Famous as they are now, BTS’s career has been filled with various ups and downs that can make any fan emotional.
BTS’ journey to the top has never been easy. On June 13th, 10 years ago, the popular K-pop group made their debut amidst doubt and skepticism, but eventually achieved global success after many years.
From distributing flyers on the streets to Korea’s “national treasure”
Looking back at their debut, BTS went through challenges that no one could have imagined. The 7 members debuted under a small company with heavy debts on their shoulders, and even had to take to the streets, handing out flyers and inviting people to come see them perform. They also had to squeeze into a tiny dorm room together under huge worries about their future.
With little to their name, BTS was once ignored on music shows, TV programs, and festivals, though they slowly but surely built a fandom via songs such as “Boy in Luv” and “I Need U”. It was the “Dope” era that marked BTS’ beginning to fame, boasting a powerful image, impressive dance moves, and unique musical style that earned them a growing fanbase.
In 2017, BTS made global headlines, having set a record for the highest-ranking K-pop song on the Billboard Hot 100 at the time, and becoming the first K-pop group to win a Billboard award. Since then, BTS has become a “fortress” of records and is now a name that stands on top of the Korean music industry.
In 2019, the Hyundai Research Institute revealed that BTS contributes 4 trillion won to the South Korean economy each year, placing them alongside prominent figures such as Son Heung Min (football player), Faker (professional gamer), and Bong Joon Ho (director).
Overall, it is clear that what BTS has achieved for themselves and for South Korea in the past 10 years is immensely significant.
Celebrating a decade of activities
Now 10 years into their career, BTS certainly couldn’t miss the opportunity to celebrate with their fandom, ARMY. Starting in May, the group unveiled grand plans to commemorate their 10th anniversary, including the 2023 BTS FESTA. During the event, which is held from June 12th to 25th, famous locations in Seoul such as Sebitseom, Namsan Tower, City Hall, DD Plaza, and the World Cup Bridge will be illuminated with purple lights, symbolizing the famous phrase “I purple you” (Borahae) that has accompanied BTS and ARMY for many years.
In addition to outdoor events, BTS doesn’t forget to give their fans the most meaningful gift: music. Their digital single “Take Two” was released on June 9th and has since received a warm welcome from ARMY. With endless affection and a promise to be together forever, “Take Two” achieved significant success on music charts, reaching the top in 92 countries on iTunes and dominating the daily chart of Oricon in Japan, as well as Spotify’s global charts.
Promise of a comeback concert with all 7 members after completing military service
2023 is a special period for BTS, but it also comes with its own difficulties. In particular, Jin and j-hope officially began their military service, which means ARMY will have to wait 2 years for them to resume activities again. However, the remaining members are continuing to engage in exciting solo activities, ensuring that fans won’t miss them for too long. In fact, members have been taking on solo projects one after another, leading fans to joke that they are even busier than before.
Alongside their music projects, BTS members Suga and j-hope also seize the opportunity to make their presence known on the big screen with their respective documentary film projects “Suga: Road to D-Day” and “J-Hope In The Box”. The movies tell the story about the BTS members’ album-making journey, at the same time reveal the difficulties faced by Suga and j-hope years into their career and in their 30s.
With various projects filling up the void of group activities, ARMY can enjoy the love that BTS embed in their messages, as they await a promised reunion in 2025.
Source: k14
