing a lot, stigma and repression remains a massive obstacle in the way of so many.

Just to conclude, the BTS Army are like no other, they act and do like no other fandom would in my opinion. They would move Heaven and Earth for BTS if it were possible and they would do it by any means necessary because that is what being a true fan is all about love, passion, protection but most importantly support.

So once again, not only are BTS a group filled with artistic prowess, but they are simply a force for good in all aspects of life. They protrude the best of people and make them more accepting and open to a very repressive and closed-minded society that lacks true compassion and empathy. A society that ridicules someone for their differences rather than celebrating them. A society that offers only problems and one that offers up very minimal solutions.

BTS' finally promotional photo for Festa until 2025

This piece is one of true passion for me personally and one that I hold dear to my heart because at the end of the day I have spoken from my own experience and my own personal opinions. I feel that BTS has presented me with the opportunity to do that, without them I wouldn’t be anywhere near the person I am today. Not only their music but their core beliefs about society truly resonated with me at a deeper level more than anyone could ever express in words.

I would like to end this piece by thanking BTS for existing and helping me find my path and navigate my future and my passions because as I have already expressed, they have impacted me in a way which I never ever in my wildest dreams could have imagined a group of 7 people could ever do.

So, Thank You BTS, Borahae and thank you for all the happy memories. Here’s to another 10 years!