5 Things to Know About BTS

You have probably heard of BTS, even if you’re not a K-pop fan. The seven-member boy group from South Korea has made monumental waves worldwide thanks to their catchy songs and dynamic performances. The group started around 2013 and has grown into an international phenomenon since then. Notably, they were the first Korean band to have a song place at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. But their impact goes far beyond the charts. Let’s take a look at five things you should know about this influential K-pop group.

1. They’ve won a shocking number of awards.

When you factor in all the international awards the K-pop band has received nominations for, it tallies up to nearly 700. Of these, BTS has won almost 500. The group has also broken astonishing records, becoming the first Korean band to receive a Grammy nomination and making history for their social media engagement. Thanks to their high-energy performances, some of their YouTube videos are the most popular ever uploaded online.

2. They were the first K-pop group to visit the White House.

BTS has been an enormous influence in introducing Korean culture to the Western world. In 2022, they made history as the first K-pop group to visit the White House. But they weren’t giving a performance; instead, the band members participated in a press conference addressing the increase in hate crimes against Asian persons in the United States. They also had a private meeting with President Biden.

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3. The members come from a surprising mix of backgrounds…

They might be a group act, but each of BTS’ seven members brings unique talents and skills. Kim Nam-Joon, known by his stage name Rap Monster, honed his skills on the underground rap scene. Jung Ho-seok, who goes by J-Hope, participated in street dancing before starting his career and eventually won South Korea’s national dance competition. Kim Tae-hyung, known as V, grew up in a farming family before focusing on music.

4. …and some of them have pretty prestigious training.

Several group members got to know one another while enrolled at Korea Arts High School. This school in Seoul offers specialized education in art, music, theater, and film. Vocalist Jimin also studied at Busan High School of Arts, specializing in modern dance, before turning to singing. The various members also have university degrees in broadcasting and entertainment education, which might account for their successful marketing.

5. They produce most of their own music.

Each member of BTS is highly involved in writing and producing their music, resulting in some seriously impressive group projects. This lets them choose the direction of their art, including themes, styles, and lyrics. It’s particularly significant because it means that each band member can provide their own input—which is fantastic since they each offer such unique talents. This might be one of the reasons that BTS is so successful, they release songs—produced themselves—that are complex and dynamic.

Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy