Sayart.net - BTS Celebrates 10 Years of Unprecedented Success as Pioneers of K-Pop

BTS' facebook

As BTS prepares to mark its momentous 10th anniversary on June 13, the legendary K-pop group stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and artistry. From their humble beginnings as a lesser-known hip-hop idol group under Big Hit Entertainment, now known as Hybe, BTS has transcended boundaries, shattered records, and captivated hearts worldwide.

Navigating the fiercely competitive idol music industry was no easy feat for the septet, but their rebellious image and distinctive musicality gradually resonated with the younger generation. With dazzling stage performances and a warm and friendly communication style, BTS began to forge a passionate and cohesive fandom known as "ARMY." As the ranks of ARMY swelled, BTS made an indelible mark in the mainstream pop market, delivering hit after hit such as "I Need U," "Fire," "Blood, Sweat & Tears," and "Spring Day."

Despite the challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic, BTS has continued to achieve unprecedented milestones since 2020. Their fourth full-length album, "Map of the Soul: 7," released in February of that year, sold over 4 million copies and topped album charts in the world's five largest music markets: the United States, Japan, Britain, Germany, and France.

The English-language tracks "Dynamite" and "Butter" ascended to the pinnacle of the highly coveted US Billboard Hot 100 chart, solidifying BTS's position as the foremost pop stars on the planet. In doing so, they shattered stereotypes that had long suggested K-pop could not penetrate the Western market. Moreover, BTS became the first K-pop act to receive a Grammy Awards nomination and won the prestigious Artist of the Year accolade at the 2021 American Music Awards—an accomplishment that further solidified their global influence. The AMAs, among the most prominent music awards in the United States, recognized BTS's unparalleled talent and impact.

From their unforgettable performance at the Grammy Awards, where BTS exchanged whispers with global pop star Olivia Rodrigo, to their memorable photoshoots alongside esteemed figures like John Batiste, Lady Gaga, John Legend, and Megan Thee Stallion, the group has etched its name into popular culture. Additionally, BTS has left an indelible mark with a diverse range of activities, including delivering a historic speech at the United Nations General Assembly, receiving the Order of Cultural Merit from the South Korean government, headlining solo concerts at iconic venues such as Wembley Stadium in Britain and SoFi Stadium in the United States, and even visiting the White House.

Experts contend that BTS's extraordinary success has paved the way for K-pop's global embrace. Kim Jin-woo, head researcher of Circle Chart, a platform that reports accumulated sales and streams, remarked, "BTS's groundbreaking achievements in the global market have made it easier for other agencies to expand overseas." Indeed, BTS has played a vital role in the international expansion of K-pop.

The recent establishment of a dedicated K-pop category at the American Music Awards serves as a testament to the genre's heightened status. Music critic Lim Jin-mo acknowledged that BTS's journey over the past decade represents not only their personal growth but also a remarkable chapter in the overall evolution of K-pop. He further emphasized that BTS's monumental contribution to establishing K-pop as a leading music genre worldwide cannot be overstated.

Sayart.net 

Joy, nunimbos@gmail.com