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BTS

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

BTS is a South Korean boy band formed in 2010 by Bang Si-hyuk, the head of Big Hit Entertainment. He first wanted to build a hip-hop group around the rapper RM, but in the end chose an idol group of seven members: Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook. Unlike most K-pop groups, the members were given room to write and produce for themselves as well. In 2013 BTS made its debut with 2 Cool 4 Skool, with a 1990s hip-hop sound and lyrics about the pressure on Korean schoolchildren.

Music and breakthrough

After that the group broadened its style. Dark & Wild (2014), Wings (2016) and the Love Yourself series followed one another quickly, with lyrics about mental health, growing up, self-love and the downside of fame. With Love Yourself: Tear, BTS became the first South Korean act to top the Billboard 200 in 2018. Map of the Soul: 7 was released in 2020, and that same year the English-language Dynamite became the first number 1 by an entirely South Korean act on the Billboard Hot 100. The song also earned a Grammy nomination. After a break for the military service of all the members, the group returned in 2026 with Arirang.

Influence

BTS shows how pop crosses borders in the twenty-first century. The fans, who call themselves A.R.M.Y., spread the music through social media and won the group a Billboard award as Top Social Artist in 2017. In this way a Korean group grew into a worldwide act, which even addressed the United Nations.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Dynamite and notice the bass line and the horns, which give the song its 1970s disco feel. Hear also how the members' voices keep alternating.

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

The chapters, maps and magazine stories of School of Rock are currently available in Dutch only.

See also

Categories: ArtistsK-pop