Who is BTS?

If you haven't been living under a rock for the past year, then the name BTS might be somewhat familiar to you. Especially if you're a K-pop fan, 2017 might arguably be one of the biggest years for BTS, their names everywhere, from member V's acting debut in the drama Hwarang: The Beginning to BTS' American debut at the AMAs in November!

Of course, being part of their loyal fanclub, ARMY (Adorable Representative MC of Youth...yeah we try to forget that's what it stands for) I will be talking about BTS, but I feel like you should have an understanding of who these seven boys are, and what they represent first.

Aside from their incredible dance moves, catchy songs, and amazing skills (ranging from rapping, to singing, to being downright amazing human beings...sorry, my bias is showing) BTS (which stands for 방탄소년단 (romanized as, Bangtan Sonyeondan), which translates (literally) to Bulletproof Boys, however for their American debut, they have stated BTS also stands for Beyond The Scenes) is a group of seven boys from humble beginnings, who strive to give messages of hope to youth around the world.

Debuting in 2013, from a small, no-name, in debt company, Bighit Entertainment, BTS started out with a song called No More Dream, which is targeted to the young people who lack dreams and ambition for the future. Their follow up song, N.O. is about how students are taught by their parents and the media that all that matters are their grades and school.

While their title songs may lack in the strong messages that they used to have from debut, they still target many social issues in other tracks, such as hanging on until better days in their songs such as Tomorrow and 2, 3! Keep Dreaming, living your life how you want it (not what other people say!) in both Dope and Go Go, and even a female empowerment anthem in their song 21st Century Girl.

They have spoken out multiple times about their hard journey to the top, like in songs Not Today, which the opening itself, is a motivational part in English ("All the underdogs in the world, a day may come, when we loose. But it is not today. Today, we fight!") and Sea, where they talk of their struggles from a small company. ("They say some of these kids can't make it because their agency is too small...Times when the seven of us had to sleep in one room") They also share their own personal struggles of growing up, like in Wings ("My back is only hurting because my wings have to come out") as well as letting fans know that they're never alone in their song A Supplementary Story: You Never Walk Alone ("Hey, you never walk alone. You and I, if we're together, we can smile")

But enough about the lyrics! (Even though I could probably create an entire blog dedicated to their lyrics~) Let me introduce you to the seven members who create the awesome BTS!

Kim Namjoon, or RM

Formerly known as Rap Monster, RM is the leader (though not the oldest!) in BTS, as well as the main rapper, and English speaker. He writes many of the lyrics for BTS, as well as creating many songs (contrary to most K-pop groups) as well as an open supporter of the LBGTQ community in Korea, despite the community being rather small, and looked down upon. He talks about many issues in his music, specifically his struggles growing up, not knowing what exactly he wanted to do with his life.

Kim Seokjin, or Jin

Jin, the oldest member, as well as visual (K-pop groups have members who are the visual, or the 'face' of the group) and vocalist. He's often known for his good looks (his 'Worldwide Handsome' title), though Jin has proved over and over again he is anything but just a pretty face! He comes from a wealthy background, but decided to join Bighit because he wanted to spread music from a place where he would spread his own ideas, and let his own voice be heard, not someone else's.

Min Yoongi, or Suga

Suga, the talented lead rapper, as well as composer, producer, and lyricist of BTS. Yoongi is someone who can relate the closest to their songs. Coming from a rather poor background, he started working and composing music at a young age (14-15), and would often have to juggle multiple jobs, as well as sell his hard earned music for a couple of dollars, to have enough money to buy food and bus fair. He has also openly spoken about his mental health issues, such as depression, and his struggles with social anxiety.

Jung Hoseok, or J-Hope

The main dancer and rapper from the countryside, J-Hope lives up to his name - bright, cheerful, and happy, spreading positivity! However, he has also opened up about his struggles as a youth, trying to find happiness where there was none. He then said that it's the reason why he wanted to be J-Hope - to help others be optimistic for a better future, as well as a reminder to himself when he's feeling down, that he should look on the brighter side, and never stop smiling.

Park Jimin

Jimin, another dancer and lead vocalist of the group. He has struggled with his body image in the past, being mocked for his slightly 'chubbier' cheeks and body, especially once he entered the idol scene, where your looks where everything. He had shared the intense diet and training he put himself through, eating only snacks, and one proper meal every ten days, before his members helped his realize he's perfect the way he is. He wants to help other realize that too, and to love themselves.

Kim Taehyung, or V

(My personal favourite~) V is the other visual, as well as vocal and actor in BTS. Also coming from the countryside (and sharing the same hometown as Suga!) he was the last member to make it into BTS, saying he almost didn't make it in, because he wasn't improving fast enough. He shared how if he hadn't become a idol, he would probably be a farmer on his family farm, helping his grandmother. His parents had a hard time accepting their eldest son's wishes to go become a star, yet he proved them wrong, as well as all the others who told him he couldn't do it.

Jeon Jungkook

The youngest, and 'Golden' member of the group - you name it, and he can do it! Singing, rapping, dancing, and acting, Jungkook can do it all, yet he used to (and still does) struggle in social skills. Born a shy child, Jungkook would refuse to sing whenever other people were around, sometimes even crying when they pushed him. He would wait until everyone was asleep to shower, and would keep to himself, before finally opening up to the other members and the staff at Bighit after a long time, and started on the path of becoming less shy, to become the performer he is today.

BTS may seem like a group of talented, unrivaled individuals, in which case, they are, but at the same time, they're just normal people. Normal people who struggled in their youth, and want to help spread the message of hope and perseverance to the countless others across the globe, through their music, their crazy personalities, and dance.

From songs like Silver Spoon to Young Forever, BTS continues to speak out about social issues, in both their music and their music videos (Which, if I do say so myself, have sparked probably millions of theories at this point...I myself am guilty of trying to figure out what it all means) while still producing catchy and fun music. Their popularity is well earned, and I can only wait to see if they continue to grow even bigger in 2018.

However, BTS still have a long trek to go. Not being from one of the big 3 entertainment companies (SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, or YG Entertainment) means that they're still looked down upon in Korea by others. They truly are the underdogs, with other, bigger companies paying off award shows to manipulate the voting, and to ban some of their songs (such as the lyrics from their song Dope, which are translates to "All the weak whiny losers", when girl groups such as EXID can get away with saying "Go to hell (go away)" because 'their concept is sexy'.

Even still, BTS strives to look to the brighter days ahead, and continues to make their amazing and inspiring music, while ignoring the negative, and only looking at the positive.

"ARMY! Really, thank you guys so much. Since our debut, so many things have happened, and a lot of people said we wouldn't make it. But thank you for believing in us, even until the end. This was something we had only dreamed of, but thank you for making it come true...Thank you for making our dream come true. And ARMYs all over the world, let's fly with out beautiful wings in 2017 as well." - RM's acceptance speech at the 2016 Mnet Asian Music Awards for Artist of the Year